
Sermon:Woe to Those Who Call Evil Good and Good Evil
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today we gather to delve into a profound and convicting message from the prophet Isaiah. Our focus is on Isaiah 5:20, a verse that speaks powerfully to the moral confusion and spiritual blindness that can plague any society:
“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.” (Isaiah 5:20, ESV)
This verse warns us about the perils of moral relativism, where the clear distinction between good and evil becomes blurred. In a world where truth is often subjective and morality can be seen as a matter of personal opinion, Isaiah’s words challenge us to uphold the eternal standards of God. Today, we will explore this warning, examine similar passages in Scripture, and reflect on how we can apply these truths in our lives.
Understanding the Context
Isaiah delivered this message to the people of Judah during a time of great moral and spiritual decline. The nation, once blessed and guided by God’s laws, had strayed far from His commands. Leaders and common people alike were guilty of injustice, idolatry, and hypocrisy. The prophet’s words served as a stark reminder of the consequences of abandoning God’s standards.
Moral Relativism and Its Dangers
Isaiah 5:20 addresses a key issue: the distortion of moral values. When a society begins to redefine what is good and what is evil, it loses its moral compass. This leads to a host of problems, including injustice, corruption, and spiritual decay. Isaiah’s lament is not just for his own time but serves as a timeless warning for all generations.
Parallel Passages in the Bible
- Proverbs 17:15 “He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous are both alike an abomination to the Lord.” (Proverbs 17:15, ESV)
This proverb highlights God’s abhorrence of unjust judgments. Justifying the wicked and condemning the righteous are actions that undermine the foundation of justice. They reflect a society that has lost its moral bearings, much like the one Isaiah confronted.
- Amos 5:14-15 “Seek good, and not evil, that you may live; and so the Lord, the God of hosts, will be with you, as you have said. Hate evil, and love good, and establish justice in the gate; it may be that the Lord, the God of hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.” (Amos 5:14-15, ESV)
Amos, another prophet, calls the people to return to God’s standards by seeking good and rejecting evil. The promise of God’s presence and grace is contingent upon their commitment to justice and righteousness. This call to discernment and moral clarity echoes Isaiah’s warning.
- Romans 1:18-32 In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul addresses the consequences of rejecting God’s truth. He describes a society that has exchanged the truth of God for a lie, leading to all manner of unrighteousness, wickedness, and moral confusion. This passage underscores the idea that when people turn away from God’s standards, they fall into spiritual and moral decay.
“For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.” (Romans 1:21-23, ESV)
Paul’s description of a society that has rejected God’s truth mirrors the conditions Isaiah lamented and serves as a powerful warning for us today.
- Malachi 2:17 “You have wearied the Lord with your words. But you say, ‘How have we wearied him?’ By saying, ‘Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and he delights in them.’ Or by asking, ‘Where is the God of justice?'” (Malachi 2:17, ESV)
The prophet Malachi addresses the same issue of moral confusion. People were accusing God of being unjust because they saw the wicked prosper. This verse highlights the danger of losing faith in God’s justice and redefining morality according to human standards.
The Consequences of Moral Confusion
When a society begins to call evil good and good evil, the results are devastating. We see the breakdown of families, communities, and entire nations. Injustice becomes rampant, the vulnerable are oppressed, and true peace is elusive. Isaiah’s warning is clear: such a path leads to woe and destruction.
Application for Today
- Hold Firm to Biblical Truth In a world where moral relativism is prevalent, we must anchor ourselves in the unchanging truth of God’s Word. The Bible provides clear guidelines for distinguishing between good and evil. As followers of Christ, we are called to study the Scriptures diligently and allow them to shape our values and actions.
- Speak Out Against Injustice Like the prophets of old, we must have the courage to speak out against injustice and moral confusion. Whether it is in our communities, workplaces, or governments, we are called to be voices of truth and righteousness. This means standing up for the oppressed, advocating for the vulnerable, and challenging systems that perpetuate evil.
- Live Out Godly Values Our lives should reflect the values of God’s kingdom. In our personal conduct, relationships, and decisions, we must strive to exemplify what is good, just, and true. This means rejecting practices and behaviors that are contrary to God’s commands and embracing those that honor Him.
- Pray for Discernment and Wisdom In a complex and often confusing world, we need God’s wisdom to navigate moral dilemmas. Prayer is essential in seeking His guidance and strength. We should ask the Holy Spirit to help us discern right from wrong and to empower us to live according to God’s will.
Conclusion
Isaiah’s warning in Isaiah 5:20 is as relevant today as it was in ancient Judah. The danger of moral confusion and the redefinition of good and evil is ever-present. However, as followers of Christ, we are not left without guidance. The Word of God provides us with a clear standard for morality, and the Holy Spirit empowers us to live in accordance with that standard.
Let us commit ourselves to upholding God’s truth in all areas of our lives. May we be known as people who discern good from evil, who stand for justice, and who live out the values of God’s kingdom. In doing so, we not only honor God but also become beacons of light in a world that desperately needs His truth.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all as we strive to live lives that glorify Him. Amen.
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