Sermon Notes
Introduction
The apostle’s knowledge of God’s wrath against unrighteousness is a compelling reason why he is not ashamed of the gospel. The gospel is the power of God to salvation (1:16). Without the gospel, there is judgment. That is why Paul is eager to preach the gospel. The apostle said, “God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity” (1:24). He repeats it, “…God gave them up to dishonorable passions” (1:26). Note that God giving up the unrighteous is not passive; it is a “judicial decision that manifests God’s wrath against humans.” 1 The spiritual and moral decay in itself is a form of God’s judgment. Paul cites the decay into idolatry and sexual perversion, which includes lesbianism and homosexuality. The decay is a departure from God’s design, with consequences. 2 Such is God’s recompense to all who reject the Creator. 3 Is this recompense personal or juridical? The safe answer is both. God is just, but He personally hates sin (Prov. 6:16-19, Ps. 5:5).
1. Debased Mind
Paul once again states that “God gave them up.” The reason is that they did not acknowledge God. The result of God giving them up is a debased mind, which means that they will get worse spiritually and morally.
Romans 1:28: And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done.
2. Manners of Unrighteousness
Paul states the details of a debased mind. In general, it is all unrighteousness and evil. The apostle lists specific sins. Some of which can be present in daily life. Now, it is obvious that the whole human race, not just the homosexuals, has a debased mind.
Romans 1:29-31: They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless.
3. God’s Righteous Decree
Paul explains that fallen men, despite the darkening of their hearts and minds, know that God disapproves of what they do. Despite knowing this, they do the opposite and approve of those who practice evil.
Romans 1:32: Though they know God's righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.
Application
- Let us worship God, our Creator; honor Him and thank Him. Let us not be one of those who do not acknowledge God in our lives. Instead, we will acknowledge Him in everything.
- Let us be mindful of the sins we commit; let us confess them to the Lord and seek His forgiveness. Living by faith is the opposite of living in sin. May we continuously pray for the Lord’s strength to overcome sin.
- Let us not make excuses; remember that the world has none before God. No matter how they deny it, God has placed in them a sense of God’s existence and righteousness. They might call their sin a lifestyle, God will bring judgment to it.
Study Guide
- Why did God give them up to a debased mind? (Ro 1:28)
- If you were to classify the sins, what classifications would you put? (Ro 1:29- 31) (Note: classification of sin was not the intention of Paul; this exercise is to help us remember)
- Find a connection between verse 32 and the precious verses starting from verse 18? (Ro 1:32)