Scripture:

Romans 1:

21For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.  25They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.
28Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done.
32Although 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.

Observation:

The picture Paul paints in Romans chapter 1 is not pretty.  He makes it quite clear that we are all responsible for our own sins.  There is a difference between knowledge and practice Paul says.  We might know God…but our actions don’t prove it.  As a matter of fact…God makes his truth evident to us in a number of different ways but we as sinful humans have rejected it.  It doesn’t look good…

Knowledge of God and his truth is one thing.  Entering into a relationship with him and practicing that truth in life is another completely.  Apart from God the picture is ugly at best.  Our thinking is futile and foolish…our hearts are darkened.  We worship anything but God.  Lies become truth and we begin to serve the world and it’s interests.  God leaves us to our own depravity and although we know what is right we don’t do it….encouraging others to do the same.  It’s a downward spiral to death and destruction.  And not a one of us can pull ourselves out.

Luckily…Paul has only begun.   There is good news coming.

Application:

A few things to think about until then:  1. Is your knowledge of God rooted in a relationship with him?  2. Have you begun to practice what you know of God’s truth?  3. Can you honestly say that God is the single focus of your worship?

Prayer:

Depending on how you answer the previous 3 questions…pray accordingly.  Pray for a real relationship with the Father, for feet to your faith, and a singular focus to your worship!

1. markseekins posted this