Romans 1:32
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.
Thoughts for Today:
Most of you know I have a heart for evangelism. One of the more interesting progressions of discussion and thought I have with people, which either leads to salvation or rejection of God's saving grace, has to do with the subject of our passage today: God's final judgment. While many acknowledge man's sinful nature, it seems difficult for some to broaden this idea toward recognition of ultimate accountability and consequence for the way we have lived our lives. Most people don't like the idea that God is going to judge them for their sin. However, just because we don't want to be judged (or even believe in the concept) doesn't mean it isn't going to happen.
If you jumped off a building, just because you don't believe in gravity doesn't mean you won't crash into the street below. And what if while falling (before you hit ground) you used as proof of your non-belief, "See I jumped and nothing happened, therefore gravity does not exist." Obviously that line of thinking would be ridiculous, yet this is exactly what Paul is discussing in our passage today -- knowing what we're doing is wrong, doing such things anyway, and approving of others who do them as well. In other words, if we truly believe in eternity and "know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death" then why don't we turn from our sin toward God? Why is it so difficult to accept the grace and forgiveness offered by God through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ? I think the answer is simple yet complicated -- sin (pride, arrogance, stubbornness, hardheartedness, greed, selfishness, etc). Man does not want to give up the freedom to serve himself (his sinful nature) rather than God. Unfortunately, it is a path that will only lead to death.
If you jumped off a building, just because you don't believe in gravity doesn't mean you won't crash into the street below. And what if while falling (before you hit ground) you used as proof of your non-belief, "See I jumped and nothing happened, therefore gravity does not exist." Obviously that line of thinking would be ridiculous, yet this is exactly what Paul is discussing in our passage today -- knowing what we're doing is wrong, doing such things anyway, and approving of others who do them as well. In other words, if we truly believe in eternity and "know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death" then why don't we turn from our sin toward God? Why is it so difficult to accept the grace and forgiveness offered by God through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ? I think the answer is simple yet complicated -- sin (pride, arrogance, stubbornness, hardheartedness, greed, selfishness, etc). Man does not want to give up the freedom to serve himself (his sinful nature) rather than God. Unfortunately, it is a path that will only lead to death.
Questions to Ponder:
Is there a sin God has called to your attention which you have not addressed?
What is God speaking to you about right now?
The Lord is calling each one of us into a relationship with Him --
however we must choose Him --
this requires us to turn from our sin, repent and ask forgiveness.
No sin is too great.
And any sin can be overcome with the Lord's help and power of the Holy Spirit.
All we need to do is desire the Lord.
Will you ask?
Will you seek Him?
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