Pride's Condemnation

Summary:

Obadiah 15-18 paints a vivid picture of God’s coming judgment, likened to a raging fire. The Day of the Lord is near, bringing justice not just to Edom but to all nations. No one escapes God's accountability—as you have done, it shall be done to you (v.15). Many trust in false securities—wealth, status, or morality—believing they are safe, but only refuge in Christ provides true security (v.16).

Despite the certainty of judgment, there is hope. Mount Zion represents deliverance, where those who trust in God will be saved and made holy (v.17). The fire of judgment will consume the wicked but refine the righteous (v.18). Christ bore the wrath of God so we could be refined instead of destroyed.

Outline:

I. The Inevitability of Divine Judgment (Obadiah 15)
The Day of the Lord is near – Judgment is coming for all nations, not just Edom.
“As you have done, it shall be done to you” – God’s justice is perfect.
The Day of the Lord appears 19+ times in Scripture (Isaiah, Joel, Amos, Zephaniah, Acts, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Peter).
Jesus warned: The Son of Man will return to judge (Matthew 16:27).
Reflection: Are there sins in your life that remain unrepentant? Judgment is near—turn to Christ while there is still time.

II. The Illusion of False Security (Obadiah 16)
Edom trusted in their strength but would drink God's wrath.
Many today trust in wealth, status, technology, or morality instead of God.
Luke 12:19-20: The rich fool thought he was secure, but he died that night.
Jesus drank the cup of wrath for us (Luke 22:42) so that we wouldn’t have to.
Reflection: What are you trusting in for security? Only Christ saves.

III. The Invitation to Holiness (Obadiah 17)
“In Mount Zion, there shall be those who escape.”
Deliverance comes not just from escaping judgment but through transformation.
Hebrews 12:14: Without holiness, no one will see the Lord.
Christ restores and makes His people holy (Ephesians 5).
Reflection: Are you pursuing holiness or just trying to avoid judgment?

IV. The Impact of Righteous Justice (Obadiah 18)
“The house of Jacob shall be a fire... the house of Esau, stubble.”
Fire destroys the wicked but refines the righteous.
Jesus will return as the conquering King (Revelation 19:11-16).
The Holy Spirit purifies believers like fire (Malachi 3:2).
Reflection: Will God’s fire consume you or refine you?

Conclusion:

The Fire is Coming—Are You Ready?
The Great Fire of London (1666) destroyed 80% of the city, but it paved the way for something better.
Obadiah’s prophecy speaks of two fires:
The fire that consumes (judgment for the wicked).
The fire that refines (holiness for God’s people).
Will you be like Edom—prideful and ignoring the warning?
Or will you take refuge in Christ and be refined?

Call to Action:

Turn to Christ – Don’t delay in surrendering your life to Him.
Pursue holiness – It is the mark of true salvation.
Live ready – The Day of the Lord is coming.

Closing Challenge:

The fire is coming. Will it consume you or refine you?