1st Chapter of Romans

replaced. When an apostle has died as faithful, he continues to be an apostle in Heaven, not needing replacement on Earth, for their words continue to testify to the commission assigned by Jesus. In Joh 17:6-21 Jesus illustrates the commission given to these apostles, and how they were to impact others who were not apostles. In Mat 19:28 Jesus teaches how they will continue to be apostles even in Heaven, so nowhere do we see the church practicing a replacement for them, not even after James is martyred (Act 12:2).

Why is Paul an apostle? He was not one of the original 12, nor was he chosen after Judas was replaced! Paul himself describes how he became an apostle by the will of God when he was on his way to Damascus. We know the Lord gave Ananias the reason why he chooses Paul in Act 9:15.

At one time, scholars thought that New Testament Greek was a special "divine" language. However, since scholarship proved in the early 1900s that the Greek of the New Testament was commonly spoken by the average businessman in the Roman Empire, the focus on Greek vocabulary in the New Testament has changed. Instead of looking at the entire language as being "special," scholars now look at individual words to see if they have been commandeered for theological or ecclesiological meanings. This happens often enough in the New Testament to discuss a word or two.

Two such words that have been lifted from common discourse to have special ecclesiological meanings are the words DIAKONOS and APOSTOLOS, transliterated deacon and apostle, respectively. Each of these words has both an ordinary sense and a special, unique sense in which they are used in the New Testament. In their ordinary sense, DIAKONOS means "a servant" and APOSTOLOS means "one who is sent." Each word has corresponding verb forms as well: DIAKONEW (to serve, wait, or minister) and APOSTELLW (to send away, dispatch, dismiss). DIAKONOS is found thirty-one times in the Greek New Testament. In the authorized version, it is translated "minister" twenty times, "servant" eight times, and "deacon" three times (1Ti 3:10 and 1Ti 3:13 are from a different Greek word). APOSTOLOS is found eighty-one times in the Greek New Testament. In the authorized version it is translated "apostle" 78 times, "messenger" two times, and "he that is sent" once. This last translation is found in Joh 13:16, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him."

Some examples of the non-special usage of APOSTOLOS are found in such passages as Luk 11:49, "Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute;" also Joh 13:16, which we have already discussed, and Act 14:14 where both Paul and Barnabas are described as apostles because they were sent by the Holy Spirit from the church at Antioch (see Act 13:2). Of course, the vast majority of the usage of this word in the New Testament is in the specialized sense of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus. See Mat 10:2, Luk 6:13, Luk 22:14, etc.

Paul describes his work and himself now as "set apart for the Gospel (euaggelion: Good News; good message) of God". He sees himself and what he does and thinks as it relates to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Is that the way you view your life, goals and thoughts; as they relate to the Gospel of Jesus?

To be set apart means to be holy (Grk. hagios), which is to be different. Different from the common things. The church are the called out (Grk. ekklesia), or assembly of God. Called and set apart for a divine task - speaking the Gospel of Christ (1Pe 1:14-17; 2Co 6:16-17).

1- Under the Old Covenant some were set apart as Nazirites (Num 6:1-8)

a- They were consecrated (holy) to the Lord

b- They were to abstain from many of the things others enjoyed

c- They had special missions to bring about God's plan

2- Some who were separated to the Lord from birth:

a- Samson - Judges 13

b- John the baptizer - Luk 1:12-16

3- God called Paul to be set apart for the Gospel and Paul responded

a- Act 26:19 - Paul was not disobedient to the vision of Jesus

b- Act 9:15-22 - He was to preach to the Jews and Gentiles.

4- Paul's life was all about the Gospel of Jesus!

a- His main objective was to make known the love of Jesus for mankind

1Co 2:2 - He only wanted to preach Jesus and Him crucified

b- Paul did not live for himself, nor did he have his own agenda. Everything was for Christ and because of Christ! He truly crucified himself (Gal 2:20)!

c- His goal was to finish the task Jesus gave him (Act 20:24).

We know the Gospel is the Good News. The Good News is summarized in 1Co 15:1-4.

