Chapter 1:26-32
VERSE BY VERSE STUDY ON THE BOOK OF ROMANS
By Pastor Greg Hooker
Read Scripture Text (Note: All Scriptures used are from the KJV.)
Chapter 1:26-32
Chapter 1:26-32
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.
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.
PAUL MAKES A LIST OF COMMON SINS BEING COMMITED
Verse 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:”
“For this cause”
Because some refused to glorify God, were unthankful, became polytheistic (the worship of more than one god), and idolaters, God gave them over to,
“vile affections”
These two words mean disgraceful and filled with unholy passions and desires. Paul’s goal was to show the church at Rome the dire condition of the pagan world around them, as if they didn’t know already, for many in the church we’re doing the same. In so doing, prove to them they needed another way to be justified before a holy God rather than their ‘good works’ or the law. In the following verses Paul has to go into detail of their pagan sins to reiterate what he is referring to.
NOTE: Sometimes a preacher, pastor, deacons, etc. must go into detail and call out specific sins in the church. While this is not pleasant or popular, it is necessary in order to leave no doubt as to what immoral acts need to be dealt with. Sin left un-dealt with in a church is like leaven, or yeast, it continues to rise and grow.
When known sin is allowed to expand and grow uninhibited, it will destroy the entire congregation including the pastor. Satan will rip, gouge, and demolish everything God had established. Most of us have witnessed this at least one time in our lives. Remember, Satan is the ultimate destroyer and he will never stop until he is confronted by God through Jesus’ name and in a Biblical way.
Thankfully there are clear instructions in Scripture that explains how this cleansing should take place. Yes, there may be a handful of parishioners who get upset and leave, but it’s far better than allowing sin to fester, spread to others, and destroy the entire church. To take Barney Fifes advice, the pastor and elders should ‘nip it in the bud!’ The longer you wait to deal with it, the stronger the foothold it has. It spreads like cancer to other parts of the body.
It is almost certain these vile sins mentioned by Paul were being practiced in the church at Rome. They were a young church of pagan Jews that were yet to learn how to conduct themselves as representatives of Christ. They were just beginning to taste of the “milk” of the Word.
It is well known that these sins were also openly displayed in the surrounding pagans. The mere fact of Paul charging the congregation with these sins is strong presumptive proof of them being practiced in the church as well. Paul would have never charged, or accused them unless he had concrete evidence of his accusation.
“For even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:”
Women prostituting, performing lesbianism, and abusing themselves in the most abominable manner. Openly and without shame they sold their bodies, and if not dealt with they will loose their souls.
Verse 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.”
“And likewise the men”
There’s no doubt as to the sins Paul was making reference to. It was the age-old sins of Sodom and Gomorrah. The word “Sodom” is where we get our English word, ‘sodomy’, meaning anal intercouse. Perhaps there is no sin which so deeply shows the depravity of man as this. Even at the mere thought of such vile affections should drive the guilty to hang their heads in utter shame, yet they openly glorified their unseemly acts. Sadly, this also included young children, for history bears record of this over and over. The unnatural perversion of young boys and girls was so common during Paul’s time, that in many places it was established by public laws.
The crime with which the apostle charges the Jewish believers was by no means confined to the lower classes of people. It doubtless pervaded all classes, for we have distinct records of its existence in a great number of cases.
“that recompence of their error which was meet.”
The meaning of this is that the effect of such unnatural passions resulted in sickening of the body producing premature aging, disease, decay, and an early death. One only has to research ancient and modern history to find that the indulgence of licentious passions as this will lead to sickness and untimely death.
Not only do these diseases effect the body, but they wreak havoc on the mind as well. They destroy the senses and “sear the conscience as with a hot iron.” The person living in homosexuality will loose their ability to determine right from wrong and the Spirit of God will allow them to destroy their bodies among themselves. In the end the foolish person will suffer eternal damnation in the Lake of Fire. You see, the Spirit of God cannot coexist in the same body as sin and Satan. Jesus said you are either with me, or against me. There is no middle ground.
