A.When this sort of "upside-down" situation exists, the prediction of Christ is fulfilled. Matthew 24:12

B."Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house." Proverbs 17:13 (Christians should do the opposite. Romans 12:21

C.There is the expectation that maturity will bring the right discernment of good and evil. We learn this from an interesting passage. Isaiah 7:14-16

LESSON--

A.What are some of the modern inversions of morality?
1. Adultery and fornication (casual and promiscuous sex) are pronounced by our society as superior to marriage and fidelity. But see Hebrews 13:4.
2.Evil speech and cursing are said by some to be "therapeutic," and better than restraint of the tongue. But see James 3:5-12.
3. Self esteem and inordinate pride are said to be better than humility. But see Isaiah 5:21, and Jesus said, "He that exalts himself shall be humbled, and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted." Matthew 23:12
4.Indulgence is said to be better than self-discipline, Isaiah 5:22. But see Ephesians 5:18-20.
5.Perjury, bribery, and intrigue are justified by many. But see Isaiah 5:23.

B.God will deal in His own way with the purveyors of inversion.
1. In our text, he predicts destruction. Isaiah 5:24-25
2. He answers the inverted thinking of Malachi 2:17 in 3:5-6a.
3.God's advice to Israel in Amos 5:14-15 was not taken. See Micah 3:1-4.

C. God shows men how to have a proper conception of good and evil.
1.The Word brings us to it. Hebrews 5:12-14
2. God is our example, and worthy of imitation. 3 John 11
3.If we have a desire for "good days and long life," we should turn from evil to do good. 1 Peter 3:10-12
4. We need to "put on the armor of righteousness." Ephesians 6:10-18

APPLICATION-- Righteousness will prevail (because of the power of God), and the righteous who endure will be rewarded. Proverbs 14:19, Revelation 3:9-11