The Good News:

1. Is Preached

2. Is Received

3. You take your stand on it

4. You are saved by it

The Good News saves you if you hold fast to the true Gospel as it is in the original message of God's prophets and apostles; otherwise whatever you believe in is in vain - that is, of no use to you or others.

The Gospel is:

1. The death of Jesus on the Cross for payment of man's sins

2. The burial of Jesus, which is where we can join Him when we are baptized (Rom 6:3-4)

3. The resurrection of Jesus which gives us the hope of eternal life, declares Him as Sovereign Lord and brings us the Holy Spirit.(Rom 1:4; 1Pe 1:3; Joh 16:7)

This is the message that everyone needs to hear and so be saved (Mat 28:19-20; Mar 16:15-16). If this message is ignored it will cost you eternity away from God and Jesus (2Th 1:7-8).

To truly be a Gospel carrier, you have to die to self and live for the Gospel and be set apart for the Gospel.

1- If we are not bond-servants of Jesus, we are bond-servants of sin.

2- A bond-servant of Jesus is totally sold out to Jesus

a- Luk 14:31-33 - You have to renounce all that you have!

i- Do you have to sell your home and your car and live on the streets?

Phm 1:2 - Philemon had a home. So did Priscilla and Aquila (1Co 16:19).

b- You need to consider ahead of time whether or not you are willing to become His disciple

i- It will take everything you have

ii- It will affect every future decision you make

iii- His Kingdom and righteousness will be your first priority, not just a top priority.

iv- Halfway measures will not get you there. It is all or nothing!

v- You must surrender all!

vi- Instead of thinking about yourself as an owner, you need to think as a steward of God, using all you have in service of the Kingdom of God

3- Phi 2:5-8 - description of a bond-servant.

a- A bond-servant is humble and obedient, even unto death!

b- Who is your master? Who or what are you serving? What's your agenda? Is it all for God or for yourself?

c- For the answer look at your heart and look at the fruit of your life and your decisions

d- You can change the course of your life by choosing to be God's slave instead of Satan's.

e- 1Pe 2:15-17 - Use your life and your mind to serve the Lord!

Romans 1:2

the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures

The Gospel was prophesied long ago in the Scriptures (Jer 31:31-34; Heb 8:10-11), as Peter tells us (1Pe 1:10-12) it was a mystery which was revealed to the apostles and prophets and now to us through their word (Joh 17:20). The promise of the Gospel, the Good News concerning Jesus, God's Son, and our salvation in Him (Act 26:22-23; Isaiah 53; Act 2:24-32) was first prophesied in the Garden of Eden (Gen 3:15); and subsequently fulfilled through Abraham (Gen 12:3; Gen 18:18; Gen 22:18; Act 3:25).

These promises and messages can be followed and confirmed through the Holy Scriptures (Holy Write; writings; inspired of God [2Ti 3:14-17]). Only the sacred (special; different) writing of God contain the true message of the Gospel. God used His prophets to deliver these messages, but chose a very special messenger to bring about these prophecies to fruition: His Son (Heb 1:1-3)!

Romans 1:3

regarding his Son, who as to his human nature was a descendant of David,

Jesus, God's only Son, fulfills two promises mentioned here: In his human nature he was to fulfill the inheritance of David's throne. Jesus is a descendant of David, the actual descendant who was to take over the Kingdom of God as promised in the Scriptures (Mat 1:1, Mat 1:6, Mat 1:20; Luk 1:27; Joh 7:42; Act 13:23).

This argument presents to us the absolute humanity of Jesus. He was fully in the flesh as a man (Phi 2:5-8).

Romans 1:4

and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.

The resurrection is what proves the deity of Jesus; being the true Son of God. His authority was confirmed publicly and irrefutably by that fact to the whole universe. It was the power of the Holy Spirit that allowed Him to defy death and be victorious over it, since He was in the flesh (1Pe 3:18; Rev 1:18).

What happened to him is a preview of what awaits the saints of the Most High (1Co 6:14; 1Co 15:43; 2Co 13:4; Col 2:12). When we died with Him and were buried in water with Him, we were raised to live a new life! We have been raised from the dead life of the flesh and will certainly be raised in a new body when Jesus returns!

The power of the Holy Spirit is what gives the power to the Gospel of Jesus!