Verse 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:”
“For this cause”
Because some refused to glorify God, were unthankful, became polytheistic (the worship of more than one god), and idolaters, God gave them over to,
“vile affections”
These two words mean disgraceful and filled with unholy passions and desires. Paul’s goal was to show the church at Rome the dire condition of the pagan world around them, as if they didn’t know already, for many in the church we’re doing the same. In so doing, prove to them they needed another way to be justified before a holy God rather than their ‘good works’ or the law. In the following verses Paul has to go into detail of their pagan sins to reiterate what he is referring to.
NOTE: Sometimes a preacher, pastor, deacons, etc. must go into detail and call out specific sins in the church. While this is not pleasant or popular, it is necessary in order to leave no doubt as to what immoral acts need to be dealt with. Sin left un-dealt with in a church is like leaven, or yeast, it continues to rise and grow.
When known sin is allowed to expand and grow uninhibited, it will destroy the entire congregation including the pastor. Satan will rip, gouge, and demolish everything God had established. Most of us have witnessed this at least one time in our lives. Remember, Satan is the ultimate destroyer and he will never stop until he is confronted by God through Jesus’ name and in a Biblical way.
Thankfully there are clear instructions in Scripture that explains how this cleansing should take place. Yes, there may be a handful of parishioners who get upset and leave, but it’s far better than allowing sin to fester, spread to others, and destroy the entire church. To take Barney Fifes advice, the pastor and elders should ‘nip it in the bud!’ The longer you wait to deal with it, the stronger the foothold it has. It spreads like cancer to other parts of the body.
It is almost certain these vile sins mentioned by Paul were being practiced in the church at Rome. They were a young church of pagan Jews that were yet to learn how to conduct themselves as representatives of Christ. They were just beginning to taste of the “milk” of the Word.
It is well known that these sins were also openly displayed in the surrounding pagans. The mere fact of Paul charging the congregation with these sins is strong presumptive proof of them being practiced in the church as well. Paul would have never charged, or accused them unless he had concrete evidence of his accusation.
“For even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:”
Women prostituting, performing lesbianism, and abusing themselves in the most abominable manner. Openly and without shame they sold their bodies, and if not dealt with they will loose their souls.
Verse 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.”
“And likewise the men”
There’s no doubt as to the sins Paul was making reference to. It was the age-old sins of Sodom and Gomorrah. The word “Sodom” is where we get our English word, ‘sodomy’, meaning anal intercouse. Perhaps there is no sin which so deeply shows the depravity of man as this. Even at the mere thought of such vile affections should drive the guilty to hang their heads in utter shame, yet they openly glorified their unseemly acts. Sadly, this also included young children, for history bears record of this over and over. The unnatural perversion of young boys and girls was so common during Paul’s time, that in many places it was established by public laws.
The crime with which the apostle charges the Jewish believers was by no means confined to the lower classes of people. It doubtless pervaded all classes, for we have distinct records of its existence in a great number of cases.
“that recompence of their error which was meet.”
The meaning of this is that the effect of such unnatural passions resulted in sickening of the body producing premature aging, disease, decay, and an early death. One only has to research ancient and modern history to find that the indulgence of licentious passions as this will lead to sickness and untimely death.
Not only do these diseases effect the body, but they wreak havoc on the mind as well. They destroy the senses and “sear the conscience as with a hot iron.” The person living in homosexuality will loose their ability to determine right from wrong and the Spirit of God will allow them to destroy their bodies among themselves. In the end the foolish person will suffer eternal damnation in the Lake of Fire. You see, the Spirit of God cannot coexist in the same body as sin and Satan. Jesus said you are either with me, or against me. There is no middle ground.
