1. In Psalm 124 David reflected upon an occasion when God allowed His people to escape from their enemies. 2. In vs.7 he used the word "escaped" twice. 3. Reflecting upon this occasion when God provided a way of escape for His people led David to reach his conclusion that he stated in vs.8. 4. In our lesson we are examining: a. 3 occasions when God blessed His people in the past by providing "a way of escape" b. "a way of escape" that the Lord has provided for us.
Discussion:
I. 3 OCCASIONS WHEN GOD PROVIDED "A WAY OF ESCAPE"
A. God provided "a way of escape" for Noah and his family. 1. Man became so wicked that God decided to destroy him (Genesis 6:5-7). 2. Noah and his family were not like the rest of the world (vs.8-10). 3. God told Noah what to do to escape the flood (vs.14-18). 4. Noah followed God's instructions (vs.22). 5. Noah and his family were spared from the flood (Genesis 7:23). B. God provided "a way of escape" for Lot and his family. 1. After 2 angels inspected the wickedness of Sodom, they instructed Lot and his family to leave (Genesis 19:12-17). 2. God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah (vs.24-25). C. The Lord provided "a way of escape" for His people living in Jerusalem. 1. The Lord informed His disciples that the temple in Jerusalem would be destroyed (Luke 21:5-6). 2. The disciples wanted to know when this would occur (vs.7). 3. The Lord told His disciples what to do to escape (vs.20-24).
II. THE LORD HAS PROVIDED "A WAY OF ESCAPE" FOR US
A. When Jesus returns the judgment will occur, and the wicked will be punished (Matthew 13:47-50). B. Those who are in Christ will escape this punishment (Romans 8:1). C. We learn how to get into Christ in Romans 6:3-4.
Conclusion:
1. An appropriate question for us to consider is found in Hebrews 2:3. 2. The answer is that there is no escape for those who neglect the "great salvation" that the Lord provides. 3. We need to learn an important lesson from the mistakes made by: a. the people who did not enter the ark b. the people who did not leave Sodom and Gomorrah c. the people who did not leave Jerusalem. 4. The Lord has provided "a way of escape" for us, but we must comply with the instructions that He has given. 5. The Lord offers His great invitation to us in Matthew 11:28-30.
