Scripture Reading: Mark 7:14-20
Escape Corruption!
Intro.
1. Corruption: Rotten, to putrefy, decay; ruined, worthless, Jas. 5:2 (corroded, rusted).
2. Moral defilement of the heart and conduct, Mk. 7:14-23.
I. HELL: CORRUPTION THAT NEVER ENDS.
A. Hell is Described as a Just Punishment of Eternal Corruption.
1. Destroyed with utter ruin, Matt. 10:28; 2 Ths. 1:9.
2. Righteous judgment, divine wrath producing tribulation and anguish without partiality, Rom. 2:5-11.
3. Life judged by word of God -- Lake of fire, Rev. 20:11-15 (10).
B. Where “Their Worm Does Not Die”, Mk. 9:43-44 ("everlasting fire", Matt. 18:8).
1. Gehenna: Valley of Hinnom, child sacrifices to Molech, sewer/garbage dump (fires, flies and worms constantly there).
2. Figure of eternal decay and utter ruin, accompanied by unending agony.
3. What causes one to experience this never-ending corruption?
II. THE PRESENT CORRUPTION OF SIN.
A. Sin Introduced Corruption into the World, Gen. 2:17; 3:17-19; Rom. 5:12; 3:23.
1. Corruption is in every action against God’s commands, Deut. 9:12; 31:29.
2. Corruption both produces and results in “not knowing the Lord”, 1 Sam. 2:12.
3. Corruption of denying God and failing to “seek God”, Psa. 14:1-3.
B. Corruption Flourishes in and from Evil Hearts, Gen. 6:11-12 (5).
1. “Worthless” (base), Deut. 13:13.
2. Corrupt minds “resist the truth” and are reprobate, 2 Tim. 3:8.
C. The Nature of Sin's Corruption.
1. Corruption of flesh and spirit, 2 Pet. 1:4 ("in the world through lust"); Gal. 6:8.
2. Religious corruption, Col. 2:20-22 ("perish with the using").
3. Corruption occurs when the word of God is rejected for the will and wisdom of men.
III. WARNINGS AGAINST CORRUPTION.
A. Christians can become Corrupt, Heb. 12:12-16; 1 Tim. 4:1-3.
1. When we do not put off the old man, Eph. 4:22.
2. When corrupt speech is not eliminated, Eph. 4:29.
3. When Christians do not repent and stop practicing sin, 2 Cor. 12:20-21.
B. Churches can become Corrupt, Rev. 2:5 (Rev. 2-3).
1. Organization (Phil. 1:1), worship (Jno. 4:24), work (1 Tim. 3:15).
2. Compromise, accommodation and innovation, Gal. 1:6-7; Rev. 2:14-17, 20-23.
C. Church Leaders can become Corrupt.
1. Negligence to feed and protect the church, Acts 20:28-31.
2. Impure hearts and demands, 1 Pet. 5:2-3.
D. Civil Leaders can become Corrupt, Acts 24:24-27. (God’s servants for good, Rom. 13:4.) Prov. 14:34
1. When they pervert justice, Prov. 31:4-5 (bribes, 17:23).
-To replace injustice with justice: (Prov. 16:5-9):
a. Pride corrupts, so be humble, 16:5.
b. Mercy and truth bring atonement: Fear the Lord, 16:6.
c. Please the Lord to find peace, 16:7.
d. Be content and just, not greedy, 16:8.
e. Plan your way by letting God's word direct you, 16:9.
2. When they oppress the innocent, Micah 3:8-12; Amos 5:10-15.
Conclusion
1. The corruption of sin leads to eternal corruption, Mk. 9:44.
2. The only escape from your present corruption in sin and the eternal corruption to come is Jesus through His gospel, Acts 4:12.
3. Only Christ can change the corruption of your sin into the glory of His incorruptible image, 2 Cor. 3:18; Col. 3:10.
By: Joe R. Price
Posted: July 24, 2014