QUESTION INSTRUCTIONS: Please read each question and write your answer in the "COMMENT" box below. Be sure to number each answer corresponding to the question asked and be as thorough as possible. The more you put into this study, the more you will commit it to memory. IMPORTANT: Do not refresh or shut your computer down until you are finished with this section and click the "Submit" button or you will loose all your information.
1. What does the word ‘polytheistic’ mean?
2. What do the words “vile affections” mean?
3. What happens when sin is not dealt with in the local church?
4. What is Barney Fife’s favorite words?
5. Discuss “For even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:”
6. In your own words discuss verse 27.
7. What does ‘unnatural passions’ result in?
2. What do the words “vile affections” mean?
3. What happens when sin is not dealt with in the local church?
4. What is Barney Fife’s favorite words?
5. Discuss “For even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:”
6. In your own words discuss verse 27.
7. What does ‘unnatural passions’ result in?
Verse 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;”
“And even as they did not like”
The very reason why they chose such vile life styles was because they would not acknowledge God and His Word, even though deep down they knew what they were doing was unnatural and wrong. They simply chose sin over a Holy God and forsook Him to follow after the pleasures of the flesh.
“To retain God”
That is they refused not to even think of God, nor adore Him for who He is, their Creator and Savior. They pushed their God given ability to recognize Him deeper and deeper into the darkness of their minds. Herein lies their first step leading down a path to the destruction of mind, soul, and body. The consequences of their choice was a reprobate mind void of the ability to choose right from wrong.
“to do those things which are not convenient;”
It’s a very sad place to be in where God leaves you to do as you please and suffer the tragic outcome. It’s guaranteed you will not like it. The Lord left them to a state of mind which was evil, and which He could not accept or approve. In their minds, if God would not accept their chosen life style, then they would not accept Him. Sound familiar?
What they chose was improper, disgraceful, shameful, and a willful turning away from the Lord. When a person reaches these depths of depravity, only a miracle of the Lord can bring them out of the bottomless pit they have thrown themselves into.
Verse 29
“Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers
“Being filled with all Unrighteousness”
“Unrighteousness” is a general word meaning ‘iniquities’. Iniquities are sins that people refuse to repent of and forsake. They keep on enjoying them with no desire to change. It encompasses the sins named in the following verses.
“Fornication”
The word “fornication” was a common and almost universal term used during Paul’s day and means the same in our modern age. It denotes illicit sexual intercourse outside the bounds of marriage. People who cannot control their fleshly desires.
Please keep in mind how closely the sins in Paul’s day are duplicated in ours. They’ve never stopped, just expanded and intensified. Today society has indoctrinated people of all ages to accept these evil sins as ‘normal’. TV is perhaps one of the greatest inventions used by Satan to pump godless images into the brains that know better not to watch it.
“Wickedness”
This is a general term used for those who practice evil deeds. They take joy in wicked pleasures. Their sins are like drugs causing them to want more and more until they are addicted and awaiting death.
“Covetousness”
To covet is to desire to obtain what belongs to others. All of history is marked with this sin. Unfortunately it’s as common as breathing. People become jealous and desire to have more and more to stay ahead of ones neighbors. They want more and more ‘toys’. Rome during Paul’s day was saturated with desires of luxury and other extravagant commodities just as many do today.
“maliciousness”
Intentions to do harm. To induce pain and death on someone without cause. This is a strange phenomenon. Why would a person get gratification from hurting others? Yet it happens daily.
“Full of envy”
Producing pain, uneasiness, embarrassment, discontent, envious by another's prosperity, and causing hatred or evil. Often it leads to a desire or an effort to devalue the person, and with pleasure in seeing him depressed and downcast. They take morbid pleasure in seeing others suffer. Our word sadistic would amply describe them.
“Murder”
The taking of human life with premeditated malice. As it is today, murder was common place, especially in Rome where people congregated in great coliseums to watch bloody Gladiators fight to the death. Even in our modern day there are hundreds of murders every day. Just think about all the babies that are murdered every day around the world by wicked individuals who know not God. The wrath of the Lord abides upon them.
