Transforming the Permissive Society Through Christ

 

Summary

In addressing the question of whether there is an answer to the permissive society, I began by acknowledging the fatigue many feel towards this topic. However, it is crucial to confront this issue as it affects us all. The permissive society is not merely about sin or wrong behavior; it represents a deliberate flouting of laws and a celebration of actions contrary to nature. This societal shift is largely driven by a small group of intellectuals, journalists, and philosophers who have used their influence to promote these ideas, coupled with a decline in religious influence.

The permissive society is characterized by a rejection of natural modesty and an embrace of behaviors that are abnormal and contrary to nature. This has led to a broader spirit of lawlessness and indiscipline, affecting individuals, families, and society at large. The consequences are severe, leading to personal unhappiness, family breakdowns, and societal decay. Historically, similar periods of permissiveness have occurred, but they were followed by times of moral renewal.

The root of the problem lies in the modern view of man as merely an animal, driven by instincts and desires. This view is a stark contrast to the biblical perspective, which sees man as created in the image of God, capable of reason, judgment, and self-control. The solution to the permissive society begins with a return to this understanding of human nature and the acknowledgment of God's laws.

While laws and discipline are necessary to maintain order, they are insufficient on their own. The ultimate answer lies in the Christian message of transformation through Jesus Christ. This message offers not only forgiveness but also the possibility of a new life, where individuals can be born again and empowered to live in harmony with God's design. This transformation is the true hope for overcoming the challenges of the permissive society.

Key Takeaways:

- The permissive society is not just about sin but represents a deliberate rejection of natural laws and modesty, leading to a broader spirit of lawlessness and indiscipline. This societal shift is driven by a small group of intellectuals and a decline in religious influence. [06:20]

- Historically, periods of permissiveness have occurred before, but they were followed by moral renewal. Learning from the past, we see that the root of the problem lies in the modern view of man as merely an animal, driven by instincts and desires. [33:02]

- The biblical perspective offers a different view of man as created in the image of God, capable of reason, judgment, and self-control. This understanding is crucial for addressing the challenges of the permissive society. [44:13]

- While laws and discipline are necessary to maintain order, they are insufficient on their own. The ultimate solution lies in the Christian message of transformation through Jesus Christ, offering forgiveness and the possibility of a new life. [52:47]

- The Christian message provides hope for overcoming the permissive society by offering individuals the opportunity to be born again, empowered to live in harmony with God's design, and to experience a life of joy, peace, and self-control. [56:56]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Introduction of Dr. Lloyd-Jones
- [00:57] - The Challenge of the Permissive Society
- [02:18] - The Role of the Common Man
- [03:22] - Understanding Permissiveness
- [05:07] - The Cult of Permissiveness
- [08:22] - Origins of the Permissive Society
- [11:06] - Decline of Religious Influence
- [14:31] - Arguments for Permissiveness
- [19:04] - Consequences of Permissiveness
- [24:45] - Impact on Family and Society
- [29:35] - Is There an Answer?
- [33:02] - Learning from History
- [41:09] - The True Nature of Man
- [52:47] - The Role of Law and Christianity
- [56:56] - The Hope of New Life in Christ

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Romans 1:20-32
2. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Romans 1:20-32, what are the consequences of humanity's decision to turn away from God? How does this passage describe the behaviors that result from this decision?

2. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Paul lists certain behaviors that prevent people from inheriting the kingdom of God. What transformation does Paul say has occurred in the lives of the believers in Corinth?

3. The sermon mentions a historical pattern of permissiveness followed by moral renewal. Can you identify any historical examples mentioned in the sermon that illustrate this pattern? [33:31]

4. How does the sermon describe the role of intellectuals and media in promoting the permissive society? [09:09]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the biblical view of man as created in the image of God contrast with the modern view of man as merely an animal, according to the sermon? [44:13]

2. The sermon suggests that periods of moral decay have been followed by renewal. What role does the Christian message of transformation through Jesus Christ play in this renewal? [56:56]

3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the permissive society leads to personal and societal consequences? How does this align with the biblical passages discussed? [20:25]

4. How does the sermon interpret the role of laws and discipline in maintaining order, and why are they considered insufficient on their own? [52:47]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the biblical view of man as created in the image of God. How does this understanding influence your daily decisions and interactions with others? [44:13]

2. The sermon emphasizes the need for a return to God's laws and the Christian message of transformation. What steps can you take this week to align your life more closely with these principles? [56:56]

3. Consider the role of media and intellectuals in shaping societal norms. How can you critically evaluate the messages you receive from these sources and ensure they align with your faith? [09:09]

4. The sermon discusses the consequences of a permissive society on families and individuals. How can you support and strengthen your family relationships in light of these challenges? [24:45]

5. The sermon calls for those who believe in law and order to assert themselves. In what ways can you actively promote moral values and discipline in your community? [50:04]

6. Reflect on the concept of being "born again" and experiencing a new life in Christ. How has this transformation impacted your life, and how can you share this hope with others? [56:56]

7. The sermon suggests that personal unhappiness and societal decay result from permissiveness. What practical steps can you take to cultivate joy, peace, and self-control in your life? [20:25]

Devotional

Day 1: The Rejection of Natural Laws and Modesty
The permissive society is marked by a deliberate rejection of natural laws and modesty, leading to a broader spirit of lawlessness and indiscipline. This shift is driven by a small group of intellectuals and a decline in religious influence. The celebration of behaviors contrary to nature has resulted in personal unhappiness, family breakdowns, and societal decay. Understanding this, it becomes crucial to recognize the impact of these societal changes on our lives and communities. [06:20]

Romans 1:21-22 (ESV): "For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools."

