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November 19
Romans 1 -- 3
We usually think of the wrath of God (Romans 1:18) as something that will take place in the future, when Satan and all unbelievers in Christ will be cast into the eternal lake of fire (Revelation 20:10,15). However, the wrath of God is presently at work against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold (repress and hinder) the truth in unrighteousness; Because . . . God has showed it to them. . . . so that they are without excuse. . . . Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies (commit sexual perversion) between themselves (Romans 1:18-24). A growing ignorance of the Bible, which alone reveals sin and sets the standard for righteousness, has resulted in an unprecedented flood of moral corruption throughout the world.
Instead of proclaiming the moral absolutes of the Word of God, the worldly-minded church member is often found accommodating current social norms. This results in blind sentimentalism and situation ethics, whereby everyone chooses to define sin for themselves and use the Lord's Day for their own self-centered pleasures.
Added to these are the gays, lesbians, and bisexuals -- men lusting after other men and women lusting after other women, deceiving themselves and many others into believing they cannot help being the way they are. But God has said: They changed the truth of God into a lie; and three times in this first chapter we read: God also gave them up to uncleanness . . . God gave them up to vile affections . . . God gave them over to a reprobate mind (1:24,26,28).
There will be no victory over satanic sexual perversion until it is seen for what it really is, not as a sickness or as an alternative lifestyle, but as sin that is an abomination to God. The Good News is that all who confess and forsake their sin, and by faith receive Christ as Savior and Lord, will receive forgiveness and deliverance. The Lord is . . . long-suffering . . . not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (II Peter 3:9).
God said: The unrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdom of God. Be not deceived: neither fornicators (those who commit sexual sins and immoral acts), nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate (homosexuals) . . . nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards . . . shall inherit the Kingdom of God (I Corinthians 6:9-10). But Paul went on to say: Such were some of you (6:11). The key word here is were; they had forsaken their sins.
It is God which works in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That you may be blameless . . . in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom you shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the Word of Life (Philippians 2:13-16).
Cross References:
For Romans 1:17: See Hab. 2:4. Rom. 2:24: See Isa. 52:5. Rom. 3:4: See Psa. 51:4. Rom. 3:10: See Psa. 14:1. Rom 3:11: See Psa. 14:2. Rom. 3:12: See Psa. 14:3. Rom. 3:13: See Psa. 5:9; 140:3. Rom. 3:14: See Psa. 10:7. Rom. 3:15: See Isa. 59:7. Rom. 3:16-17: See Isa. 59:7-8. Rom. 3:18: See Psa. 36:1.
Government Officials: Rep. Gary Ackerman (NY), Sen. Tom Harkin (IA), Gov. Jim Hodges (SC), Rep. Lamar Smith (TX), and Gov. Tommy Thompson (WI) · Pray for World Help and Vernon Brewer, President · Pray for the Bible Pathway International Radio Broadcast in honor of one of the Lord's Disciples & his new wife · Country: Kirabati (71,000) 3 islands in southwestern Pacific · Major languages: English and Gilbutese · Religious freedom · 52% Roman Catholic; 44% Protestant; 2% Baha'i · Prayer Suggestion: Beseech the Lord in intercessory prayer for others when you have questions (Exodus 32:11).
Memory Verse for the Week:
James 2:17