“Debate”
This word “debate” meant something different in Paul’s day. It meant contention, strife, altercation, and was connected with anger and heated zeal (Romans 13:13; 1 Corinthians 1:11; 1 Corinthians 3:3; 2 Corinthians 12:20; Galatians 5:20; Philippians 1:15; 1 Timothy 6:4; Titus 3:9).
“Deceit”
“Deceit” denotes fraud and falsehood. This was also common in those days as it is today. You see the world, flesh, and the Devil never changes. They are relentless! They only intensify and grow over time.
“malignity”
This word speaks of someone with evil intent. Their heart is malicious and dwells on causing pain and suffering to others for no practical reason, a trouble maker.
“Whisperers”
Those that spread gossip and stir up strife. Busy bodies causing conflict among others. As with the Roman church, modern churches experience the same. Whisperers always have forked tongues spreading gossip and lies. Don’t listen to them or you will be guilty of their sin, too.
“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;”
“And even as they did not like”
The very reason why they chose such vile life styles was because they would not acknowledge God and His Word, even though deep down they knew what they were doing was unnatural and wrong. They simply chose sin over a Holy God and forsook Him to follow after the pleasures of the flesh.
“To retain God”
That is they refused not to even think of God, nor adore Him for who He is, their Creator and Savior. They pushed their God given ability to recognize Him deeper and deeper into the darkness of their minds. Herein lies their first step leading down a path to the destruction of mind, soul, and body. The consequences of their choice was a reprobate mind void of the ability to choose right from wrong.
“to do those things which are not convenient;”
It’s a very sad place to be in where God leaves you to do as you please and suffer the tragic outcome. It’s guaranteed you will not like it. The Lord left them to a state of mind which was evil, and which He could not accept or approve. In their minds, if God would not accept their chosen life style, then they would not accept Him. Sound familiar?
What they chose was improper, disgraceful, shameful, and a willful turning away from the Lord. When a person reaches these depths of depravity, only a miracle of the Lord can bring them out of the bottomless pit they have thrown themselves into.
Verse 29
“Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers
“Being filled with all Unrighteousness”
“Unrighteousness” is a general word meaning ‘iniquities’. Iniquities are sins that people refuse to repent of and forsake. They keep on enjoying them with no desire to change. It encompasses the sins named in the following verses.
“Fornication”
The word “fornication” was a common and almost universal term used during Paul’s day and means the same in our modern age. It denotes illicit sexual intercourse outside the bounds of marriage. People who cannot control their fleshly desires.
Please keep in mind how closely the sins in Paul’s day are duplicated in ours. They’ve never stopped, just expanded and intensified. Today society has indoctrinated people of all ages to accept these evil sins as ‘normal’. TV is perhaps one of the greatest inventions used by Satan to pump godless images into the brains that know better not to watch it.
“Wickedness”
This is a general term used for those who practice evil deeds. They take joy in wicked pleasures. Their sins are like drugs causing them to want more and more until they are addicted and awaiting death.
“Covetousness”
To covet is to desire to obtain what belongs to others. All of history is marked with this sin. Unfortunately it’s as common as breathing. People become jealous and desire to have more and more to stay ahead of ones neighbors. They want more and more ‘toys’. Rome during Paul’s day was saturated with desires of luxury and other extravagant commodities just as many do today.
“maliciousness”
Intentions to do harm. To induce pain and death on someone without cause. This is a strange phenomenon. Why would a person get gratification from hurting others? Yet it happens daily.
“Full of envy”
Producing pain, uneasiness, embarrassment, discontent, envious by another's prosperity, and causing hatred or evil. Often it leads to a desire or an effort to devalue the person, and with pleasure in seeing him depressed and downcast. They take morbid pleasure in seeing others suffer. Our word sadistic would amply describe them.
