Monday, April 21, 2008
Romans 1:20
Monday, April 21, 2008 |
For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.
The extended portion of the reading for today is very difficult to read and then apply to our understanding of the Lord's way for us during these days.
The first two verses of our reading for today, including or key verse, reveal to us that all of “mankind” is without excuse, if they reject Jesus Christ. You might say, what about those who have never heard the gospel, the un-reached peoples of this world.
My first response has to be what Paul wrote to the Romans and, in fact, to all of us. All of humankind has the "light of conscience" and the "light of creation". We are all born as sinners but until we sear our conscience we know right from wrong. Also, in God's creation we can see His glory made manifest, Psalm 19.
After these un-reached accept the "light of conscience" and the "light of creation" the Lord will get the message of salvation to them. By the way, this is a great passage for worldwide missions. There are people out there who need to hear, and how can they hear unless we go?
Verses 21-32 discuss a lifestyle that is prevalent today, "man leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their flesh, one toward another, men with men", verse 27. This is referring to a sexual relationship. The passage tells us that woman would do the same, "change the natural use into that which is against nature", verse 26.
Paul explains why this happens in verse 25. It's because mankind "changes the truth of God into a lie and worships and serves the creation more than the Creator". Because of these activities against God and against nature, He will give those who do so over to a “reprobate mind”, verse 28.
Please notice also that Paul warns those who allow this to continue, they are actually sinning against God and nature, they are in a position of receiving judgment as well, verse 32.
Before we conclude our thoughts on this passage I am reminded of a passage of prophetic truth recorded by Dr Luke who wrote the record of the Lord's message, which refer to these days.
The passage in Luke, chapter 17:28-30, speaks of the coming of the Lord back to the earth. The passage describes a day when He comes that will be similar to the "days of Lot". Remember, Lot was one who lived in Sodom.
Remember, the sins of "Sodom", described in our extended reading for today, brought judgment upon the people and Sodom and Gomorrah, which were both destroyed, forever.
We must pay attention to society today, as we study God's prophetic word, ie: Luke's record of the words of Jesus. We must realize where we are in God's time. These days are as it was in the “days of Lot”. It seems that we are quickly approaching the day when Jesus will shout and call us to join Him in the heavenlies. Today could be that day.
PRAYER THOT: Lord, help me to discern the times and to realize that your coming is very close. Help me to live my life in light of this knowledge.
For further study - Romans 1:19-32
The extended portion of the reading for today is very difficult to read and then apply to our understanding of the Lord's way for us during these days.
The first two verses of our reading for today, including or key verse, reveal to us that all of “mankind” is without excuse, if they reject Jesus Christ. You might say, what about those who have never heard the gospel, the un-reached peoples of this world.
My first response has to be what Paul wrote to the Romans and, in fact, to all of us. All of humankind has the "light of conscience" and the "light of creation". We are all born as sinners but until we sear our conscience we know right from wrong. Also, in God's creation we can see His glory made manifest, Psalm 19.
After these un-reached accept the "light of conscience" and the "light of creation" the Lord will get the message of salvation to them. By the way, this is a great passage for worldwide missions. There are people out there who need to hear, and how can they hear unless we go?
Verses 21-32 discuss a lifestyle that is prevalent today, "man leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their flesh, one toward another, men with men", verse 27. This is referring to a sexual relationship. The passage tells us that woman would do the same, "change the natural use into that which is against nature", verse 26.
Paul explains why this happens in verse 25. It's because mankind "changes the truth of God into a lie and worships and serves the creation more than the Creator". Because of these activities against God and against nature, He will give those who do so over to a “reprobate mind”, verse 28.
Please notice also that Paul warns those who allow this to continue, they are actually sinning against God and nature, they are in a position of receiving judgment as well, verse 32.
Before we conclude our thoughts on this passage I am reminded of a passage of prophetic truth recorded by Dr Luke who wrote the record of the Lord's message, which refer to these days.
The passage in Luke, chapter 17:28-30, speaks of the coming of the Lord back to the earth. The passage describes a day when He comes that will be similar to the "days of Lot". Remember, Lot was one who lived in Sodom.
Remember, the sins of "Sodom", described in our extended reading for today, brought judgment upon the people and Sodom and Gomorrah, which were both destroyed, forever.
We must pay attention to society today, as we study God's prophetic word, ie: Luke's record of the words of Jesus. We must realize where we are in God's time. These days are as it was in the “days of Lot”. It seems that we are quickly approaching the day when Jesus will shout and call us to join Him in the heavenlies. Today could be that day.
PRAYER THOT: Lord, help me to discern the times and to realize that your coming is very close. Help me to live my life in light of this knowledge.