“–that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.”
Romans 1:12
God doesn’t mince words, does He? – right out the gate with a pretty bold “get your crap together” statement. Here is the “wake up!” = God’s wrath against mankind. “For what can be known about God is plain to them because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made” (v19-20).
People have no excuse to deny or reject God. The awesomeness of His power is evident in everything. But men who choose not to honor God are given over to their sin and there go the rest of the debasement of man in chapter 1. Remember: the world is not the standard of righteousness, in fact, expect the world to practice and approve of all kinds of unrighteousness.
I like the boldness of the way Romans starts. Saddling us with the responsibility to what has been made known to us and exposing sin as sin. I personally need a no-grey-area where otherwise my wicked nature could make myself comfortable on the fence.
I studied this list of shameful lusts and depraved mentalities and I think it’s true when they say that the wicked don’t know their own depravity. It’s why in apologetics it’s first important to make people realize their sin because the gospel is nothing without need for a savior. I used to gossip, I was arrogant and boastful (probably mostly as a cover for my insecurities), disobedient to my parents = CHECK, sexually immoral = CHECK, faithless, ruthless,.. check check check. AND I thought I was a good person and never considered these sins until God convicted me. Now I cringe at the thought of it. Consider this: Strife is anger and bitter disagreement over fundamental issues. Everything going on in the world right now – all we see is both the practice and approval of it.
About the Author: Amber Rockey