“Murder”
The taking of human life with premeditated malice. As it is today, murder was common place, especially in Rome where people congregated in great coliseums to watch bloody Gladiators fight to the death. Even in our modern day there are hundreds of murders every day. Just think about all the babies that are murdered every day around the world by wicked individuals who know not God. The wrath of the Lord abides upon them.
“Debate”
This word “debate” meant something different in Paul’s day. It meant contention, strife, altercation, and was connected with anger and heated zeal (Romans 13:13; 1 Corinthians 1:11; 1 Corinthians 3:3; 2 Corinthians 12:20; Galatians 5:20; Philippians 1:15; 1 Timothy 6:4; Titus 3:9).
“Deceit”
“Deceit” denotes fraud and falsehood. This was also common in those days as it is today. You see the world, flesh, and the Devil never changes. They are relentless! They only intensify and grow over time.
“malignity”
This word speaks of someone with evil intent. Their heart is malicious and dwells on causing pain and suffering to others for no practical reason, a trouble maker.
“Whisperers”
Those that spread gossip and stir up strife. Busy bodies causing conflict among others. As with the Roman church, modern churches experience the same. Whisperers always have forked tongues spreading gossip and lies. Don’t listen to them or you will be guilty of their sin, too.
QUESTION INSTRUCTIONS: Please read each question and write your answer in the "COMMENT" box below. Be sure to number each answer corresponding to the question asked and be as thorough as possible. The more you put into this study, the more you will commit it to memory. IMPORTANT: Do not refresh or shut your computer down until you are finished with this section and click the "Submit" button or you will loose all your information.
1. Why did the people choose such vile lifestyles?
2. What is a ‘reprobate’ mind?
3. Discuss ‘fornication’.
4. What does it mean to ‘covet’?
5. What does ‘maliciousness’ mean?
6. What does the word ‘debate’ mean in Paul’s day?
7. Discuss ‘whisperers’.
2. What is a ‘reprobate’ mind?
3. Discuss ‘fornication’.
4. What does it mean to ‘covet’?
5. What does ‘maliciousness’ mean?
6. What does the word ‘debate’ mean in Paul’s day?
7. Discuss ‘whisperers’.
Verse 30
“Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,”
“Backbiters”
“Backbiters” are people who speak about others behind their backs and what they say is never pleasantries. While “whisperers” spoke in secret, “backbiters” did so out in public. They openly spread lies and gossip in the public arenas without shame or remorse. All these sins listed by Paul are a result of people rejecting God and His righteous ways.
“Despiteful”
This word denotes those who abuse, treat with unkindness, or disdain. They are like snakes in tall grass.
“Proud”
The word “pride” speaks for itself. It’s the first sin committed by Satan. He was “lifted with pride” and boasted that he and one third of the angels could overthrow God. We all know the outcome of that that story!
A person with a prideful heart will have a big ego, self-esteem, conceited, self superior, flaunting their talents, vain in beauty, a narcissist, and brags of wealth and accomplishments. The cure for pride is humility (James 4:10). This is one of the best descriptions of Satan in the Bible. If you’re trying to figure out who the Antichrist is, be sure to look for these qualities in him.
“Boasters”
“Boasters” is akin to “pride”. It’s a person who is arrogate of their possessions and glories in them. They become their idols as they strut around with a ‘Look at me personna’. They believe they are the talk of the town and that the world revolves around them.
“Inventors of evil things”
This doubtless refers to those seeking to find out new ways or plans to practice evil, to discover new devices to gratify their lusts and passions. So intent are they on practicing evil and so resolved to gratifying their passions, their minds were compelled to discover new modes of gratification. They became board with their present sins and so devised other ways to satisfy themselves. The Devil is a trickster and he will gladly lead you step by step into limitless darkness.
“Disobedient to parents”
Most everyone has seen or dealt with this sin - children who show no respect, honor, and attention to their parents. Once again, this is an ageless form of rebellion and has pagan origins. They have been practiced since the dawn of history.
