Sermon: Wickedness

 WHAT IS WICKEDNESS?

• Wickedness refers to actions, thoughts, or behaviors that violate God's commands and principles. It involves a conscious disregard for divine moral standards and a rejection of God's authority. 

•Wickedness is the deliberate and persistent violation of God's will, whether through immoral behavior, idolatry, exploitation, or rebellion against divine authority.

•Wickedness is characterized by a disregard for God's moral standards, injustice,and a rebellious spirit against divine authority. 

•Wickedness involves actions that go against God's laws and moral guidelines, such as lying, stealing, murder, and sexual immorality. (Exodus 20:1-17, Galatians 5:19-21).

-Galatians 5:19-21,"Now the works of the flesh are evident,which are:adultery, fornication,uncleanness,lewdness,idolatry,sorcery,hatred,contentions,jealousies,outbursts of wrath,selfish ambitions, dissension, heresies, envy, murders ,drunkenness, revelries...."

•Wickedness can manifest in the worship of false gods or engaging in religious practices that contradict the worship of the one true God (Deuteronomy 5:7-9, Proverbs 6:16-19). 

-Deuteronomy 5:7-9,"You shall have no other gods before Me.You shall not make for yourself a carved image....You shall not bow down to them nor serve them."

-Proverbs 6:16-19,"These six things the Lord hates,Yes,seven are an abomination to Him...."

•Wickedness is characterized by exploitation, injustice, and oppression, particularly against the vulnerable and marginalized in society. (Isaiah 1:17, Proverbs 6:16-19).

-Isaiah 1:17,"Learn to do good;seek justice,rebuke the oppressor,defend the fatherless,plead for the Widow."

•Wickedness can also involve a rebellious attitude toward God's authority.This may involve rejecting God's commands and guidance, choosing instead to follow one's own desires or the ways of the world (Romans 1:18-32).

-Romans 1:29-31,"Being filled with all unrighteousness,sexual immorality, wickedness,covetousness,maliciousness,full of envy,murder,strife,deceit,evil-mindedness,they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God,violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving,unforgiving,unmerciful.."

WICKEDNESS FROM A CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE 

▪︎Contrary to God's Nature:Wickedness is seen as contrary to God's holy and just nature. God is described as righteous and good, and wickedness represents a deviation from His moral standards.(Psalm 11:7,1 John 1:5) 

-Psalm 11:7,"For the Lord is righteous ,He loves righteousness;His countenance beholds the upright."

-1 John 1:5,"God is light and in Him is no darkness at all."

▪︎Moral Corruption:Wickedness is often associated with moral corruption. It reflects a heart and mind that are not aligned with God's will and are instead influenced by sinful desires (Jeremiah 17:9, Ephesians 4:18,Matthew 15:18-19)

-Matthew 15:18-19,"But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart,and they defile a man.For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries,fornications,thefts,false witness, blasphemies. "

-Jeremiah 17:9,"The heart is deceitful above all things,and desperately wicked;who can know it?

-Ephesians 4:18,"Having their understanding darkened,being alienated from the life of God,because of the ignorance that is in them,because of the blindness of their heart."

▪︎Divine Judgment:The Bible speaks of divine judgment against wickedness and the ultimate separation from God.(Romans 2:6-9, Revelation 21:8)

-Romans 2:6-9,"Who will render to each one according to His deeds.....But to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth,but obey unrighteousness- indignation and wrath,tribulation and anguish,on every soul of man who does evil.."

-Revelation 21:8,"But the cowardly, unbelieving,abominable,murderers,sexually immoral,sorcerers,idolaters,and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone,which is the second death."

▪︎ Repentance and Forgiveness:Those who have committed wicked acts are called to repent and seek forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ. Repentance involves not only turning away from wickedness but also turning toward God in faith, accepting His grace through Christ's sacrifice.(Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)

-Acts 3:19,"Repent therefore and be converted,that your sins may be blotted out. 

