Our focal verse for this short sermon comes from Isaiah 5:20 CSB It says, 'woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness, who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.'
During the time when this Bible verse was written, the nations of Judah and Israel were in deep moral decay. The Israelites were committing unspeakable grievous sins: massive extortion against the poor/oppressed, widespread drunkenness, idolatry, blasphemy against the Lord, outright mocking God, etc..etc.. The prophet Isaiah pronounced woes upon the nations of Judah and Israel for their sins, especially for their moral perversion. Moral perversion was calling evil good and good evil, putting darkness for light and light for darkness, putting bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. They completely reversed what was evil and what was good. The Israelites became so morally blinded, they stopped knowing right from wrong.
Now, even though the message in Isaiah 5:20 was for Israel and Judah the biblical principles contained therein still apply to us today. In our modern society things are still topsy-turvy. Deeds and actions that were once considered evil and taboo are now defended as good. Committing evil has now become routine behavior. Throughout social media, movies, TV and in everyday culture we are so bombarded with perversion and corruption that it doesn’t seem to affect us anymore. We are now so desensitized that the attitudes of today for sin and moral perversion is, “Oh, it's really no big deal or who cares if it's not hurting anyone or everyone else is doing it, so I’ll do it too." We don’t even make excuses for sin anymore, it just naturally happens. Now society has embraced actions, behaviors and norms that were unthinkable even 20+years ago.
As we continue to slide further down into complete moral decay, we have gone from once condemning evil and sin to now accepting it and even defending it. When society tolerates evil, that's bad. But when society begins defending sin as morally good, and condemning morality as evil, that's disasterous. Our nation's values are upside down and just like Judah we too have become perverted. Perverted actions like adultery, materialism, fornication, stealing, and others that the scriptures forbid are now committed without any fore-thought. We have developed a conviction that wrong is right, black is white, and up is down. From a secular view, as a society, we have lost our way because our moral compass is broken. From a spiritual sense our society has spit in God’s face. We have told God repeatedly that we don’t want Him or need Him and that we are smarter than Him. No wonder why our modern society is spiraling downwards into an immoral abyss.
You know it’s never too late to bring back moral values. The Bible says in Proverbs 14:34 CSB 'Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people'. Our society can become God-centered and spiritually blessed again. Now it would be nice if secular society all came together and said, “Enough!!! Enough with the moral depravity! We have gone too far!” But we all know that’s just wishful thinking.
The turnaround of morality and decency has to start again first in our churches, in our families and with individual Christians. Many Christians have stopped doing their part to help expand and strengthen the body of Christ. Many of today's pastors are not preaching with biblical authority or against sin anymore. Many have also stopped preaching the message of the Gospel. The Gospel truth is now considered by many to be taboo or offensive because peoples' feelings might get hurt. Instead, many pastors preach make-ya-feel-good watered down motivational messages. Many of today's churches have also stopped going outside of their church walls and into their communities in order to bring the lost and hurting to salvation in Christ. Instead, they would rather promote their new church programs or show off their rock-star praise bands.
Secondly, families need to go back to having a father or father figure present in the home. There are too many fatherless, single parent, and broken families in society, today. Parents need to be at home with their children more often and need to start teaching them right from wrong again. Families need to start reading the Bible together and start communicating with each other face-to-face again, instead of through technology.
Thirdly, as individual Christians, we need to stop covering our eyes and ears as sinful perversions pass us right on by. We need to start fighting back by speaking out and taking action against moral decay. It's our responsibility to say, "Enough is enough!! Your sinful ways are not working, so here’s God’s way.” Now, I know that rising up and speaking out for moral and Godly principles are not considered popular. Yes, there will be rejection, ridicule, and backlash. But remember they’re not personally rejecting you, they're rejecting the saving power and grace of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Finally, as Christians, we are all fighting a war against the forces of darkness and evil that want to destroy Christianity and moral values. The Bible says in Ephesians 6:12 ESV 'For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.' So, remember the war is spiritual not physical. It's between God and Satan and his demons. Satan knows that his days are numbered and he will eventually lose this war. So, Christian, don't get discouraged God has already been declared the Victor. Our prize for faithfully fighting our daily battles will be a glorious eternal life in paradise with God. And Satan and his minion will be thrown back into the firey pit to burn and to be later destroyed. So, please hang on and keep fighting!!! AMEN
