Depraved Mind

Today’s Bible Reading:  1 Kings 6; 2 Chronicles 3; Psalm 97; Romans 1

Topic: Depravity

SCRIPTURE:  Romans 1:28-32

²⁸ Furthermore, 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. ²⁹ They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, ³⁰ slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; ³¹ they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. 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. (Rom 1:28-32 NIV)

OBSERVATION:

The opening of the Apostle Paul’s letter to the believers in Rome seems to take the tone of a combination of lamenting and warning. Paul laments the wickedness so prevalent in the world and warns against the wrath of God that awaits those who unrepentantly continue to fill their lives, “with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity (v. 29). Paul asserts that people know what is right but continue to practice and approve of abhorrent behavior (v. 32). The excuse many may give that their self-absorbed ways are “just human nature” and therefore not only to be expected but even celebrated, does not hold water as far a Paul is concerned. Looking back to verse 20, Paul says that God’s power and nature are clearly seen and known by all, simply from creation. Therefore there is no excuse; no one can say, “I just didn’t know.” Here’s where the real warning is given: If you continue to disregard God—if you continue to place your will over His—if you continue justify your own abhorrent behavior and continue to tell yourself it is good—if you continue to live by your own egocentric reasoning, your mind will eventually succumb to depravity—you’ll be living the lie and believing it (v. 28).          

APPLICATION:                                        

Although I can see this pattern of depravity being played out everyday in the world today, I dare not pass judgment on people or declare that anyone is irretrievably depraved and lost. My task is to love people unconditionally while at the same time standing firmly for the truth—God’s truth! But I must remember that I do not defend godliness so I may pat myself on the back, but that even that the most insolent, maddening, pain in the… (whatever), miserable, unholy adversary might have their mind healed and come to walk in relationship with their Creator.

PRAYER:

Lord, grant unto me a measure of Your strength, courage and wisdom to uphold and proclaim Your righteousness, as well as exhibiting Your love and acceptance extended to all.

Through Christ. Amen.  –AP