-1 John 1:9,"If we confess our sins,he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. "

▪︎Role of the Holy Spirit:The Holy Spirit helps believers resist wickedness by guiding them toward righteousness.Holy Spirit transforms believers over time, making them more like Christ, who perfectly embodied righteousness.(Galatians 5:16-17,Romans 8:13-14, 2 Corinthians 3:18.)

-Galatians 5:16-17,"Walk in the spirit,and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.For the flesh lusts against the Spirit,and the Spirit against the flesh;

-Romans 8:13-14,"For if you live according to the flesh you will die,but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body,you will live.For as many as are led by the Spirit of God,these are the sons of God."

-2 Corinthians 3:18,"But we all,with unveiled face ,beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord,are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory,just as by the Spirit of the Lord."

▪︎Biblical Examples of Wickedness:The Bible provides specific examples of wickedness, including actions such as lying, stealing, murder, adultery, and oppression. These behaviors are condemned in the Bible. (Exodus 20:3-17, Galatians 5:19-21,Matthew 5:21-22)

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT THE WICKED?

□Death shall seize the wicked and they shall go down alive into hell.

-Psalm 55:15,"Let death seize them;Let them go down alive into hell,for wickedness is in their dwellings and among them."

□It shall be ill with the wicked.

-Isaiah 3:11,"Woe to the wicked! It shall be ill with him."

□Evil shall slay the wicked

-Psalm 34:21,"Evil shall slay the wicked."

□The wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.

-Ezekiel 18:20,"And the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself. "

□There is no peace for the wicked.

-Isaiah 48:22,"There is no peace,"Says the Lord,for the wicked.

-Isaiah 57:21,"There is no peace,"Says my God,"For the wicked."

□The wicked is ensnared by the transgression of his lips.

-Proverbs 12:13,"The wicked is ensnared by the transgression of his lips. "

□The arms of the wicked shall be broken. 

-Psalm 37:17,"For the arms of the wicked shall be broken. "

□The wicked shall perish. 

-Psalm 37:20,"But the wicked shall perish. "

□The future of the wicked shall be cut off. 

-Psalm 37:38,"The future of the wicked shall be cut off."

□The horns of the wicked will be cut off.

-Psalm 75:10,"All the horns of the wicked I will also cut off."

□The Lord  will destroy the wicked. 

-Job 9:22,"Therefore I say,'He destroys the blameless and the wicked. "

□The eyes of the wicked will fail and they shall die.

-Job 11:20,"But the eyes of the wicked will fail....and their hope-loss of life."

□The wicked are cut off before their time and their foundation is swept away.  

-Job 22:15-16,"Will you keep to the old way which wicked men have trod,who were cut down before their time,whose foundations were swept away by a flood?

□The Lord will destroy all the wicked of the land.

-Psalm 101:8,"Early I will destroy all the wicked of the land,that I may cut off all the evildoers.."

 □The wicked will face calamity, destruction, and punishment that come suddenly and without remedy (Proverbs 6:15, Proverbs 11:5).

-Proverbs 6:15,"Therefore his calamity shall come suddenly;Suddenly he shall be broken without remedy. "

-Proverbs 11:5,"But the wicked will fall by his own wickedness. "

 □The future of the wicked is bleak, and their expectations will perish (Proverbs 10:28, Psalm 112:10).

-Proverbs 10:28,"But the expectation of the wicked will perish.

-Psalm 112:10,"The wicked will see it and be grieved.....The desire of the wicked shall perish. "

□The wicked will be turned into hell (Psalm 9:17) and their descendants will be cut off (Psalm 37:28).

-Psalm 9:17,"The wicked shall be turned into hell."

-Psalm 37:28,"But the descendants of the wicked shall be cut off."

 □The Lord will destroy them with coals,fire, brimstone, burning wind,and the breath of His lips (Psalm 11:6, Isaiah 11:4).

-Psalm 11:6,"Upon the wicked He will rain coals,fire,brimstone and a burning wind shall be the portion of their cup."

-Isaiah 11:4,"And with the breathe of His lips He shall slay the wicked."

