November 19
Read Romans 1
In Today's
Paul's desire to visit the Christians in
Satan and all unbelievers will one day be judged and then cast into the eternal lake of fire (Revelation 20:10,13-15). For the wrath of God is . . . against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold (suppress) the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. . . . so that they are without excuse: Because . . . when they knew God, they glorified (honored) Him not as God, neither were thankful . . . their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man. . . . Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves (Romans 1:18-27).
Three times we read how God gave them up to their degrading passions (1:24,26,28). There are some people who view sex as no more than a physical appetite to be satisfied. But, Christ has said: The fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers . . . shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death (Revelation 21:8). Sex is a gift from God which can bring lasting satisfaction and fulfillment only within the marriage relationship of one man with one woman. Victory over sexual perversion is possible only when it is seen for what it really is, not as sickness or as an alternative lifestyle, but as sin.
There is a disturbing and growing ignorance of the Bible, the only Book which reveals sin for what it is — rebellion against God. As Creator, He alone has the right to set the standard for righteousness.
There is also a growing neglect of the church and a tendency to misuse the Lord's day and His tithe for selfish pleasures. Doing so gradually removes a concern for any sense of guilt.
With great joy and thankfulness Christians should proclaim the Good News that God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).
Word Studies:
1:13 let hitherto = prevented; 1:21 vain = morally misguided, empty, worthless; 1:29 debate = strife; malignity = depravity of heart; whisperers = gossipers; 2:22 commit sacrilege = rob temples; 3:2 oracles = the Scriptures; 3:25 propitiation = satisfaction, reconciliation; remission = forgiving former sins.
Cross References:
For Romans 1:17: See Hab. 2:4. Romans 2:24: See Isaiah 52:5. Romans 3:4: See Psalm 51:4. Romans 3:10: See Psalm 14:1. Romans 3:11: See Psalm 14:2. Romans 3:12: See Psalm 14:3. Romans 3:13: See Psalm 5:9; 140:3 Romans 3:14: See Psalm 10:7. Romans 3:15: See Isaiah 59:7. Romans 3:16-17: See Isaiah 59:7-8. Romans 3:18: See Psalm 36:1.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in memory of Iva Ann McElroy · Government Officials: Rep. Gary Ackerman (NY), Rep. Jo Bonner (AL), Sen. Tom Harkin (IA), and Rep. Lamar Smith (TX) · Country: Vanuatu (189,000) a group of 12 large islands southwest of the Solomon Islands in the southwestern Pacific · Major languages: English and French · Religious freedom · 78% Protestant; 17% Roman Catholic · Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to forgive your sins (Psalm 25:11).
Memory Verse for the Week: James 1:25