Read: Romans 1:18-31
They exchanged the truth about God for a lie. (v. 25)
How did we become experts at sin? Paul described the path sin takes once we start down its journey. First, though, the majesty of creation is meant to reveal God’s glory to us (v. 20). We were created in God’s image, for relationship with God and each other (Genesis 1-2). Next, we rejected that glory, listened to Satan’s lie, and exchanged God’s glory for something else (v. 23). This is what happened when Adam and Eve ate the fruit God said not to eat (Genesis 3). For us, it might be money, possessions, relationships, experiences, or the like. Whatever we exchange for God cannot satisfy the God-created space in our souls.
Finally, “God gave them up” (Rom. 1:24, 26, 28) to increasing depths of sin. When we exchange God’s glory for a lie, we will never be satisfied. Sin is a cruel master that always wants more. Anything that replaces God in our lives will never be enough. Left to ourselves we descend into all manner of evil (v. 29).
That is hard to take. And yet, while “God gave them up” to all manner of sin, God does not give up on them. And he doesn’t give up on us. Paul later wrote, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift” (Rom. 3:23-24). We are completely lost, but Jesus is the Good Shepherd who looks for lost sheep (Luke 15:4). —Jon Opgenorth
As you pray, ask God to remind you of his glory in Jesus.
About the Author
Rev. Jon Opgenorth serves as president of Words of Hope. Previously, he served for 18 years as senior pastor at Trinity Reformed Church in Orange City, Iowa. In preparation for ministry, he received a BA in Religion from Northwestern College, and an MDiv from Fuller Theological Seminary.
