Rooted in Ruin: Six Sins Corrupting Our Culture
6 Sins That Corrupt Our Culture: Lessons from an Overlooked Bible Story
Have you ever wondered why some parts of the Bible seem so shocking or difficult to read? As your pastor, I’ve encountered this challenge many times, especially when preaching through books of the Bible chapter by chapter. Recently, we tackled Genesis 34 – a chapter so troubling that some Bible commentators skip it entirely! But as we dive into this overlooked story, we’ll uncover crucial warnings about sins that can corrupt not just ancient cultures, but our own hearts and communities today.
The Shocking Story of Dinah
Genesis 34 tells the disturbing tale of Dinah, Jacob’s daughter, who is violated by a local prince named Shechem. What follows is a web of deceit, passive leadership, and horrific violence. It’s not an easy read, but God’s Word tells us that “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). So let’s look at what we can learn from this difficult passage.
6 Sins That Corrupt Our Culture
1. Incomplete Obedience
The story begins with Jacob settling near the city of Shechem, instead of continuing to Bethel as God had instructed. This partial obedience set the stage for disaster. As I read in Genesis 33:18-19, “Jacob came safely to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan… and from the sons of Hamor, Shechem’s father, he bought for a hundred pieces of money the piece of land on which he had pitched his tent.”
Failing to fully obey God’s commands leads to moral and spiritual compromise. Are there areas in your life where you’re only partially following God’s will?
2. Lust
Shechem’s actions toward Dinah stemmed from unbridled lust. Genesis 34:2 tells us, “When Shechem… saw her, he seized her and lay with her and humiliated her.” This sin of lust – seeing, taking, violating – destroys hearts, marriages, and churches.
I challenge you: Are you guarding your heart and mind in this area? Are you meditating on God’s truth as we’re instructed in Philippians 4:8?
3. Passivity
Jacob’s failure to act decisively when his daughter was violated allowed sin to flourish. Genesis 34:5 says, “Now Jacob heard that he had defiled his daughter Dinah. But his sons were with his livestock in the field, so Jacob held his peace until they came.”
Parents, we can’t take a step back and just see what happens. We must step in and fulfill our God-given responsibilities. We must protect our children from the sins corrupting our culture.
4. Cruel Anger
While righteous anger has its place, Dinah’s brothers Simeon and Levi let their anger turn to cruelty and vengeance. They deceived and then slaughtered an entire city in retaliation. Genesis 34:25 recounts, “On the third day, when they were sore, two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah’s brothers, took their swords and came against the city while it felt secure and killed all the males.”
Later, in Genesis 49:5-7, Jacob condemns their actions: “Simeon and Levi are brothers; weapons of violence are their swords… Cursed be their anger, for it is fierce, and their wrath, for it is cruel!”
5. Deceit
The sons of Jacob used dishonesty to carry out their revenge. Genesis 34:13 states, “The sons of Jacob answered Shechem and his father Hamor deceitfully, because he had defiled their sister Dinah.” Lies damage trust and relationships, and the Bible warns strongly against this sin. Remember, Revelation 21:8 includes liars among those facing judgment.
6. Corrupting Spiritual Significance
Finally, Dinah’s brothers misused the sacred covenant of circumcision as a tool for their deceit and violence. They said in Genesis 34:15-16, “Only on this condition will we agree with you—that you will become as we are by every male among you being circumcised. Then we will give our daughters to you, and we will take your daughters to ourselves…”
Using religion or twisting Scripture to mistreat others or for personal gain is a grave sin that continues to corrupt our churches and society and culture today.
Where is God in This Story?
You might have noticed that God isn’t explicitly mentioned in this chapter. But His absence from the text doesn’t mean He’s not at work. I believe God is showing His people the consequences of sin and warning them – and us – not to go down these destructive paths. Lets avoid these six sins corrupting our culture.
Putting It Into Practice
- Examine your own life for areas of incomplete obedience. Ask God to help you follow Him fully.
- Guard your heart and mind against lust. Meditate on Philippians 4:8 and renew your mind daily (Romans 12:1-2).
- Take responsibility and act with godly wisdom in difficult situations. Don’t be passive when action is needed.
- Cultivate righteous anger that seeks justice without cruel vengeance. Let God’s Word guide your responses.
- Commit to honesty in all your dealings, remembering that God values truth.
- Use your faith to bless others, not as a tool for manipulation or personal gain.
As we reflect on this challenging passage, let’s heed its warnings. May we be distinct from the world, fully obedient to God, and committed to living out His righteousness in our culture today.
The Successful Man Who Failed Miserably
Doing God’s Will
The Grace Of God
Patterns For Growth
What’s Your Focus
When God Intervenes
We hope you enjoyed the sermon and would love to see you in person. Plan your visit to Community Baptist Church in Spring Hill, Tennessee today!