Romans 1:5

Through him and for his name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith.

Grace is given to bring about obedience

It is through the Lord and His work of salvation that we have received the grace of the ministry we partake of; particularly for Paul, the apostleship. Our new work is to make the Gospel known to bring about obedience in mankind; the obedience that comes from true faith; a response of obedience by faith in the work of God. We know that those who don't obey are among the condemned when Jesus is revealed from Heaven (2Th 1:8-9).

Right from the beginning the Holy Spirit wants to make it clear that the faith we will we talking about here is an obedient faith (see also Rom 6:17; Rom 16:26). We know there is no such thing as a "faith only" creed in the Scriptures. True faith, the faith that saves, is an obedient faith - obedient to the Gospel (Jam 2:14-24)! Even Jesus needed to learn obedience (Heb 5:8-9)!

This obedient faith is what will save the entire world! Jesus Gospel is an all inclusive Gospel, not an exclusive one!

The world will have you believe that the Gospel of Jesus is only for some people, that it is a cultural or ethnic thing, But God's covenants were never so. They are meant to be all inclusive, not to exclude anyone other than those who wish to be excluded! The choice is given to each man and woman. The Gospel supersedes and demolishes any other creed or religion among man through the power of the spirit of holiness.

It's saving grace is extended on God's part to all nations for the salvation of their souls through the name of His one and only Son, Jesus Christ, who's deity and inheritance was proven through the power of the Spirit when He was raised from the dead.

Romans 1:6

And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.

We are all called to belong to Jesus! How do we belong to the called? By obedient faith! In order to belong we need to forsake the world and obey God's righteousness; to be a friend to the world means to be an enemy to Christ (Jam 4:4).

Joh 6:44-45 (NIV)

44 "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day.

45 It is written in the Prophets: 'They will all be taught by God.' Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me.

Mar 16:15-16

15 He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.

16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

All are called to belong to Jesus! Jews and Gentile alike!

Romans 1:7

To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

SALUTATIONS

The letter specifically is addressed to all in Rome who are loved by God. Now God loves everyone and calls everyone to repent (Joh 3:16; 1Ti 2:4). However, he has a vested interest in those who are called to be saints, called to belong to Jesus Christ, for God so loved the world... (Joh 3:16)

He addresses those specifically who are in Rome and have been joined unto the body of Christ by their obedience to the Gospel. They are called to be saints - all Christians are saints. just like all Christians are disciples. To be a saint means to be sanctified (Joh 17:17) or set apart (Col 1:13). Set apart from what? From the rest of the disobedient world. The brethren were called saints while they were living! Even though they had many problems and had to be corrected and rebuked (as those in Corinth - see 1Co 1:2) they were still known as the saints, those sanctified in Christ Jesus! You don't have to perform miracles or be perfect or be dead and canonized to be saint - quite the opposite. Just be obedient to Jesus' teaching!

In this letter you will see their obedience explained and detailed in chapter 6. Many who use this letter to justify false doctrine do so without knowing the premise that this letter addresses saints, in other words, those who have already obeyed the Gospel by joining Jesus through baptism (Romans 6).

Only those who've put their sinful nature to death and have been joined to Jesus can enjoy the grace and peace that comes from the Father through our Lord Jesus. "Peace" or "Shalom" was the customary greeting for the Hebrews. "Grace" or "God's favor, goodwill and kindness" was the one for the Greeks. Paul combines both in his salutations: "Grace and Peace".

Romans 1:8

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world.

The I's of Paul in the Holy Spirit begin here

Jesus is our mediator (1Ti 2:5). Christ is a mediator by nature, as partaking of both natures divine and human; and mediator by office, as transacting matters between God and man.- it is through Him we always give thanks and make prayer and supplication before our God (Joh 14:13-14; Joh 16:23; Col 3:17). It is His name that precedes every name (Act 4:12; Phi 2:9-11) - Paul always had to mention that he was thankful because of and through Jesus (Rom 7:25)!

We are not to make any other person, created thing or doctrines mediate between us and our Heavenly Father (Joh 14:6).

