For this reason, God gave them up to vile passions. For their women changed the natural function into that which is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural function of the woman, burned in their lust toward one another, men doing what is inappropriate with men, and receiving in themselves the due penalty of their error. Romans 1:26-27
Paul begins his letter to the Romans with a greeting announcing the resurrected Christ. The apostle continues describing his responsibility in Christ to call all Gentiles to obedience through faith in God. In his lengthy introduction, Paul details his longing to visit Rome and share the gospel message of Jesus Christ.
After his introduction, Paul’s message shifts to the wrath of God against sinful humanity. He gives a reason for God’s righteous anger against the wickedness of mankind. Chiefly it is idolatry and the worship of material things that lead us astray. As Paul writes in Romans 1:25, “They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen. NIV”
Be Fruitful and Multiply
What Paul describes as “vile passions,” lusts of the flesh, corrupt mankind causing rebellion to the good things of God. Paul asserts that the invisible things of God are apparent through the nature of his creation. However, as sinful people, we sometimes choose to indulge in passions that are in opposition to the intentions of God. In verses twenty-six and twenty-seven of his letter to the Romans, Paul addresses worldly opposition to the natural function of sex to bond a man and woman in marriage for reproduction and raising offspring.
We read in Genesis 1:27-28, ‘God created man in his own image. In God’s image he created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them. God said to them, ‘Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the sky, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.’ WEB”
The Wisdom of God
Calling same sex relations “vile passions,” Paul points to the obvious distinction of sex between a man and woman for marital bonding and procreation and the self satisfaction of sex outside of this God-given institution. As men cannot reproduce with men and women cannot reproduce with women, it is therefore apparent that our Creator did not design his creation for these activities.
In a worldly sense of wisdom, some individuals reject the wisdom of God. For this reason, Paul writes in Romans 1:28, “Even as they refused to have God in their knowledge, God gave them up to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not fitting. WEB” God does not force us to recognize his authority, but he does desire that we recognize the truth of his existence and his purpose for his creation. When we fail to do so, he allows that we are given over to our misguided “vile passions” and their consequences.
Prayer: ‘Father God, thank you for revealing yourself through your creation. Thank you for the instruction and clarity of your holy word. Guide me to follow your will with your Holy Spirit. Give me wisdom to boldly share the truth recorded in scripture. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: He Took Up Our Pain
