Standing firm in a sinking world

A message preached in Walsham Le Willows Congregation, Suffolk, on Lord's Day 30th August, 2015 at the evening service.

Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come, Acts 26:22.

This world has ever been sinking down morally since the entrance of sin. It is not a process that is limited to the closing years of this age as some might think. It is true that the moral decline will accelerate in the days of the rise of the Antichrist. This is stated clearly in such places as 2 Timothy 3:1. "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come."

But moral and spiritual decline has been an ongoing feature of every age. Its rate of decline may have varied throughout the ages but its inexorable continuance is undeniable. It has been kept from sinking utterly into the mire of utter depravity by the restraining hand of God.

There is a little phrase in Romans 1:26, which reminds us of that. "For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections." Literally, it means "He let them go". He had been holding them up but because of their kicking against His restraints He let them go.

We see the world sinking today. It is a most distressing sight, especially if we see loved ones sinking down, refusing to accept the saving mercy of God. In the midst of such sinking, it is good to remind ourselves of this central and paramount duty.

Consider Paul's words before King Agrippa.