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Romans Series #11
Title: “God gave them up!”
Text: Romans 1:18-32 Subject: The Just Judgment of God Date: Sunday Morning — April 12, 2014 Reading: Proverbs 1:1-33 Introduction:
“God gave them up!” “God gave them up!” “God gave them up!” Three times we read in our text, “God gave them up!” What solemn words! What astonishing words! What fearful words those four words are — “God gave them up!” What hopelessness, what despair, what darkness those four words describe — “God gave them up!” That is the title of my message. That is my subject. — “God gave them up!” But my prayer, my heart’s desire, my relentless cry to God for you is that the God of all grace will not give you up.
If you will open your Bible to Romans 1 and read with me as I read my text, we will read one of the most solemn passages to be found in the Word of God. Yet, Romans 1:18-32 is such a clear, graphic portrayal of humanity, such a blunt, honest description of humanity that it is seldom read in public. We are about to read God’s description of humanity. — Romans 1:18-32.
Romans 1:18-32 (18) For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; (19) Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. (20) 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: (21) Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. (22) Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, (23) And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. (24) Wherefore —— God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: (25) Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. (26) For this cause —— God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: (27) And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. (28) And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, —— God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; (29) Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, (30) Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, (31) Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: (32) Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
What an indictment of humanity! Having read God’s description of the human race as it is given in this solemn, dark passage of Holy Scripture, I urge you not to make the common mistake of many when they read the words we have just read, thinking to yourself, “What wicked people those people were.” Oh, may God the Holy Ghost give us grace and wisdom to apply every word we have read to ourselves.
Proposition: This is God’s description of our nature: yours and mine!
Sin Always — Sin Only
As it was in the days of Noah, as it came to pass in the days of Lot. As it was in Sodom, as it was in ancient Rome, so it is today. Human nature is now what it always has been and ever shall be, until time is no more — sin, only sin, altogether sin! Let all who have ears to hear give the utmost attention to what God says about humanity. Do not apply the threefold “God gave them up” of Romans 1 to the heathen tribesmen of New Guinea and Africa, as most do. Behold, we are they of whom God says: “There is no difference! All have sinned and come short of the glory of God!” All humanity is brought under the judgment of God; for all have sinned.
Beware of the elite circles and “we-are-better” societies of pride! All human beings are alike sinners. — “The Scripture hath concluded all under sin” (Galatians 3:22).
Divisions: Here are five facts, five things stated by God the Holy Spirit, five glaring realities you are going to have to face and acknowledge, either now or in the Day of Judgment; but face them and acknowledge them you will. 1. God is just (v. 18). 2. You are without excuse (vv. 19-20). 3. Fallen man always despises wisdom and chooses folly (vv. 21-23). 4. There comes a time when God gives sinners up to themselves (vv. 24-31). 5. Reprobate sinners are fully aware of their crimes against God (v. 32).
Divine Justice
First, in Romans 1:18 we are again reminded that God is just. God must and shall punish sin. — “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness.” — God is just.
God has given us two revelations from heaven. 1. The Righteousness of God upon all Who Trust Christ (Romans 1:17). 2. The Wrath and Judgment of God upon All Unbelievers.
Psalm 5:5 The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.
Psalm 7:11 God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.
John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
The wrath of God is revealed from heaven. · In the Judgment of God upon Adam in the Garden. · In the Destruction of the World in Noah’s Day. · In the Overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah. · In the Giving of the Law at Sinai. · But nowhere do we see the wrath and judgment of God so fully revealed as it is in the slaughter of God’s own darling Son upon the cursed tree when he was made sin for us!
“Yonder, amazing sight, I see! — The incarnate Son of God Expiring on the cursed tree, And weltering in His blood.
Behold, a purple torrent run Down from His hands and head, The crimson tide puts out the sun; His groans awake the dead.
The trembling earth, the darkened sky, Proclaim the truth aloud; And with the amazed centurion, cry, ‘This is the Son of God!’
So great, so vast a Sacrifice, May well my hope revive: If God's own Son thus bleeds and dies, The sinner sure may live.
O that these cords of love Divine, Might draw me, Lord, to Thee! Thou hast my heart, it shall be thine— Thine it shall ever be!” —Samuel Stennett
Paul begins here to describe the horrid ungodliness and unrighteousness of men living under the revelation of nature but destitute of the true knowledge of God. They have knowledge of the Divine being through creation and conscience but repress it and give way to evil only continually. · “Ungodliness” is impiety toward God. · “Unrighteousness” is injustice toward man.
Notice the words, “who hold the truth in unrighteousness.” Paul is telling us that all who refuse to believe God live in constant defiance of God and to the constant injury of all around them by suppressing, holding down the truth of God to which they refuse to submit. · The Truth of God Revealed in Creation · The Truth of God Revealed in Conscience · The Truth of God Revealed in the Gospel There is no wickedness committed by men so evil as the wickedness of unbelief!
Without Excuse
Second, I want you who yet believe not, you who yet refuse to trust the Lord Jesus Christ to hear what Paul declares in verses 19-20. — You are without excuse! If you go to hell, it will be all your own fault; and you will have no one to blame but yourself.
