This Untoward Generation

 

 

 

Acts 2:40 - On the day of Pentecost, the Apostle Peter concluded his great sermon with these words - "...Save yourselves from this untoward generation."

 

The Scripture says that with - "...many other words did he testify and exhort..." In other words, Peter earnestly protested, admonished, warned, entreated by arguments, and pleaded with the people to separate themselves from the crooked generation in which they lived.

 

Oh! Where are the preachers today who - like the Apostle Peter - will strongly urge the people of this age to use all diligence and effort to deliver themselves from this perverse generation in which we live?

Where are those ministers who are charging the people to preserve themselves from the influence, opinions, and fate of this corrupt culture?

 

How many are -

...forsaking the society of the scoffers and profane?

...separating and distinguishing themselves from the wicked around them?

...truly breaking off from all evil companions?

 

This is indeed an "untoward" generation. It is perverted...corrupt in principle and wicked in conduct.

 

Most of today's society are walking contrary to God, wedded to sin, and marked for ruin.

 

Acts 2:40 - As on the day of Pentecost, even so the words of the Holy Spirit are ringing out throughout this age - "...Save yourselves from this untoward generation."

 

How do we as Christians do this?

 

It can only be done by having a determined purpose in our hearts and minds that nothing will hold us back from the service of God.

 

Let's examine several Scriptures more closely that depict this firm and fixed resolution to live holy for God in an unholy age - 

 

Psalm 119:115 says - "Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God."

 

The Psalmist was resolved to have no company with the wicked. He very sternly declared to all the workers of iniquity and unprincipled people about him - "Stay away from me. Don't try to stop me. I am determined to obey God's commands no matter what."

 

Psalm 26:5 says - "I have hated the congregation of evildoers; and will not sit with the wicked."

 

In this particular verse, the word "congregation" means company. The Psalmist said that he "hated" the company of those who oppose God. In other words, he vehemently disapproved of their principles. He purposed in his heart that he would not "sit with the wicked." What did this mean? He would not partake with them in their amusements. Nor would he associate with them or unite with them in their plans and purposes.

 

Proverbs 9:6 says - "Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding."

 

In order to separate from this perverse age in which we live, Solomon gives us sound advice to leave behind all foolishness.

 

We must forsake it...let it alone...depart from it...or abandon it.

Once we do, then we must advance in the direction of the wisdom, understanding, and knowledge found in God's Word. In other words, we must learn to be wise.

 

The Scriptures abound with verses dealing with the Psalmist's determination to live godly in an ungodly age...separate from evildoers...and obey God no matter what.

 

Psalm 26:4 - "I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers."

Psalm 101:2-4 - "I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way...I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me...I will not know a wicked person."

Psalm 119:8 - "I will keep Thy statutes..."

Psalm 119:57 - "...I have said that I will keep Thy words."

Psalm 119:63 - "I am a companion of all them that fear Thee, and of them that keep Thy precepts."

Psalm 119:106 - "...I will keep Thy righteous judgments."

 

Some at this point would contest - How can we evangelize a people that we steer clear of or shun?

It is literally impossible to separate ourselves completely from the heathen in our midst.

God is not advocating total isolation through this message.

What He is saying is this - "Be not a partaker of their sins, evil ways, twisted mindset, or perverse amusements. Be determined to change them before they change you."

                                                      

The message is still the same today.

 

We must firmly resolve that we will obey God's Word - no matter what.

Ephesians 5:11 - We will "have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them."

On the contrary, we will fellowship with those who fear the Lord...live godly, wisely, and blamelessly before God and men.

Then and only then shall we rescue ourselves from the danger and destruction coming on this wicked age.

 

In closing, let us take heed to the warning of the Holy Spirit - given to the Church at this hour - found in 2 Corinthians 6:14, 17-18 - "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?...Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty."