Moral Perversion
A Sermon on Isaiah 5:20
Originally preached Feb. 23, 1964
Scripture
20¶ Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
Sermon Description
In this sermon on Isaiah 5:20 titled “Moral Perversion,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones talks about how today’s society is particularly contaminated with perverse sin. He describes how society is not merely indulging in evil but also calling it good; for example, he describes how society looks down on the value of the family and encourages the exploration of sexuality before, during, and after marriage. He describes how this is the common path of sin. Once someone is fed with “common” sin they are no longer satisfied with it but give themselves over to a more “uncommon” or “perverse” sin. Take the example of a drunk who has their fill of alcohol but cannot attain the same experience they once had. They will very likely seek after drugs which give more of a high than alcohol. The same is true of theft, sexual immorality, and any other sin that entangles a person. Moreover, Dr. Lloyd-Jones describes how increased sin and perversion is always met with the wrath and justice of God. Dr. Lloyd-Jones powerfully concludes that perverse hearts need rebirth, that they need new desires and new hearts. This change can only be done by God, through Christ, and in the working of the Spirit.
Sermon Breakdown
- The prophet Isaiah pronounced woes upon Israel for their sins, including 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.
- The message was for Israel at that time, but the principles apply today. Sin has degrees, and sometimes becomes exceptionally sinful, leading to calamity.
- Moral perversion is worse than amorality. It is a complete denial and reversal of moral standards.
- Moral perversion can be seen in individuals, nations, and the world. It was seen in Israel, leading to their captivity. It was seen in the Roman Empire, leading to its fall.
- The "new morality" is not new. It is as old as the pre-flood world and Sodom and Gomorrah. The Bible predicts it will happen again before Christ's return.
- Sin never satisfies, so people turn to greater perversions. The perversions are unintelligent and contradictory. They show the power of sin and an uneasy conscience.
- The main causes are a failure to understand human nature, life's meaning, frustration, and aimlessness. People don't know they are made in God's image.
- This leads to disaster, judgment, and hell. But there is hope in the gospel, which provides forgiveness, a new heart, and new life.
- The gospel transformed the Corinthians and can transform anyone. It provides a holy, happy life of joy, peace, and purity.
Sermon Q&A
What Did Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones Teach About Moral Perversion?
What does Isaiah 5:20 warn against?
Isaiah 5:20 warns against moral perversion, specifically against "them that call evil good, and good evil, that put darkness for light, and light for darkness, that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter." Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that this verse addresses those who have completely reversed moral standards, turning upside down what has traditionally been recognized as right and wrong. This represents not just sinning, but actually redefining sin as virtue and virtue as something to be mocked.
How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones describe the progression of human sinfulness?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones describes different degrees of sin and moral decline: First, people sin and feel ashamed. Then, they sin openly without shame. Next, they lose their moral sense altogether (becoming amoral). Finally, in the worst stage, they reach moral perversion where they reverse all standards, calling evil good and good evil. He notes that while mankind is always sinful, there are particular epochs in history when sin reaches extraordinary levels of intensity, often preceding divine judgment and calamity.
What examples of moral perversion does Lloyd-Jones identify in modern society?
Lloyd-Jones identifies multiple areas where moral perversion manifests in modern society: - In art: The cult of the ugly, despising beauty and form - In music: Abandoning melody and harmony - In architecture: Embracing ugliness over beauty - In drama and literature: Focusing on perversions and "kitchen sink drama" - In morality: The "new morality" that experiments with premarital and extramarital relationships - In attitudes toward criminals: More sympathy for criminals than victims - In glorification of sexual perversion as normal
What does Lloyd-Jones say is the real cause of moral perversion?
According to Lloyd-Jones, moral perversion ultimately stems from: 1. Sin's inability to satisfy - leading people to seek more extreme forms 2. The contradictory nature of sin - modern man boasts of sophistication while returning to primitive behaviors 3. An uneasy conscience trying to stifle itself 4. Failure to understand the true nature and purpose of human life 5. Frustration and aimlessness in a chaotic world 6. The power of sin to grip and enslave people 7. The problem of the human heart - "men love darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil"
What historical precedents does Lloyd-Jones cite regarding moral perversion?
Lloyd-Jones points out that moral perversion isn't new but has historical precedents: - The generation before Noah's flood - Sodom and Gomorrah - Israel before the Babylonian captivity - The Jews before the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70 - The Roman Empire before its fall He states that moral decay has historically preceded the downfall of great empires and civilizations, serving as a warning for contemporary society.
What hope does Lloyd-Jones offer to those caught in moral perversion?
Lloyd-Jones offers hope through the gospel of Jesus Christ. He cites 1 Corinthians, where Paul writes about people who were formerly caught in various sins but were "washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus." Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that while people cannot change their own hearts, God can create a clean heart within them. The gospel offers not just forgiveness but renewal - a new nature that loves light instead of darkness, good instead of evil. He concludes that through Christ, even "the foulest" can be made clean, receiving a new life that is both holy and happy.
Old Testament
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) was a Welsh evangelical minister who preached and taught in the Reformed tradition. His principal ministry was at Westminster Chapel, in central London, from 1939-1968, where he delivered multi-year expositions on books of the bible such as Romans, Ephesians and the Gospel of John. In addition to the MLJ Trust’s collection of 1,600 of these sermons in audio format, most of these great sermon series are available in book form (including a 14 volume collection of the Romans sermons), as are other series such as "Spiritual Depression", "Studies in the Sermon on the Mount" and "Great Biblical Doctrines". He is considered by many evangelical leaders today to be an authority on biblical truth and the sufficiency of Scripture.