Read Romans 1
Highlights:
Paul's mission to preach the Gospel to the Romans (Rom. 1:15-17). The wrath of God is . . . against all . . . unrighteousness of men, who hold the Truth in unrighteousness (1:18). God judges it (2:1-16). Jews and the Law (2:17-29). No one is righteous; all have sinned (3:10,23). Redeemed through Jesus (3:22,24).
Satan and all unbelievers will one day be cast into the eternal lake of fire (Rev. 20:10,13,15). However, the wrath of God is . . . against all . . . unrighteousness of men, who hold (suppress) the truth . . . so that they are without excuse . . . when they knew God . . . their foolish heart was darkened. . . . they . . . changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man. . . . Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts (Rom. 1:18-27).
Three times we read that God . . . gave them up to their degrading passions (1:24,26,28). There are some who view sex as no more than a physical appetite to be satisfied. But, Christ has said: The fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers . . . shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire (Rev. 21:8). Sex is a gift from God which can only bring lasting satisfaction and fulfillment within the marriage relationship of one man with one woman. There is no victory over sexual perversion until it is seen for what it really is, not as sickness or as an alternative lifestyle but as a repulsive and abominable sin to our Creator God.
In most of the world there is a disturbing and growing ignorance of the Bible, the only Book which reveals sin for what it is — regardless of what man may say or what kind of sin we can be involved in ultimately it is rebellion against God. He alone has the right to set the standard for righteousness. Have you also noticed there is a growing neglect of the Church and a tendency to use the Lord's day and His tithe for self-centered pleasures? Doing so usually leads to foolish jesting in an attempt to remove any sense of guilt from ourselves.
The Good News is that, now we are delivered from the Law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of (the) Spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter (Rom. 7:6).
Thought for Today:
Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Rom. 12:2).
Word Studies:
1:13 let hitherto prevented; 1:21 vain morally misguided, empty, worthless; 1:29 debate strife; malignity depravity of heart; whisperers gossipers; 2:22 commit sacrilege rob temples; 3:2 oracles the Scriptures; 3:25 propitiation satisfaction, reconciliation, appeasement; remission forgiveness of former sins.
Cross References:
For Rom. 1:17: See Hab. 2:4. Rom. 2:24: See Is. 52:5. Rom. 3:4: See Ps. 51:4. Rom. 3:10: See Ps. 14:1. Rom. 3:11: See Ps. 14:2. Rom. 3:12: See Ps. 14:3. Rom. 3:13: See Ps. 5:9. Rom. 3:14: See Ps. 10:7. Rom. 3:15: Is. 59:7. Rom. 3:16-17: See Is. 59:7-8. Rom. 3:18: See Ps. 36:1.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Linda Kennon • Staff: Gina Lesnefsky • Government Officials: Rep. Gary Ackerman (NY), Rep. Jo Bonner (AL), Sen. Tom Harkin (IA), and Rep. Lamar Smith (TX) • Country: Iraq (22 million) in southern Asia • Major languages: Arabic and Kurdish • Fierce harassment of non-Muslims • 96% Muslim; 3% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Let your faith in the Word of God overrule all fears (Prov. 3:6).
Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Timothy 4:5