Read Romans 1
Key Verse 32: “Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.”
Observations: In this chapter, Paul covers a lot of ground. After giving common greetings Paul tells how he longs to visit Rome because he wants the chance to present the gospel message to all who live there because it is “the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes”. He then sets up why this is important because man has turned from God even though God has made Himself plain to them through creation. Paul then states that since mankind did not find it worthwhile to pursue God, that God gave them over to all kinds of sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies (vs 24) and to all wickedness, evil, greed and depravity (vs. 29). The very last sentence of this chapter then equates that those who approve of such practices are just as shameful and guilty as those who practice them.
Application: This is an incredible picture of today’s America. Not only are people participating in all sorts of evil but we are being taught and forced that we must approve of other people’s shameful lifestyles and the evils that they are bringing upon mankind. Even young people in the church are being sucked into this thinking: as long as it doesn’t bother me and they are consenting, what is it to me what they do? It’s their choice. I don’t agree with it, but if they see it as okay, what’s the issue? Paul not only warns against how we think and act but he warns that we must even be careful of what we approve because we will be accountable for just looking the other way.
Prayer: God, how do we walk this line of love the sinner and hate the sin? How do we extend salvation and a way out but still stand opposed to the lifestyles that are being presented to us in our culture? Society today won’t even let us hate the sin while loving a sinner as our culture would dictate to hate the sin is to hate the sinner. Holy Spirit this is an arena we desperately need your wisdom given to us.