Reflection: In what ways have you noticed the influence of permissive ideas in your own life or community? How can you actively choose to honor God's natural laws today?


Day 2: Learning from Historical Periods of Permissiveness
Historically, periods of permissiveness have occurred before, but they were followed by times of moral renewal. The root of the problem lies in the modern view of man as merely an animal, driven by instincts and desires. This perspective contrasts sharply with the biblical view of humanity, which sees individuals as capable of reason, judgment, and self-control. By learning from history, we can understand the importance of returning to a view of humanity that aligns with God's design. [33:02]

Ecclesiastes 1:9 (ESV): "What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun."

Reflection: Reflect on a historical period of moral renewal that inspires you. How can you apply lessons from that time to your personal spiritual journey today?


Day 3: Embracing the Biblical Perspective of Humanity
The biblical perspective offers a different view of man as created in the image of God, capable of reason, judgment, and self-control. This understanding is crucial for addressing the challenges of the permissive society. By embracing this perspective, individuals can find a path to live in harmony with God's design, experiencing a life of joy, peace, and self-control. Recognizing our divine image empowers us to rise above mere instincts and desires. [44:13]

Genesis 1:27 (ESV): "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them."

Reflection: How does viewing yourself as created in the image of God change the way you approach daily decisions and interactions with others?


Day 4: The Role of Law and the Insufficiency of Discipline Alone
While laws and discipline are necessary to maintain order, they are insufficient on their own. The ultimate solution lies in the Christian message of transformation through Jesus Christ, offering forgiveness and the possibility of a new life. This transformation empowers individuals to live in harmony with God's design, going beyond mere adherence to rules and embracing a life of spiritual renewal. [52:47]

Galatians 3:24-25 (ESV): "So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian."

Reflection: In what areas of your life have you relied solely on discipline? How can you invite Christ's transformative power into these areas today?


Day 5: The Hope of New Life in Christ
The Christian message provides hope for overcoming the permissive society by offering individuals the opportunity to be born again, empowered to live in harmony with God's design, and to experience a life of joy, peace, and self-control. This new life in Christ is not just about following rules but about a profound transformation that aligns our desires with God's will, leading to true fulfillment and purpose. [56:56]

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."

Reflection: What does being a new creation in Christ mean to you personally? How can you live out this new identity in your daily life?

Quotes


The permissive society is characterized by a rejection of natural modesty and an embrace of behaviors that are abnormal and contrary to nature. This has led to a broader spirit of lawlessness and indiscipline, affecting individuals, families, and society at large. The consequences are severe, leading to personal unhappiness, family breakdowns, and societal decay. [00:07:40]

The root of the problem lies in the modern view of man as merely an animal, driven by instincts and desires. This view is a stark contrast to the biblical perspective, which sees man as created in the image of God, capable of reason, judgment, and self-control. [00:41:09]

While laws and discipline are necessary to maintain order, they are insufficient on their own. The ultimate answer lies in the Christian message of transformation through Jesus Christ. This message offers not only forgiveness but also the possibility of a new life, where individuals can be born again and empowered to live in harmony with God's design. [00:52:47]

The Christian message provides hope for overcoming the permissive society by offering individuals the opportunity to be born again, empowered to live in harmony with God's design, and to experience a life of joy, peace, and self-control. [00:56:56]

The permissive society is not just about sin but represents a deliberate rejection of natural laws and modesty, leading to a broader spirit of lawlessness and indiscipline. This societal shift is driven by a small group of intellectuals and a decline in religious influence. [00:06:20]

Historically, periods of permissiveness have occurred before, but they were followed by moral renewal. Learning from the past, we see that the root of the problem lies in the modern view of man as merely an animal, driven by instincts and desires. [00:33:02]

The biblical perspective offers a different view of man as created in the image of God, capable of reason, judgment, and self-control. This understanding is crucial for addressing the challenges of the permissive society. [00:44:13]

The ultimate solution lies in the Christian message of transformation through Jesus Christ, offering forgiveness and the possibility of a new life. [00:52:47]

The Christian message provides hope for overcoming the permissive society by offering individuals the opportunity to be born again, empowered to live in harmony with God's design, and to experience a life of joy, peace, and self-control. [00:56:56]

The permissive society is characterized by a rejection of natural modesty and an embrace of behaviors that are abnormal and contrary to nature. This has led to a broader spirit of lawlessness and indiscipline, affecting individuals, families, and society at large. [00:07:40]

The root of the problem lies in the modern view of man as merely an animal, driven by instincts and desires. This view is a stark contrast to the biblical perspective, which sees man as created in the image of God, capable of reason, judgment, and self-control. [00:41:09]

While laws and discipline are necessary to maintain order, they are insufficient on their own. The ultimate answer lies in the Christian message of transformation through Jesus Christ. [00:52:47]

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Transcript
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