Surviving Moral Erosion
Introduction
One does not have to look
far to see moral decay all around us. Most people would likely agree that our country
has major problems it must overcome if we are to be moral in the sight of God.
Are society’s ills and problems the worst that it has ever been? Or, is it not
as bad as it could be? Now we turn to 3 main points we need to keep in mind as
we seek to survive the Moral Erosion around
Us.
I.
Moral Erosion/Societal Decay is not new.
A.
Just 10 generations after
Adam….we read contents of Gen. 6:1-7.
a)
6:5 – thoughts on
evil continually!
b)
Only 8 souls survived this
judgment from God.
B.
Israel – during days
of Joshua – called to obey God.
1.
Josh. 24:13-15 - choose who
they going to serve. See also 24:21, 24
2.
How long did they continue
to serve God? 24:31
3.
But another generation would
come who did not know God.
C.
Amos 5:21-23; 6:5-8 - 8th century Israel - Moral erosion definitely a problem.
D.
1st Century
Roman society was NOT moral.
1.
See 1 Cor. 6:9-10
II.
What is the cause of moral erosion?
A.
Decreased dependence upon
God.
1.
Israel: God gave them
everything. They forgot about God.
2.
The same is happening to our
society.
3.
Prov. 10:27-29; Js. 4:7-10
- We must bring God near us.
B.
Tolerance of immoral
behavior.
1.
We have become callused to
immoral behavior.
2.
Filthy language; casual
sex; divorce; homosexuality; etc.
3.
Tolerance leads to a
hardening effect – Heb. 3:12-13.
C.
A lack of personal
responsibility. (Everyone is a victim.)
1.
We need to take personal
responsibility for our actions and the directions our lives go.
2.
Psa. 51 – if we fall
into sin; transgress against God – it is our fault and we need to confess
that before God.
III.
The Cure for Moral Erosion…
A.
The cure for moral erosion
starts at home!
1.
Eph 4:20-24 – starts
with each member of the family living for God.
2.
Involves personal
discipline and being committed to be imitators of God – Eph. 5:1-8.
B.
Learn to hold ourselves
accountable for our actions.
1.
Sin is not merely a mistake; a slip up; a youthful
indiscretion; or a mid-life crisis. It
is serious! See Isa. 59:1-2; Rom. 6:23
2.
Must take responsibility
for actions – Rom. 14:12; 2 Cor. 5:9-10
C.
Realize who the real enemy
is. Eph. 2:2; 6:11-12; 1Pet 5:8 – Satan!
D.
1 Tim. 2:1-4 - Pray for the
health of our society.
E.
Get involved in our
community. Be an influence to those around you.
1.
God has called us to be
lights standing up in the darkness – Mt. 5:14-16; Phil. 2:14-16.
Conclusion
We can’t fix society on our
own. Must put God in control &
rely on His power! He will use His instruments to fix society into what he
wants it to be. See Psalm 108:12-13