3. Verse 7: The Cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. (Genesis 18 & 19)
The ESV Study Bible notes: “As with the unfaithful Israelites and the rebellious angels (vs. 5-6), so also the people of Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 19) received the judgment of eternal fire….Pursued unnatural desire refers to the homosexual activity of Sodom…The Greek is literally ‘went after other flesh,’ meaning ‘other’ or ‘different’ from the sensual immorality with women Jude has just mentioned.”
Sodom and Gomorrah stand as an example of God’s judgment also; their sin (homosexuality conspicuously, but others also) necessitated God’s judgment of fire.
Something we may not know about Sodom and Gomorrah: they were situated in an area very blessed by God. It was well watered everywhere like the garden of the Lord.
Gen. 13:10 “And Lot lifted his eyes and saw all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere (before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah) like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt as you go toward Zoar.”
Despite their great blessing from God and material prosperity, they were judged for their sin.
What are some applications for us today in light of these 3 examples?
- To overcome unbelief, let’s remember this. Heb. 11:6 “Without faith it is impossible to please God.”
- To overcome the prideful heart, let’s remember this.Prov. 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. To overcome immoral thoughts, let’s remember this.
Phil 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy–meditate on these things.
