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1. The Wrath of God against the Nations is Revealed (Romans 1:18-32)
ROMANS 1:24-25
24 Therefore God also gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to uncleanness, that their bodies should be dishonored among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
Verse 24 shows us the first level of the revelation of the wrath of God. The holy Judge abandons all those who know him but do not honor him, that they may fall into the lusts of their hearts. They become spiritually blind because of their disobedience. They no longer see God as the center of the universe, but begin to center around themselves; for egoism begins in all those who do not love God. As such, the direction of their life has changed, and the end of their life becomes dominated by the spirit of self, instead of God. They live only for carnal pleasures and lusts, abjuring responsibility toward God and denying his existence.
And where the will of man is enslaved to his lust, then sin appears not only in theory, but also in practice, for nearly all sins are committed outside the body after it has been polluted. Your conscience revolts against all kinds of impurity, for by practicing sin, you corrupt the image of God in you. Your body is made to be a temple of the Holy Spirit, and any sin against your body is a profanation of the temple of the Holy Spirit, through bringing your body, which is created in God’s image, into dishonor and contempt.
There are steps to impurity. When man turns away from God, he falls out from normality to abnormality, and considers what is unlawful as lawful, for twisting the truth of God is an introduction to the conscienceless sin. A pervert is an indifferent person, who corrupts others, and is enslaved to his own lusts. How deep is the sea of temptation, of the corruption of body and soul, and of the curses coming out from a life without the Spirit of God! Sin appears sweet and pleasant in the beginning, but when we practice it, we feel disgust for it, and become ashamed of ourselves. In the same way many will blush from embarrassment and shame when their abominations will be uncovered in the Last Judgment.
The essence of sin is not perversion, but wrong worship. Turning away from God corrupts the inner position in man, for as soon as he turns away from his Lord, he lives without a direction. Whoever does not recognize God is compelled to make idols for himself, for he cannot live without a direction. However, all the idols of people are false, perishing, and handmade. If only man could distinguish between life and eternity! Then he would not be enslaved to money, spirits, books, and people.
There is One, who deserves our appreciation and reverence. He is the Almighty; without whom nothing happens, the Omniscient and Wise; who is merciful to his creatures. Let his praise be always on our mouths, for he is exalted and infallible, and there is no unrighteousness in him. His love is new every morning. His faithfulness is great. He never dies or changes, but he keeps us with his invincible patience. If only all men would turn to their Creator that they could find a foundation for their life, a measure for their value, and an aim for their hope!
Paul sealed his statement that the Creator is blessed forever with the word “Amen”, as if his lecture were a prayer and testimony. The word “Amen” means, “So be it”. Truly, verily, and most assuredly, God is incomparable. May the Lord let his divinity be the main purpose of our thoughts, plans, and workings that our life and our minds may become healthy and sound. The world without God is a premature hell, for those who are given up to the lusts of their hearts corrupt themselves with their shameful uncleanness.
PRAYER: We worship you O holy God, for you are eternal, clean, and just. You created us in the best form, and you keep us in your kindness. We love you, and ask you to draw our hearts to you that we may live for you, honor you, and thank you at all times. Forgive us our turning away from you, and cleanse us from our uncleanness. Deliver us from our own idols that we may love nothing in this world but YOU.
QUESTION:
- What is the consequence of improper worship of God?