Today many children treat their parents with disdain and disrespect. We now have an entire generation raised with disrespect-fullness toward parents, society, and the rule of law. Parents don’t correct them, schools teach rebellion, and the government sanctions it. It is interesting to note: Jewish law enforced the death penalty for children consistently committing this crime. I venture a guess that curbed a lot of rebellion!
Verse 31
“Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:”
“Without understanding”
Or inconsiderate and foolish. “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“ (Romans 1:21-22).
“Covenant breakers”
Frequently people went back on their word and broke their contracts. Their word meant nothing. We are also living in a time when you can’t trust anyone.
“Without natural affections”
This expression denotes the lack of affections regarding their children. The loving attachment of parents to their children is one of the strongest in nature and nothing can overcome it. Only the most confirmed and established wickedness can sever that bond, but unfortunately it happens daily.
It also referred to the evil pagan practice of parents putting their own offspring to death.
The Canaanites sacrificed their sons and daughters and offered them to the idols of Canaan (Psalm 106:37-38).
Manasseh likewise among the Jews imitated their example and introduced the horrid custom of sacrificing children to the god Moloch. He set the example by offering his own son (2 Chronicles 33:6).
Among the ancient Persians it was a common custom to bury children alive. In most of the Grecian states, infanticide was not merely permitted, but actually sanctioned by law. How could a society go so deep in sin, yet it occurs today in untold numbers as we will discuss in a moment.
The Spartan lawgiver expressly ordained that every child that was born should be examined by the ancient men of the tribe, and that if found weak or deformed, they should be thrown into a deep cavern alive at the foot of Mount Taygetus.
Aristotle, in his work on government, prohibits the exposure of children that are naturally feeble and deformed in order to prevent an excess of population (infanticide and population control). Sound familiar?
But among all the nations of antiquity, the Romans were the most unrelenting in their treatment of infants. Romulus obliged the citizens to bring up all their male children, and the oldest of the females, so the others remaining could be slaughtered - shredded to pieces with their double-edged-swords. A Roman father had an absolute right over the life of his child at any age, and we have abundant proof that right was often exercised.
In China the police would travel the streets with carts to pickup the corpses of children of all ages thrown out by parents who didn’t want them. They would take them and dump their bodies in a deep pit outside of the city as trash.
Today we have the same evil of “unnatural affections” for children, as we see murder mills in practically every big city in our country lawfully slaughtering babies with tax-payer money. They call it ‘abortion’, but the correct name is murder! In addition, child trafficking is one of the most lucrative businesses in existence. It is of gigantic proportions the world over.
So much wickedness down through the ages makes you wonder why God hasn’t wiped humanity from the face of the earth. Whoa to them who are perpetrators of this most evil of evils. There will be justice and punishment from our Creator one day for this crime against humanity. God keeps complete and accurate notes. No one will escape justice.
“Implacable”
This word properly denotes those who will not be reconciled where there is a quarrel, and who pursues the offender with unyielding revenge. It denotes an unforgiving temper - a hot head. They are out to track you down if it takes their entire life.
“Unmerciful”
Someone destitute of compassion. They give no thought for the poor and helpless. They are selfish and will not raise a hand to help the less fortunate regardless of their great wealth. Selfishness is the motto they live by.
“Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,”
“Backbiters”
“Backbiters” are people who speak about others behind their backs and what they say is never pleasantries. While “whisperers” spoke in secret, “backbiters” did so out in public. They openly spread lies and gossip in the public arenas without shame or remorse. All these sins listed by Paul are a result of people rejecting God and His righteous ways.
“Despiteful”
This word denotes those who abuse, treat with unkindness, or disdain. They are like snakes in tall grass.
“Proud”
The word “pride” speaks for itself. It’s the first sin committed by Satan. He was “lifted with pride” and boasted that he and one third of the angels could overthrow God. We all know the outcome of that that story!