What was Paul being thankful for? Apparently the Roman church was preaching the Gospel fervently and news of their faith was known throughout the world at that time:

a. They embraced the Gospel

b. The impact of the Gospel was shown in their conduct

c. Romans 16:19, “Everyone has heard about your obedience…”

d. They were doing as Christ commanded in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

i. Our example in our homes, in our job, in the world should be that of a light that shines!

ii. People ought to be envious of who we are in spirit and deed!

e. In a city filled with wickedness and Satanic distractions, their faith proved genuine and strong!

The I's of Paul

1. I thank my God - v. 8 (He was full of gratefulness)

2. I long to see you - v. 11 (He sought fellowship)

3. I want you to know - v. 13 (He was transparent/open)

4. I am obligated - v. 14 (He had a sense of duty towards unbelievers)

5. I am eager - v. 15 (He was zealous for the Gospel)

6. I am not ashamed - v. 16 (He was bold)

Romans 1:9

God, whom I serve with my whole heart in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you

We can see here Paul's consummation with the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He had given himself wholly to do this task: physically, emotionally and spiritually! Emphasis here on the spirit (pneuma: spirit; life; mind). Only the NIV uses "heart". He also constantly interceded for the saints in prayers (1Th 5:17).What a servant!

Can you in all good conscience call on God as your witness in interceding for the saints on a constant basis?

Romans 1:10

in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God's will the way may be opened for me to come to you.

Paul's desire was to meet the Roman saints face to face

Paul was incessant when praying for the churches. He is always bringing them up to the Lord for various reasons and in many different ways. His prayer concerning the Romans was to be able to see them again and be among them.

Notice how Paul wants it first to be God's will that this happens. He doesn’t want to do it by his own might, but by dependence on God, as our Lord Jesus did (Mat 26:39); therefore that is his prayer, to align himself to God's will about this and every other matter. Little did he know that it was God's will for him to go to Rome, only in chains, after surviving a ship wreck and a snake bite (Act 23:11)!

Romans 1:11

I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong--

Paul's desire was to also impart to them more spiritual gifts. He is most likely talking about the laying on of the hands to impart a miraculous gift of the Spirit (Act 8:18). Apparently the Roman church had some members who had some of the gifts of the Spirit (Rom 12:6-7), but Paul wanted them to be even more prepared and encouraged with more gifts he wanted to impart. Perhaps they were not complete since the list of the gifts mentioned is not as complete as the one mentioned in Corinthians (1Co 12:7-10). Remember the purpose of the miraculous gifts of the Spirit was to confirm the word (Mar 16:20).

Romans 1:12

that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith.

The gift Paul wanted to impart was for the purpose of making them stronger in Jesus, Paul explains -- "that they may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith".

Not only did he want to go to give them something, but Paul also emphasizes that he had something to gain from them as well, as the Scriptures teach (Heb 10:24-25), having a common faith and a common love leads to a common bond (Eph 4:5).

Romans 1:13

I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles.

Here Paul explains that he wanted to come to them sooner, but was unable to. I can deduce that the brothers in Rome were eagerly waiting for Paul's arrival, not only to be encouraged by the spiritual gifts but to be able to see him again and be encouraged by his faith. There was perhaps some discouragement as to his tarrying and this is why Paul needs to assure them of his intentions.

You know how sometimes people may tell you they are going to do something for you, but that time never comes around. People used to say, "When I get around to it I'll do this, that or the other..." If you take people at their word you could become quite discouraged, because as easy as they told you they were going to do something, like visit you or give you something, as easily they forget. We need to be careful not to cause discouragement and suspicion on our person in this way. We need to be people of our word, as Jam 4:13-14 says, don't say things you cannot guarantee or fulfill, since it destroys your credibility before the Lord.

Paul explains that he also has an interest in going, not only to encourage them but also to continue preaching the Gospel in Rome, making more disciples for the Lord among the Gentiles (ethnos: that is, a tribe; specifically a foreign (non-Jewish) one (usually by implication pagan): - Gentile, heathen, nation, people) in that city as he had done in other cities throughout the nations. Paul was truthfully carrying out the Great Commission of our Lord Jesus!

Romans 1:14

I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish.