□Their houses and dwellings will come to nothing (Job 8:22), and their name will rot (Proverbs 10:7).

-Job 8:22,"And the dwelling place of the wicked will come to nothing. "

-Proverbs 10:7,"But the name of the wicked will rot."

□The wicked will not last long on earth; they will be cut off (Psalm 37:10, Proverbs 2:22).

 -Psalm 37:10,"For yet a little while and the wicked shall be no more."

-Proverbs 2:22,"But the wicked will be cut off from the earth. "

□The wicked will be filled with evil and sorrow (Proverbs 12:21, Psalm 32:10), and they will experience pain and torment throughout their lives (Job 15:20).

-Proverbs 12:21,"But the wicked shall be filled with evil. "

-Psalm 32:10,"Many sorrows shall be to the wicked."

-Job 15:20,"The wicked man writhes with pain all his days."

□They will be trapped by their own sins (Proverbs 5:22) and will flee in fear when no one pursues (Proverbs 28:1).

-Proverbs 5:22,"His own iniquities entrap the wicked man,and he is caught in the cords of his sin."

 -Proverbs 28:1,"The wicked flee when no one pursues. "

□The light of the wicked will go out, and their triumph will be short-lived (Job 18:5, Job 20:5).

-Job 18:5,"The light of the wicked indeed goes out,And the flame of his fire does not shine.

-Job 20:5,"That the triumphing of the wicked is short."

□The Lord is far from the wicked (Proverbs 15:29), and salvation is far from them because they do not seek God.(Psalm 119:155)

-Proverbs 15:29,"The Lord is far from the wicked."

-Psalm 119:155,"Salvation is far from the wicked,For they do not seek your statutes. 

□The curse of the Lord is upon the house of the wicked (Proverbs 3:33), and their sin leads them astray from birth (Psalm 58:3).

-Proverbs 3:33,"The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked."

-Psalm 58:3,"The wicked are estranged from the womb;They go astray as soon as they are born,speaking lies."

□Treasures gained through wickedness are worthless (Proverbs 10:2), and their desires will ultimately perish (Psalm 112:10).

 -Proverbs 10:2,"Treasures of wickedness profit nothing. "

-Psalm 112:10,"The wicked will see it and be grieved.....The desire of the wicked shall perish. "

□The way of the wicked is dark and uncertain (Proverbs 4:19), and they often boast of their desires and they don't seek God in their pride.(Psalm 10:3-4).

-Proverbs 4:19,"The way of the wicked is like darkness,They do not know what makes them stumble."

-Psalm 10:3,"For the wicked boasts of his heart's desire. "

-Psalm 10:4,"The wicked in His proud countenance does not seek God. "

□The wicked will not inhabit the earth. (Proverbs 10:30).

 -Proverbs 10:30,"But the wicked will not inhabit the earth."

 □Their calamities are reserved for them and they will not go unpunished (Job 21:30, Proverbs 11:21).

-Job 21:30,"For the wicked are reserved for the day of doom."

-Proverbs 11:21,"Though they join forces,the wicked will not go unpunished.

SIGNS OF WICKEDNESS TO WATCH OUT FOR

●Rejection of God’s Authority: Wickedness often begins with a rejection of God's authority or disregard for His commandments. Individuals may choose to live in defiance of God's moral standards, prioritizing their desires over His will.

- Psalm 14:1 ,"The fool has said in his heart, 'There is no God.'"

●Pride and Self-Centeredness: Pride is a key root of wickedness, leading people to think too highly of themselves or to act as though they are above God’s laws.

-Proverbs 16:18,"Pride goes before destruction,and a haughty spirit before a fall."

●Deceit and Lying:Wickedness often involves deceit, manipulation, and lying to others, distorting the truth for personal gain.

 -Proverbs 6:16-19,"There are six things the Lord hates,Yes, seven are an abomination to him: A proud look ,A lying tongue..."