A person with a prideful heart will have a big ego, self-esteem, conceited, self superior, flaunting their talents, vain in beauty, a narcissist, and brags of wealth and accomplishments. The cure for pride is humility (James 4:10). This is one of the best descriptions of Satan in the Bible. If you’re trying to figure out who the Antichrist is, be sure to look for these qualities in him.
“Boasters”
“Boasters” is akin to “pride”. It’s a person who is arrogate of their possessions and glories in them. They become their idols as they strut around with a ‘Look at me personna’. They believe they are the talk of the town and that the world revolves around them.
“Inventors of evil things”
This doubtless refers to those seeking to find out new ways or plans to practice evil, to discover new devices to gratify their lusts and passions. So intent are they on practicing evil and so resolved to gratifying their passions, their minds were compelled to discover new modes of gratification. They became board with their present sins and so devised other ways to satisfy themselves. The Devil is a trickster and he will gladly lead you step by step into limitless darkness.
“Disobedient to parents”
Most everyone has seen or dealt with this sin - children who show no respect, honor, and attention to their parents. Once again, this is an ageless form of rebellion and has pagan origins. They have been practiced since the dawn of history.
Today many children treat their parents with disdain and disrespect. We now have an entire generation raised with disrespect-fullness toward parents, society, and the rule of law. Parents don’t correct them, schools teach rebellion, and the government sanctions it. It is interesting to note: Jewish law enforced the death penalty for children consistently committing this crime. I venture a guess that curbed a lot of rebellion!
Verse 31
“Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:”
“Without understanding”
Or inconsiderate and foolish. “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“ (Romans 1:21-22).
“Covenant breakers”
Frequently people went back on their word and broke their contracts. Their word meant nothing. We are also living in a time when you can’t trust anyone.
“Without natural affections”
This expression denotes the lack of affections regarding their children. The loving attachment of parents to their children is one of the strongest in nature and nothing can overcome it. Only the most confirmed and established wickedness can sever that bond, but unfortunately it happens daily.
It also referred to the evil pagan practice of parents putting their own offspring to death.
The Canaanites sacrificed their sons and daughters and offered them to the idols of Canaan (Psalm 106:37-38).
Manasseh likewise among the Jews imitated their example and introduced the horrid custom of sacrificing children to the god Moloch. He set the example by offering his own son (2 Chronicles 33:6).
Among the ancient Persians it was a common custom to bury children alive. In most of the Grecian states, infanticide was not merely permitted, but actually sanctioned by law. How could a society go so deep in sin, yet it occurs today in untold numbers as we will discuss in a moment.
The Spartan lawgiver expressly ordained that every child that was born should be examined by the ancient men of the tribe, and that if found weak or deformed, they should be thrown into a deep cavern alive at the foot of Mount Taygetus.
Aristotle, in his work on government, prohibits the exposure of children that are naturally feeble and deformed in order to prevent an excess of population (infanticide and population control). Sound familiar?
But among all the nations of antiquity, the Romans were the most unrelenting in their treatment of infants. Romulus obliged the citizens to bring up all their male children, and the oldest of the females, so the others remaining could be slaughtered - shredded to pieces with their double-edged-swords. A Roman father had an absolute right over the life of his child at any age, and we have abundant proof that right was often exercised.
In China the police would travel the streets with carts to pickup the corpses of children of all ages thrown out by parents who didn’t want them. They would take them and dump their bodies in a deep pit outside of the city as trash.
Today we have the same evil of “unnatural affections” for children, as we see murder mills in practically every big city in our country lawfully slaughtering babies with tax-payer money. They call it ‘abortion’, but the correct name is murder! In addition, child trafficking is one of the most lucrative businesses in existence. It is of gigantic proportions the world over.
So much wickedness down through the ages makes you wonder why God hasn’t wiped humanity from the face of the earth. Whoa to them who are perpetrators of this most evil of evils. There will be justice and punishment from our Creator one day for this crime against humanity. God keeps complete and accurate notes. No one will escape justice.
