God Gave Them Up. . . to Depravity

Last week, we settled the question of the responsibility of all people when it comes to knowledge of God. Every human being living on planet earth has had the same revelation of God. It is the evidence of creation. If a person can look out at the created universe and fail to see the power and divinity of God, that person is knowingly and willfully refusing to see the truth -- not because they cannot see it, but because they are unrighteous and full of pride.

Today, we are going to look at God’s wrath and the reason why I deserve it, you deserve it, and every person on earth deserves it. Romans 1:18 says, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness…” and verse 21tells us why:“ For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.”

Now stop for a moment and think of what it means to have a “darkened heart.” Are you thinking along the lines of hardened criminals? The men we see in the news – murderers, child molesters, rapists? Here’s the Bible’s portrayal of a darkened heart: “Professing to be wise, they became fools,” (rationalizing their sin, forming their own ideas about God and the world) “…and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image…” (idol worship. History is full of idolatry – even today, people you may know worship “nature” over God.) Are you thinking that these things really aren’t that extreme? Well, the darkened heart is only the first step. It’s at this point that God reveals His wrath.

How did God inflict His wrath? Romans 1:24: “God gave them up...” Verse 26: “God gave them up....” Verse 28: “God have them up....” Basically, God gave up!! He abandoned them. Read Romans 1:24-32. These verses describe the downward spiral of depravity in a person whom God has abandoned. Sure, some of the ramifications include murder and sexual sin. But the list also includes greed and envy. And strife (dissention), malice (spite), gossip (rumors), slander (insults), insolent (disrespect), arrogance (self-importance), boastful (proud), inventors of evil,
disobedience, without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful… Verse 32 says these things are worthy of death. I dare say, every person reading this is guilty. That said, I am - you are - we all are depraved. All mankind is depraved! And you may be uncomfortable and even provoked that I’d come right out and say it.

Consider the story of the modern day prodigal that came to the reading of his father’s Last Will and Testament. The young man stormed out of the lawyer’s office as the document was being read. See, the father began the Will by unfolding and recounting his son’s lifetime of bad behavior and wrongdoings. Being full of pride, this provoked and infuriated the son. So he walked out. Unfortunately, for the son, he missed the last paragraph of his father’s Will. See, the father had left his beloved son a very large estate and a few million dollars! The son failed to hear the whole story.

Yes, each of us is on that downward spiral of depravity unless and until we reach God’s grace and redemption. We need to hear and fully understand God’s plan of grace and redemption. We need to hear the whole “Will” of God for our lives. Please listen to all of what Romans will teach us.

-Pastor Mark