Redefining Morality

INTRODUCTION.

A.        Webster’s New World Dictionary defines morality as “1. moral quality or character; righteous or wrongness, as of an action 2. the character of being in accord with the principles or standards of right conduct; right conduct; sometimes, specif., virtue in sexual conduct 3. principles of right and wrong in conduct; ethics.”

B.        The word “morality” is a highly subjective word. The word itself lays down no specific rights or wrongs, but rather, “morality” is defined by the principles or standards which govern the current society.

C.        Most people should recognize that the “morals” of our nation have changed through the course of times.

1.         At one time in our nation, divorce was a shameful thing. The commitment to one’s spouse was truly for life, no matter what happened in the marriage.

2.         Proper ladies would not curse or swear.

3.         Gentlemen would not use profane language in the presence of ladies or in a public place.

4.         Premarital sexual activity was considered disgraceful and was not the topic of public conversation.

D.        However, I was not born early enough to enjoy those days of great morals within our nation. I have witnessed the successful attempts of our society to redefine the standard upon which morality is based.

E.        With this lesson, we will consider the various standards or principles which are in existence and then consider which standard we must follow.

I.         WHICH STANDARD OF MORALITY IS BEST?

            A.        Disciplining Children.

                        1.         Current standards: Some say that a child must be allowed to grow. They say that discipline hinders a child’s freedom of expression.

                        2.         God’s standards:

                                    a.         Proper disciplining of a child is necessary and right. (Proverbs 19:18; 22:15; 23:13-14; 29:15)

                                    b.         Children are to be taught to honor their parents. (Ephesians 6:1-3) Children will not learn this principle on their own.

            B.        Using Profanity. (Foul language, curse words, swearing, dirty jokes, etc.)

                        1.         Current standards:

                                    a.         The use of profanity on the television and radios is an ever growing problems. Even the FCC has finally stepped forward to say enough is enough. However, because of the “freedom of speech” facet of our governmental system, there will always be the use of profanity.

                                    b.         Our children are learning swear words, curse words, and profanity from the television, radios, books, friends, relatives, mothers, fathers, strangers, etc.

                        2.         God’s standards:

                                    a.         1 Corinthians 15:33 should be a sufficient passage to encourage Christians to be careful not to listen to profanity.

                                    b.         For a Christian to use profanity is sinful. (Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 3:8)

            C.        Immodest Apparel.

                        1.         Current standards: Near nudity in public is widely accepted and found to be fun and enjoyable. Consider what is seen (or rather exposed) on television, in movies, on the runway, etc. Such exposure can and will lead to men and women lusting after the opposite sex.

                        2.         God’s standards:

                                    a.         It is wrong to look upon a person to lust after him. (Matthew 5:28)

                                    b.         Therefore, let us dress in a way so as not to tempt someone to lust after us. (Cf. 1 Timothy 2:9-10; 1 Peter 3:1-4)

            D.        Pornography (the secret sin).

                        1.         Current standards: Pornography is widely accepted among certain people. It is denounced by many religious groups, but practiced in private by many of its detractors. There have been Christians who, in the privacy of their homes or offices, would engage in the use of pornography.

                        2.         God’s standards:

                                    a.         The sin behind pornography is found in Matthew 5:27-28. Pornography provokes and feeds upon one person lusting after another person.

                                    b.         The marriage is honorable and the marriage bed is undefiled. (Hebrews 13:4) However, pornography displays and promotes activities which are contrary to Hebrews 13:4.

                                    c.         Pornography is also highly addictive, turning once faithful Christians, including some gospel preachers, into hypocrites.

            E.        Premarital Sexual Activity.

                        1.         Current standards: Such behavior, while discouraged by some, is often accepted and encouraged by others.

                        2.         God’s standards: The Bible teaches that sexual relations outside of marriage is sinful. (Galatians 5:19-21; 1 Corinthians 6:18; 1 Corinthians 7:1-5; Hebrews 13:4)

            F.        Abortion (the killing of unborn babies)

                        1.         Current standards: Abortion is packaged and sold with the description which reads, “A woman’s right to choose.” Many people accept abortion as a viable choice.

                        2.         God’s standards:

                                    a.         Murder is wrong. (Galatians 5:19-21; Romans 1:29-32)

                                    b.         When babies are aborted, a human life is extinguished.

                                    c.         The duration of the pregnancy does not change this fact. At the point of conception, there is a human life beginning to grow.

                                    d.         To say that the unborn baby does not have a spirit until some point later in the pregnancy is nothing more than a dangerous human assumption. It is better to be safe and assume the spirit exists from the point of conception, then to assume later. Less babies will be aborted by mothers who believe it is ok as long as the unborn children do not yet have a spirit and are, therefore, not a human being.

            G.        Homosexuality.

                        1.         Current standards: There are those who not only accept homosexuality, but who advocate marriage be granted to homosexual couples.

                        2.         God’s standards: Homosexuality is wrong. (Jude 1:7; Romans 1:26,27,28-32)

            H.        Married People Committing Adultery.

                        1.         Current standards: There are those within our culture who say that monogamy within the marriage is not necessary. Some say that it adds “spice” to the marriage.

                        2.         God’s standards: The Bible teaches that sexual relations with anyone other than your spouse is wrong. (Romans 13:9; Galatians 5:19-21)

            I.         Divorce for Any Reason.

                        1.         Current standards: Divorce, while possessing difficulties and pitfalls, is accepted by many within our nation. It is not uncommon to find someone who has been married more than once.

                        2.         God’s standards: A husband and a wife are not to divorce. (Matthew 19:3-9)

CONCLUSION.

A.        The Word of God establishes a standard of morality.

B.        Do not listen to the world’s definition of right and wrong. Allow God’s standard of morality to lead your life.

C.        If you are not a Christian, then obey God’s call to salvation and follow His path to heaven.

D.        If you are a Christian, but you have accepted man’s definition and therefore are living in sin, then repent and ask God to forgive you. Then resume a life of allowing God’s standard of morality to guide your every step.

Redefining Morality - May 2, 2004 - File # 2377

by John M. Duvall -- Lawton, OK