“Implacable”
This word properly denotes those who will not be reconciled where there is a quarrel, and who pursues the offender with unyielding revenge. It denotes an unforgiving temper - a hot head. They are out to track you down if it takes their entire life.
“Unmerciful”
Someone destitute of compassion. They give no thought for the poor and helpless. They are selfish and will not raise a hand to help the less fortunate regardless of their great wealth. Selfishness is the motto they live by.
QUESTION INSTRUCTIONS: Please read each question and write your answer in the "COMMENT" box below. Be sure to number each answer corresponding to the question asked and be as thorough as possible. The more you put into this study, the more you will commit it to memory. IMPORTANT: Do not refresh or shut your computer down until you are finished with this section and click the "Submit" button or you will loose all your information.
8. What’s the difference between “whisperers” and “backbiters”?
9. Whats the first sin committed by Satan?
10. Discuss “inventors of evil things”.
11. What could happen to disobedient children under Jewish law?
12. Explain what is meant by“Without natural affections”
13. Among all the nations of the world in Paul’s day, who was the worst against children?
14. Discuss “unnatural affections” as it relates to our modern day.
15. Explain what “implacable” means.
9. Whats the first sin committed by Satan?
10. Discuss “inventors of evil things”.
11. What could happen to disobedient children under Jewish law?
12. Explain what is meant by“Without natural affections”
13. Among all the nations of the world in Paul’s day, who was the worst against children?
14. Discuss “unnatural affections” as it relates to our modern day.
15. Explain what “implacable” means.
Verse 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.”
“The judgment of God”
The word "judgment" here denotes that those who practice these sins are worthy of death. God decreed, or judged that they which did such abominable things ought to die. “The Lord is a righteous Judge and will not at all aquit the wicked.”
The word "death" in the Scriptures is often used to denote an act of punishment for crimes committed, but here it does not mean capital punishment from the civil magistrate in this instance. It means that the people which live such sinful lives are offensive to God, and deserving of punishment from His own hand.
NOTE: As we all know, our world is no different. In fact it’s certainly on a much larger scale. However, according to Paul, they which commit such crimes against God deserve death at His hands, not by civil authorities. We may not like their sinful lifestyles, but as children of the Lord we are to share the love of Christ with them in hopes they will repent and be saved.
“Have pleasure”
They have pleasure and delight in committing sin and go about encouraging others to do likewise. Recruiters they become, in an effort to justify and make normal their own lifestyle. Only the grace of God can deliver their souls.
“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.”
“The judgment of God”
The word "judgment" here denotes that those who practice these sins are worthy of death. God decreed, or judged that they which did such abominable things ought to die. “The Lord is a righteous Judge and will not at all aquit the wicked.”
The word "death" in the Scriptures is often used to denote an act of punishment for crimes committed, but here it does not mean capital punishment from the civil magistrate in this instance. It means that the people which live such sinful lives are offensive to God, and deserving of punishment from His own hand.
NOTE: As we all know, our world is no different. In fact it’s certainly on a much larger scale. However, according to Paul, they which commit such crimes against God deserve death at His hands, not by civil authorities. We may not like their sinful lifestyles, but as children of the Lord we are to share the love of Christ with them in hopes they will repent and be saved.
“Have pleasure”
They have pleasure and delight in committing sin and go about encouraging others to do likewise. Recruiters they become, in an effort to justify and make normal their own lifestyle. Only the grace of God can deliver their souls.
QUESTION INSTRUCTIONS: Please read each question and write your answer in the "COMMENT" box below. Be sure to number each answer corresponding to the question asked and be as thorough as possible. The more you put into this study, the more you will commit it to memory. IMPORTANT: Do not refresh or shut your computer down until you are finished with this section and click the "Submit" button or you will loose all your information.
16. What does the word “judgement” mean?
17. What does the word “death” mean in this passage?
17. What does the word “death” mean in this passage?