Paul's mission directive is made obvious here again: his commitment to spread the Gospel of Jesus and to present it among the Gentiles and Jews alike. He saw it as an obligation (a binding contract independent of God's promise of eternal life). When we see to it to fulfill our obligations we are responsible; able to give a response from the position given to us. Do you treat preaching the Gospel to all as an obligation, or as something you just do when you have the time? How responsible do you think you are to let others know about the Gospel?

Opportunity + Ability = Responsibility

Paul wishes to let the Romans understand that this obligation to preach the Gospel was to all people. Romans classified people as Greeks (Romans) or barbarians; wise or foolish. Similar to how we use race, and also means to classify our countrymen. Sometimes we may favor the preaching of the Gospel to a particular class or type of people, perhaps because we can relate better to them or because they may have no bias against us. However we need to remember that God is not a respecter of persons (Act 10:34-35), in other words, He doesn't show favoritism; He is not partial to any one class of people.

Interesting to note is the inclusion of the wise and the foolish. Perhaps some thought that only wise people could accept the Gospel or understand it? Some sort of elitism (The belief that certain persons or members of certain classes or groups deserve favored treatment by virtue of their perceived superiority, as in intellect, social status, or financial resources) amongst the church in Rome which crept in from the attitude of those around them? Perhaps, since Rome was known as the seat of civilization back then and there was much talk of them being better than those barbarians whom they were trying to conquer! Or perhaps the Jewish Christians in Rome thought of themselves better to the Lord than the Gentile Christians and vice-versa?

More so than the distinction between the wise and the foolish, the Roman church had a bias problem between the Jews and the Greeks, which we will witness as Paul addresses them in the following chapters. Obviously there was a sort of cultural clash between the Jewish Christians and the Gentile Christians in this great congregation.

Romans 1:15

That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are at Rome.

Paul is eager to preach the Gospel

The first part of this verse literally is, “Thus the according to me affair is ready”, which can be translated as: "So, as much as in me is, I am ready..."-KJV. Basically means he was going to preach the Gospel (euaggelizo: literally to evangelize, announce good news; declare glad tidings) to the best of his ability and resources given to him by the Lord God. We see a similar idiom used in Rom 12:18. Basically we need to be prepared with everything God has given us to fulfill our responsibility to preach. It is what God expects from the church!

Paul is not only ready, but eager (prothumos: forward in Spirit, willing, predisposed) to get there to do only one thing: Preach that Gospel! Paul was not ready to preach:

1. Creeds

2. Opinions

3. Feelings

4. Ideas of others

5. What his parents believed

6. Some man-made denominational faith

Many brethren never get to teach anyone simply because they aren't ready, and many more because they aren't willing. 1Pe 3:15 teaches us we need to be ready always, whether someone asks us or not we need to want to be eager to preach the Gospel! The Great Commission is given to all those who obey the Gospel (Mar 16:15-16, Mat 28:19-20).

It is the Gospel that will break down any man-made barrier across cultural lines (Eph 2:11-15) and set us all straight before the Lord! It is dynamite, the power of God!

Romans 1:16

I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

THE POWER OF GOD - THE GOSPEL

Paul is not ashamed of the power (dunamis: strength, mighty work, e.g. dynamite) of God in the Gospel (Good News). It has the power to save people, no matter who they are or what they have done or what they have believed before! But to everyone who believes (pisteuo: puts their faith, trusts) and takes their stand in this Gospel, it has the power to save them (1Co 15:1-2). It is the dynamite of God which can break through the barrier of sin you've put between yourself and God (Isa 59:1-2). It is this dynamite that can break the bonds of sin and truly set you, the captive, free (Joh 8:31-32)! He bore it all that I may live! That's the Gospel!

Don't be ashamed to present it though some may think it foolishness (1Co 1:18). Don't be ashamed to present it though some may think it a stumbling block (1Co 1:23). Remember, it is God's wisdom and God's power, proven through the resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord (1Co 1:25-31)! Don't be ashamed - boast in the Lord and in His mighty power through the Gospel! Remember what happens to those who are ashamed (Luk 9:26).

No one can be saved without the power of God; no one can be saved without the Gospel.

