Wickedness
Wickedness in the Bible generally refers to actions or attitudes that are contrary to God's will and moral standards, often characterized by evil, immorality, and rebellion against divine authority. The Hebrew word for wickedness, "rasha" (רָשָׁע), denotes a person who is guilty of wrongdoing and is often associated with injustice and unrighteous behavior (e.g., Proverbs 11:21, where it states that “the wicked will not go unpunished”). In the New Testament, the Greek term "ponēria" (πονηρία) encompasses a broader range of moral evil and malice, indicating a state of moral corruption (e.g., Mark 7:22, which lists wickedness among the evils that come from within).Biblically, wickedness is often linked to the consequences of sin, both personally and communally. For instance, in Genesis 6:5, it states that "the wickedness of man was great in the earth," prompting divine judgment through the flood. Conversely, the Bible also emphasizes the possibility of redemption and repentance from wickedness, as seen in passages like Ezekiel 18:30, where God calls His people to turn from all their offenses. Ultimately, wickedness is portrayed as a significant barrier to a relationship with God, leading to spiritual death, while righteousness and obedience are paths to life and blessing (Proverbs 12:28).
Wickedness4
Why Did the Wicked Prosper?
By Chuck Smith2.2K34:09PSA 73:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of running the race of the Christian life with full commitment and trust in God. He draws lessons from the story of Jeremiah, highlighting that serving the Lord is not easy and that the world often opposes the message of God's judgment. The preacher encourages believers to persevere and not grow weary in doing good, reminding them that their true rewards are in heaven. He also emphasizes the need to lay aside any weights or sins that hinder their race and to keep their focus on Jesus, the author and finisher of their faith.
No Peace for the Wicked
By Chuck Smith1.9K33:26GEN 1:1PSA 32:1ISA 57:20ISA 58:6ISA 58:11MAT 6:33REV 22:21In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of King David and his guilt after taking the widow of a fallen soldier as his wife. David felt restless and burdened by his wrongdoing, describing it as an inner roaring that left him with no rest day or night. However, when David confessed his sin, God forgave him and brought him peace. The sermon also touches on the importance of trusting in the Lord and not fighting against His laws, as doing so leads to sorrow and separation from God.
Names Which the Holy Spirit Has Given Them
By Thomas Brooks0PSA 1:1PRO 13:20MAT 7:15ROM 12:21CO 15:332CO 6:14GAL 5:9EPH 5:11JAS 4:41JN 2:15Thomas Brooks emphasizes the importance of perceiving wicked individuals through the lens of the names given to them in Scripture, such as lions, bears, and vipers, which reflect their true nature. By understanding these descriptions, believers can be warned against the dangers of associating with such individuals, recognizing that their company should be a burden rather than a delight. The sermon encourages Christians to maintain a distance from wickedness and to seek the sweetness of divine love instead.
To Fill Heaven With Hells
By Thomas Brooks0JOB 15:16PRO 14:12MAT 18:3JHN 3:36ROM 6:23GAL 6:7EPH 5:52TH 2:12HEB 10:26REV 21:8Thomas Brooks emphasizes the grave condition of wicked men who willingly indulge in sin, illustrating how their hearts are hardened and their consciences seared. He warns that such individuals, who choose to live in wickedness despite the consequences, are not only blind to their peril but are also fully ripe for destruction. Brooks asserts that to allow these sin-lovers into heaven would be to fill it with hellishness, as their lives are characterized by rebellion against God. He concludes with a stark reminder that without true conversion, one cannot enter the kingdom of heaven.