Fighting the Progression of Digression

INTRODUCTION.

A.        Satan is always trying to cause a digression within the moral fiber of the world. He is doing all that he can make sinful activities more acceptable by the masses. The apostle Peter wrote, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8, NKJV)

B.        Our world is filled with examples of the ever growing progression of digression.

1.         Some countries have legalized prostitution.

2.         At one time, alcohol was prohibited in the United States. Now, you can buy it at the local Wal-mart.

3.         Gambling has been widely accepted for years. It has now come to Oklahoma.

4.         At one time, religions stood upon the Bible’s rules for marriage, divorce, and remarriage. Now, even some members of the Lord’s body has accepted the error taught by many.

5.         A current, and ever growing digression is within the area of homosexuality and the accompanying relationships. While some states, and even the Federal government, has taken steps to define marriage as existing between one man and one woman, the push to accept homosexual behavior as an acceptable life style is continually progressing. (See chart continuing images of http://www.glsen.org/ and http://www.glsenchicago.org/.)

C.        As Christians, we must:

1.         Teach our children what is right and wrong.

2.         Teach our children to take a stand.

3.         Teach our children to love those in error, while they stand opposed to the error.

D.        With this lesson, we will show the need to take a consistent stand against sin along with the need to hate the sin, but love the sinner.

I.         TAKE A CONSISTENT STAND AGAINST SIN!

            A.        Consider what the saints had to fight in the first century. (Romans 1:18-32)

                        1.         The wrath of God is against all ungodliness and unrighteousness. (vs 18)

                        2.         Some suppress the truth in unrighteousness. (vs 18)

                        3.         Some foolish men profess themselves to be wise. (vs 22)

                        4.         God has given them up to uncleanness and to the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies. They worship the creature (that which God has created) instead of worshiping the Creator. (vs 24-25) (Ex. Those who revere the trees, the earth, the various animals, etc.)

                        5.         God has given them up to vile (dishonorable) passions or affections. This is referring to homosexuality. (vs 26-27)

                        6.         God gave them over to a debased mind to do things which are not fitting. (vs 28-32)

            B.        Jude told the brethren to “contend earnestly for the faith.” The context reveals why we are to contend for the faith. (Jude 1:3-19)

                        1.         There are ungodly men who turn the grace of God into lewdness. They deny the Lord. (vs 4)

                        2.         God punished Israel, angels, and Sodom and Gomorrah. (The city of Sodom was known for its wide acceptance of homosexual behavior.) (vs 5-7; cf. Genesis 19:4-5)

                        3.         There are those who “defile the flesh, reject authority, and speak evil of dignitaries (glorious ones).” (vs 8)

                        4.         There are those who speak evil of what they do not know. (vs 10)

                        5.         They have “gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah.” (vs 11)

                        6.         Some are even among brethren. (vs 12-13)

            C.        We must take a stand! (Ephesians 6:10-18)

                        1.         We must be able to stand against the “wiles” or “schemes” of the devil. (vs 10-11)

                        2.         We must take up the whole armor of God so that we can take a stand. (vs 13)

                        3.         The armor of God is composed of:

                                    a.         Truth (vs 14)

                                    b.         Breastplate of Righteousness (vs 14)

                                    c.         Gospel of Peace (vs 15)

                                    d.         Shield of Faith (vs 16)

                                    e.         Helmet of Salvation (vs 17)

                                    f.         Sword of Spirit (word of God) (vs 17)

                        4.         Having put on the armor of God, we are to pray always and be watchful. (vs 18)

II.       HATE THE SIN, NOT THE SINNER!

            A.        No matter how far society falls, we must remember that we are to hate the sin, but love the sinner. (Matthew 5:43-48)

            B.        God loved us enough to send His son to die for our sins. Let us love others with the same love.

                        1.         John 3:16

                        2.         Romans 5:6-8

                        3.         1 John 4:9-10

            C.        Also remember the words of Jesus when He said, “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7;12, NKJV)

CONCLUSION.

A.        As history has shown, our society will continue its progression towards digression. Things unthinkable will eventually be accepted by “society.”

B.        We must never fail in teaching our children what is right and wrong, as well as teaching them the need to take a stand.

C.        Like wise, we as adults must also take a stand against error. We should be willing to exercise our legal rights and options to slow down the great progression towards digression.

Fighting the Progression of Digression -- December 19, 2004 -- File # 1301 - Overcoming

by John M. Duvall – Lawton, OK