The Gospel is composed of:

1. Facts to be believed (1Co 15:3-4)

2. Commandments to be obeyed (1Co 7:19; 1Jo 2:3-5)

3. Promises to be accepted (2Co 1:20; 2Co 7:1; Gal 3:14; Eph 1:13; Eph 3:6)

To have the Good News of the Gospel apply to you:

1. You must receive it as the Word of God (Act 17:11; 1Co 15:1-2)

2. You must believe it (Rom 1:16; Eph 1:13; Joh 3:16; Mar 16:16; Act 15:17)

3. You must obey it (2Th 1:8; Act 5:32; Rom 2:13; Rom 6:17; Rom 15:18; 1Jo 2:5)

Keep this in mind as you study Romans since many have used Romans to teach the heretical doctrine of salvation by faith only.

The Gospel promise was made to the Jews first, the people of God, and then for the rest of the world (Joh 4:22-23; Luk 24:46-47; Act 1:8; Rom 11:17-24).

Romans 1:17

For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."

The righteousness of God revealed in the Gospel

What is the power in the Gospel? We know it is the power of God, not of man. The only way man could save himself would be to be perfect before his God. Man is not perfect, therefore only the power of God can save him: the righteousness of God! God's power is in His great and awesome mercy toward His creation. The power of the righteousness (dikaiosune: equity (of character or act); specifically (Christian) justification: - the condition acceptable to God; integrity, virtue, purity of life, rightness, correctness of thinking feeling, and acting) of God was seen in the mighty work of the incarnation, suffering and resurrection of our Lord Jesus (Rom 1:4), which provided for our cleansing that comes by His imputed righteousness, and the regeneration that comes by the Holy Spirit (Eph 1:19-20). God's power is especially witnessed in the mighty work of the Holy Spirit that is able to regenerate man (Tit 3:5-7; Eph 6:10). This is how the Gospel saves (Col 2:11-12)!

All this is by faith (pistis: persuasion, that is, credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God - assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity), as it is written, the righteous will live by faith! They live by faith since their righteousness is imputed by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, not by their works which are not righteous, but sinful. For even the righteous deeds that we do are alike a filthy garment before our Lord (Isa 64:6). Therefore God's work is to believe in the One He sent to work on our behalf (Joh 6:29).

God's Working + Man's Faith = THE GOSPEL = SALVATION

This circle of faith (from first to last/from faith for faith-ESV. from faith to faith-KJV), is a growing spiral of conviction that elevates us onto the upward calling in Christ Jesus (Phi 3:14; 2Co 3:18). God's righteousness revealed and received from faith for the continued growth of faith. This represents spiritual growth, not a faith that stagnates or degenerates, but one that is continuously regenerated through the working of God in us through His Holy Spirit.

The Plan of God to Restore mankind to Himself

1- God so loved the world that He gave His only Son (Joh 3:16)

a- Jesus became a man to offer himself as a sacrifice of atonement (Rom 3:25; Heb 2:17)

b- This is the only way we could have been cleansed from sinful works (Tit 2:14)!

2- After he provided for our cleansing He sat down at the right hand of God and sends us the Holy Spirit (Heb 1:3; Joh 16:7; Joh 15:26)

a- The work of the Spirit is to regenerate us and give us life by the power of God (Tit 3:5)

b- This is how the Spirit guarantees our deposit on the life to come (2Co 1:22; 2Co 5:5; Eph 1:14) - He keeps us regenerated and keeps us from falling back in to the world! (2Pe 1:8-10)

With man it is impossible but with God all things are possible! (Mar 10:26-27)

Those who are saved (the righteous) can only live by true faith! Their faith will show by their obedience to God (Heb 11).

Romans 1:18

The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness,

GOD'S WRATH CAUSED BY SIN

The wrath of God is coming because of sin. It will be received by those who have rejected the ways of our Lord

Paul is beginning to make a case for all people to be in need of a Savior because of their sin

The doctrine of the Wrath (orge: violent passion (ire, or [justifiable] abhorrence); by implication punishment: - anger, indignation, vengeance, wrath) of God is fully addressed in Romans. Here is where we first begin to learn about it. It is caused by the universal problem of sin. It is coming against all godlessness and wickedness, regardless of race, color, religion or social status. It's not talking about God's wrath coming in the future, it is talking about God's wrath being revealed in the present continuing tense. We know of it since Adam and Eve sinned.

