Romans 1:30–31
[30] slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, [31] foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. (ESV)
When we look at these verses it is easy to just see a list of horrible behaviors. In fact, we are likely to read each offense and compare ourselves. We likely will say, "I am not doing that one, or that one. I must be ok." I want to encourage you not to do that. There is a bigger picture here that we see as we look at the whole book of Romans.
The Apostle Paul writes the book of Romans as a primer on Christianity. If ever there was a part of the Bible that defined for us what it means to have faith in God it is Romans. In this first part of the book Paul is making very clear just how evil the heart of man is. The wickedness of man is more than just a list of wrong behavior, rather it is a condition of the heart. Behaviors flow out of that heart.
One of the most dangerous beliefs that plague our culture is a belief that man is basically good. All of these behaviors that the Apostle Paul is listing here are NATURAL and COMMON to all of mankind. Later in this great book the Apostle Paul will reference the great prophet Isaiah who said, "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way (Isaiah 53:6)."
If you are willing to be honest with yourself you can agree with me that you have been guilty of turning away from God's way unto your own way. That is rebellion. That is wickedness. It is something that plagues every one of us. I love one of the phrases that Paul uses here in these verses; "inventors of evil." There is no doubt we have all been guilty of that one.
The first step toward being made right with God is a recognition of our sinful condition. Allow these verses to inform your heart of the need for forgiveness. The good news is that forgiveness has been purchased for you by Christ's sacrifice and is available to you upon your repentance and belief in Jesus.
Comments
Post a Comment