Romans 1:19-20 (19) Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. (20) 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.
No one can or will be saved apart from the revelation of God in the Gospel. But there are some things revealed to all men everywhere by creation. God is invisible; but his power and majesty as God shine forth with dazzling brilliance in his creation
Psalm 19:1-11 (1) The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. (2) Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. (3) There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. (4) Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, (5) Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. (6) His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof. (7) The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. (8) The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. (9) The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. (10) More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. (11) Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
Rolfe Barnard used to say, “If you walk in the light God gives you, God will give you more light.” But if you refuse to walk in the light God gives you, you are without excuse. That is exactly what the Spirit of God asserts in Romans 1:19-20.
Foolishness Preferred
Third, we are told that fallen man always despises wisdom and chooses folly (vv. 21-23). Man always prefers foolishness to wisdom.
Romans 1:21-23 (21) Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. (22) Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, (23) And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
This world does not exist by chance. Creation does not and cannot sustain itself. God’s eternality, wisdom, and power are evident and undeniable. He is the Creator, Maker, and Sustainer of all things.
Though men have such a knowledge of God, they neither think nor speak honorably of him. They do not glorify him as God, nor honor him as the Creator, nor worship him as the Lord and Governor of the universe.
O rebel sinner, you are not thankful for the knowledge God has given you. In fact, you despise it. You are not thankful for God’s mercies upon you. You wilfully forsake the truth of God and turn to the vanity of your own reason and foolish imaginations. And man’s foolish heart and mind, turning away from God, can only plunge headlong into the darkness of error, delusion, and unrighteousness (Isaiah 55:8-9; Proverbs 14:12; Romans 8:7). Men who will not have God to reign over them will have darkness and death to reign in them.
Isaiah 55:8-9 (8) For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. (9) For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
Romans 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
Professing themselves to be wise, men make themselves fools (v. 22). There is no true wisdom apart from the knowledge of God, the knowledge of the triune Jehovah in Christ our Savior (Proverbs 1:7; 2:6; 1 Corinthians 1:18-20; 3:18-20).
1 Corinthians 3:18-20 (18) Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. (19) For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. (20) And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.
Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 2:6 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
1 Corinthians 1:18-20 (18) For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. (19) For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. (20) Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
Being fools, fools by their own choice and determination, men choose to change glory of God into something corruptible, like themselves. Idolatry is the madness of man running free. It is the highest indignity to God to lower our thoughts of his majesty to mere creatures! It is an insult to his honor as God to dare to represent him by any image of him (John 4:24; Hebrews 1:1-3; Exodus 20:4-5). Let us do away with all religious relics, images, pictures, crosses, and representations of the living God. All such things are the practice of idolatry. Man's degeneration leads him down to making images of men and birds to beasts and even snakes as representatives of God! But the lowest, most base and vile form of idolatry is the will-worship of this apostate, antichrist generation (2 Thessalonians 2), making God subject to man!
Given Up
Fourth, there comes a time when God gives sinners up to themselves (vv. 24-31). If that statement doesn’t shake your soul, if that doesn’t cause you to sit up and pay attention, nothing will. — There comes a time when God gives sinners up to themselves. That is exactly what we read in verses 24-31.
Romans 1:24-31 (24) Wherefore (because they chose to worship themselves rather than God) God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: (25) Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed forever. (that judgment of God, that righteous judgment of God, Paul says, and I say) Amen. (26) For this cause (Again, notice the justice of Divine judgment. There is always a cause for Divine retribution; and the cause is always in you. If you go to hell, it will be because you chose to walk in your own way!) God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: (27) And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. (28) And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, (There it is again. God sends judgment because you ask for it.) God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; (29) Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, (30) Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, (31) Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
When God leaves sinners alone, if God leaves you to yourself, there is no bottom to the cesspool into which you may sink; for the cesspool is your own depraved heart from which all wickedness spews (Matthew 15:19-20; Jeremiah 17:9). At the root of this great moral degeneracy is idolatry, the idolatry of will-worship religion (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12). — Wherever idolatry is rampant, Sodomy is rampant!
Fully Aware
Fifth, reprobate sinners are fully aware of their crimes against God (v. 32).
Romans 1:32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
You who hear my voice, tell me, — Is this not true? You know that God’s judgment is righteous and sure. You know full well that your ungodly behavior is ungodly. Yet, you go right on in your chosen path of ungodliness. · Insulting God with every breath! · Injuring everyone you touch! Not only that, you teach others to do the same things and take great pleasure in the wickedness they perform!
Application
Black, ugly, and base as the picture here given is, this is God’s portrayal of humanity. Let us be humbled. — “And such were some of you!” — Blessed be his name, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners!” · O may God give you grace now to trust his darling Son, the Lord Jesus! · Flee to Christ, today. O rebel sinner, flee to Christ for life eternal! · I pray that God will not cast you off! · If the Lord God has saved us by his grace, if God has given me Christ, what gratitude, praise, thanksgiving, love, and devotion ought to flood our souls!
Amen.
Don Fortner
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