Notice that as God's righteousness is revealed in the Gospel to eradicate sin in those who love Him, God's wrath is revealed from Heaven against all who reject Him (Heb 10:26-31).

God's wrath comes because of sin: godlessness (ungodliness-ESV: asebeia: want of reverence towards God, impiety, ungodliness: these have to do with a wrong heart and mind) and wickedness (unrighteousness-ESV: adikia: a deed violating law and justice, act of unrighteousness, iniquity or wrongdoing of men: this has to do with the deeds themselves, which is wrongdoing) of men.

The people we are talking about here are those who know the truth, since they are suppressing it (holding the truth in unrighteousness - ESV). You cannot suppress the truth unless you already know it. So the wickedness we are talking about here is coming from men and women who have come to a knowledge of the truth but instead of saving themselves they suppress it (Act 13:8-11); and despite knowing the truth they refuse it and act against it. The following verses in the chapter make that very clear.

How is the truth suppressed by the their wickedness? Since it is by preaching and living the truth that we save both ourselves and our hearers (1Ti 4:16), then those who do not preach it and certainly those who do not live it will refuse that truth so it can't become the source of salvation for others.

Romans 1:19

since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.

God has made His truth to be known plainly by anyone

This verse confirms that the people who's unrighteousness is hastening the wrath of God are people whom God showed the truth and opened their heart to see it and perhaps even understand it, both Jews and Gentiles alike.

God showed Himself plainly in many different ways:

1. Through Noah God preached to the entire antediluvian world against sin

2. Through Melchizedek, the high priest and king of Salem (Gen 14:18-24)

3. Through Jonah preaching to the Ninevites

4. Through Lot's daughters and Ruth's family the people of Moab and the Ammonites could have known the Lord.

5. The Lord manifested Himself mightily to the Pharaoh and the Egyptians at that time

6. The whole of Israel, through Moses' Law was known throughout the entire world, especially during Solomon's reign. They testified to the love of God and His holiness.

God made it His truth plain for them to be able to see it and grasp it, yet these people denied the truth and choose to continue in wickedness and ungodliness, refusing to love the truth and salvation (2Th 2:9-10).

Romans 1:20

For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities-- his eternal power and divine nature-- have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

How is God's truth plain? Can anyone come to know about God's existence? Absolutely! Even through nature, through what God has made (natural revelation as opposed to special revelation), men can deduce of His existence and qualities.

We can learn about His invisible qualities (divine attributes - ESV):

1 - Eternal Power - God's eternal power is shown in His Omnipotence (All powerful), Omniscience (All knowing) and Omnipresence (Everywhere). Only Deity has these. The word Godhead is attributed to those persons who are divine in their nature, with the power to create (Heb: bara).

2 - Divine Nature - Godhead (KJV) (theiotes)

Many believe God is a Trinity, which is a word that is not in the Bible. In its strictest definition, the Trinity ascribes 3 different tasks or work to God, but that there is only one personality in the Godhead (Trinity). However, if there was only one person, why does the Greek imply a multitude of personalities in the use of the word theiotes (Rom 1:20) and theotes (Col 2:9), which means Godhead? The Hebrew word for God, Elohim, also implies multiple persons since it was a plural word, like our word for marriage. God is spirit, as Jesus says (Joh 4:24), not flesh. The nature of divinity is that of a spiritual one, invisible and all powerful.

There is a word used in English to translate this concept: Deity, or Godhead, as opposed to Trinity. Theotēs is Divine Personality; theiotēs, Divine Nature and properties

These qualities of divinity are clearly seen (distinctly apprehended in the Gk) from what has been made, that is, the universe and everything in it (Psa 19:1-3). Which is why anyone who refuses God is without excuse! (anapologetos: indefensible, without defense).

Paul uses the argument of intelligent design and cause and effect (Law of Causality) to testify in favor of God's invisible qualities (natural revelation).

