Romans 1:21-23 – The Deadly Downward Spiral
Romans 1:24-32 are some of the scariest verses in all the Bible. Paul tells us that for people who continue to deny God, “God gave them up” to their lusts (v. 24), dishonorable passions (v. 26), and an immoral mind (v. 28). Rather than God’s revelation of the good news, God is actually unrevealing himself to them. And if God’s revelation is the good news then his handing over to immorality is the ultimate bad news.
Just like the deadly downward spiral of shock leads to death, the deadly downward spiral of being handed over to our own sin leads to eternal death. The sins that are listed as God’s judgement are terrifying: homosexuality, hatred, murder—the list is long. It even says that these people are inventing new kinds of evil (v. 21). But the downward spiral doesn’t just affect someone in sin; its poison spreads and multiplies. People who deny the Lord and are given over to their sin also commend this same type of sinful living to others (v. 32).
Paul’s words were written almost two thousand years ago, but they read like a modern day teaching on what is happening in our world. Sin is not just allowed; it is celebrated. Try to tell this culture that they shouldn’t pursue sexual pleasure until they are married, and they will think you are from the 1800’s. The idea of not pursuing pleasure is foreign to our world. It really is Paul’s message in Romans 1 played out in real time before our eyes.
So, what do we do? First, we cling to the good news of the Gospel. We must not let ourselves be drawn away by the deceitfulness of sin; we must be the righteous ones that live by faith (v. 17). Second, don’t choose to glorify or worship anything other than God. Worship and honor him in personal devotion and in corporate worship with other believers. Third, give thanks in every circumstance. Thanksgiving is an offensive weapon against the sin in your life; use it. Lastly, live out the Gospel with your life and proclaim it to the people around you that are in the deadly downward spiral of sin.
Scripture Memorization
Romans 1:21
For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
Prayer
Father God, you have graciously revealed yourself to me. Even when I was dead in my sin, you made yourself known and showed me kindness and mercy. I can see your hand at work in my life and in the world around me, and I confess that you are worthy of all praise and honor and glory. I give thanks to you because all that I have is from you. Draw me close to you because my mind is quick to forget about you and my eyes are quick to look to other things. Remind me that what the world offers is a lie. As you pursued me when I was your enemy, enable me to pursue after you as my Lord and my Redeemer.
Reflection
- Verses 17 and 18 both speak of God revealing his character to men. In what ways has he revealed these different aspects of himself to everyone?
- Look at verses 18-23. What are the things that these unrighteousness people do? How do we as Christians do the opposite? For example: they suppress the truth, we should be speaking the truth.
- Spend five minutes (or more, there is no time limit) and make a list of things you have to be thankful for.
Discussion Questions
- How do we keep from becoming futile in our thinking? What will keep us from exchanging God’s eternal glory for temporary things?
- Paul uses the phrase, “God gave them up,” three times in this passage. What did he give them up to, and what did this result in?
- What offensive weapons do we have for fighting sin? How do we use them?
If you have any questions feel free to reach out: harry@swoutfitters.com. All of the Scripture referenced in this study is from the English Standard Version (ESV) unless otherwise noted.