●Violence and Hatred: Acts of violence, hatred, and cruelty towards others are clear signs of wickedness. This includes not just physical violence but also verbal abuse, hatred, and unforgiveness.

-1 John 3:15,"whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him."

●Immorality and Sexual Sin:Engaging in sexual sin, including adultery, fornication, and other forms of immorality, is often associated with wickedness. 

-Galatians 5:19 ,"Now the works of the flesh are evident,which are:adultery, fornication, uncleanness,lewdness,idolatry,sorcery,hatred..."

●Greed and Covetousness: Wickedness is often marked by greed, the love of money, and coveting what belongs to others. 

-1 Timothy 6:10,"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil..."

●Oppression and Injustice: A sign of wickedness is the oppression of others, especially the vulnerable, or engaging in unjust actions that harm people.

-Isaiah 10:1-2,"Woe to those who decree unrighteous decrees, who write misfortune, which they have prescribed.To rob the needy of justice,And to take what is right from the poor of My people,That widows may be their prey,and that they may rob the fatherless."

●Rebellion and Disobedience:Constant rebellion against God’s authority and a refusal to submit to His will is a sign of wickedness. This can manifest in resisting godly counsel, Scripture, or the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

-1 Samuel 15:23 ,"For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry."

●Lack of Love and Compassion: Wickedness is often characterized by a lack of love for others, particularly those in need. This includes showing indifference or hostility towards people who are suffering.

-Matthew 25:41-43 - "Then he will also say to those on the left hand, 'Depart from me, you  cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food; I was thirsty and you gave me no drink...'"

●Disregard for Truth:Those who walk in wickedness often embrace falsehood and reject truth. They may distort facts, reject God's word, or engage in spiritual deception.

 -2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 ,"And with all unrighteous deception among those who perish,because they did not receive the love of the truth....that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. "

●Hardness of Heart:A hard heart towards God and others is a major sign of wickedness. People with hardened hearts may refuse to repent, feel no remorse for their sin, or resist the conviction of the Holy Spirit.

 -Hebrews 3:13,"But exhort one another daily,while it is called "today" lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin."

●Division and Discord: Those living in wickedness often sow discord and division among people, particularly within the body of Christ or in relationships. 

-Proverbs 6:19 ,"A false witness who speaks lies and one who sows discord among brethren."

STEPS TO OVERCOME WICKEDNESS 

▪︎Repentance: Acknowledge wrongdoing and seek forgiveness.

 - 1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 

▪︎Conversion:Repentance is not just about confessing but also about turning away from sin and toward God.

 -Acts 3:19,"Repent therefore and be converted,that your sins may be blotted out. 

▪︎Transformation of mind:The renewal of the mind involves a deep change in perspective and values, aligning more with God's kingdom than the world.

- Romans 12:2: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind." 

▪︎Seek God’s Guidance:Pray for strength and direction.Be open to His answers and trust God's timing.

- James 1:5: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him."

-Proverbs 3:5-6,"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;in all your ways acknowledge Him and he shall direct your paths."

▪︎Surround yourself with supportive people who encourage righteous living.Being involved in a local church or small group is a great way to find support from other believers.

 -Proverbs 27:17: "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." 

-Hebrews 10:24-25,"And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together,as is manner of some,but exhorting one another..."

▪︎Reading Scripture:Regular reading and meditation on God's word also equip us to recognize and resist wickedness as we become more attuned to His voice.Scripture helps also in shaping our hearts(Psalm 19:7).

- Psalm 119:105, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." 

-Psalm 19:7,"The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.

-Hebrews 4:12,"For the word of God is living and powerful,and sharper than any two-edged sword,piercing even to the division of soul and spirit,and of joints and marrow,and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. "

▪︎Practice Goodness: Actively seek to do good and serve others.It often involves choosing kindness over selfishness or bitterness.

 -Galatians 6:9: "And let us not grow weary of doing good." 

-Ephesians 2:8,"For we are His workmanship,created in Christ Jesus for good works..."

▪︎Cultivate the Fruits of the Spirit:Cultivate virtues that reflect Christ and allow the Holy Spirit to guide your actions.

 - Galatians 5:22: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness."

PRAYER OF REPENTANCE 

Dear Heavenly Father,I come before with a repentant heart. I recognize the wickedness within me and the harm it has caused to myself and others. Lord, I repent for my actions, my thoughts, and my words that do not align with Your will.I ask for Your forgiveness and cleansing. Wash me with the blood of Jesus christ and renew my spirit. Help me to turn away from my wicked ways and fill me with Your Holy Spirit,in Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

PRAYER

1.Father, I come before You with a contrite heart, confessing my sins and asking for forgiveness. Cleanse me from all unrighteousness, and restore in me a spirit of humility and obedience. Help me to turn away from wickedness and live according to Your will. In Jesus’ name.

2.Lord, deliver me from the influence of wickedness. Purify my heart and my thoughts, that I may walk in Your righteousness and avoid the ways of the ungodly.In Jesus' name.

3.Lord,i pray that You would bring an end to the wickedness that pervades this world. Destroy the plans of the evil one and protect Your people. Let righteousness reign, and may the wicked face the consequences of their actions. In Jesus' name.

4.God of justice,punish the wicked according to their deeds, and bring an end to all injustice. May Your holiness shine brightly, revealing the evil of the wicked and bringing them to account.In Jesus' name.

5.Arise, O God,deliver me from the hand of the wicked and redeem me from the grip of the terrible.In Jesus' name.

6)Heavenly father,surround me with your steadfast love and deliver me from the troubles caused by the wicked,in Jesus name

7)Lord, I pray for those who are living in wickedness, that they would come to repentance and know Your grace. Open their eyes to their sin, and lead them to the cross of Christ for forgiveness. May they turn from evil ways and seek Your salvation.In Jesus' name.

8)God of justice, bring an end to the wicked who oppress the poor and the innocent. May Your justice flow like a river, sweeping away the works of the ungodly.In Jesus' name.

9)Father, destroy the plans of the wicked and frustrate their schemes. Let their desires for evil be turned to dust, and may their deeds be exposed.In Jesus' name. 

10)Lord, protect me from the schemes of the wicked. Guard my heart and mind, and deliver me from evil. Surround me with Your angels and keep me safe from those who seek to harm me.In Jesus' name.

 11)Lord, let righteousness reign over the earth. Bring an end to the reign of the wicked, and establish Your kingdom of peace and justice. May Your will be done in the earth as it is in heaven.In Jesus' name.

12)Father, let the wicked fall by their own wickedness. May their evil deeds lead to their own destruction, and may Your righteous judgment be revealed.In Jesus' name.

13)Lord, humble the proud and the arrogant who walk in wickedness. Let their hearts be softened, and bring them to repentance before Your throne.In Jesus' name.

14)Lord,I  pray that You will destroy the influence of the wicked over my life and my community. Let their voices be silenced, and let Your truth prevail in every situation.In Jesus' name.

15)Father,bring down the wicked and raise up the righteous. May all who do evil be brought to account, and may Your glory shine forth. In Jesus' name.

16)Lord, deliver the righteous from the hands of the wicked. Protect those who follow You, and keep them safe from harm.In Jesus' name.

17)O Lord, break the power of the wicked and crush their strength. Let their influence be shattered and their plans thwarted.In Jesus' name.

18)Father, give me a heart of repentance. May I never harden my heart against Your conviction. Help me to turn from wickedness and align my heart with Your word, living in obedience to Your commands.In Jesus' name.

19)Lord, may Your glory shine brighter than all the darkness of wickedness. Let Your light expose the evil in this world and bring an end to the reign of sin. May Your righteousness cover the earth as the waters cover the sea.In Jesus' name.

20)16)Lord Jesus,turn your face against those who devise wicked plans against me,and cut off their remembrance from the earth.In Jesus' name.

Search me,O God,and know my heart.And see if there is any wicked way in me,And lead me in the way everlasting.Amen