Intelligent Design: the argument for intelligent design is one always favored by Paul (Act 17:28-29; Heb 3:4). The mind cannot help but logically conclude that what it sees must have been made by someone else, particularly if it exhibits properties in keeping with intelligent design. A man on a desert island cannot help but conclude that someone else has been there if he finds evidence of a tent, fireplace or other things made by man. In the same way, when we see our own eye, can we not conclude that it shows intelligent design when the camera we use has been modeled after it? Nature is too thin a screen for us not to see God bursting through it.

Law of Causality: It follows that for every effect there has to be an initial cause. You look at the many craters of the moon. What do you conclude? There had to have been many meteors hitting the moon. You look at a dented car, what do you infer? That it has been in an accident. The mind's powerful ability to infer is inherent from faith.

Only someone stupid (without faith) and without reason will conclude there is no God (Psa 14:1).

Romans 1:21

For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.

The people rejected the knowledge of God and turned to their own passions

Again, these people knew God! It doesn't say they knew of Him, it says they knew Him! But they didn't glorify (honor - ESV) Him or gave thanks to Him. We must continually exalt the Lord our God in our lives! Mat 6:33 - He must be first in everything and our lives must be lived relative to the Gospel of Jesus!

When you are not thankful to God and refuse to honor Him by obedience, your mind and heart will be forever closed to reason and decency (Jer 10:23). You will go down. Here's what happens:

1- Their thinking (dialogismos: discussion, that is, (internal) consideration (by implication purpose), or (external) debate: - dispute, doubtful (-ing), imagination, reasoning, thought.) became futile (mataioo: to render (passively become) foolish, that is, (morally) wicked or (specifically) idolatrous: - become vain.) (became vain in their imagination - KJV) You will turn to your own thoughts and imaginations! Your machinations will lead you to live a vain life! You will be completely deceived and in turn deceive others as well. You will be a vessel of the devil.

2- Their foolish (asunetos: unintelligent; by implication wicked: - foolish, without understanding.) heart was darkened. No longer being able to be enlightened and gather useful knowledge. You will be chained to useless knowledge and information that will keep you down. Examples of this are all the vain ideologies and philosophies that have sprung from these idle minds that lack illumination since they have departed from the knowledge of God: ecumenism, scientism, Darwinism, denominationalism, spiritualism, rationalism, liberalism, etc.

This sounds like the same process described in Ephesians that Satan uses to trap souls into perdition (Eph 4:17-19).

The Plan Outlined:

1. (vs. 17) Warning: Don’t live like the Gentiles (people who don’t know God) do

2. (vs. 17) The way you think must be changed (Don’t conform to the world! Rom 12:2)

a. It is ineffective and vain (useless)

b. It is morally futile; depraved; transient

3. Why? (vs. 18) They refuse to be transformed! (Rom 12:2)

a. Because the heart has been hardened by sin!

b. This makes them ignorant about God’s will

c. Their understanding becomes darkened (cloudy judgment, weak conviction)

d. They are separated from the life of God

4. How? (vs. 19) They don’t have a conviction that leads to repentance (worldly sorrow) 2Co 7:9-10

a. They lost all sensitivity (apalgeō: (to smart); to grieve out, that is, become apathetic: - be past feeling) A similar process is described in 1Ti 4:1-2, where these people’s consciences are seared as with a hot iron (kautēriazō: to brand (“cauterize”), that is, (by implication) to render unsensitive (figuratively): - sear with a hot iron).

b. They continue to expose themselves to the lust of the senses [sensuality (aselgeia: licentiousness (sometimes including other vices): - filthy, lasciviousness, wantonness)]

c. They willingly choose to give themselves completely to their heart’s desire [indulge (ergasia: occupation; by implication profit, pains: - craft, diligence, gain, work) in every kind of impurity (akatharsia: impurity (the quality), physically or morally: - uncleanness)]

d. They are driven and enslaved by their desires [they lust for more (pleonexia: avarice, that is, (by implication) fraudulency, extortion: - covetous (-ness) practices, greediness)]

Romans 1:22

Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools

Many describe themselves as wise merely because of the amount of knowledge they have gained, not necessarily by how they have learned to apply that knowledge or interpret it rightly. To be a fool (morainos: to become insipid; figuratively to make (passively act) as a simpleton: - become fool, make foolish, lose savour; like salt that has lost its strength and flavour - be moronic) is to be godless.

Out of the foolish and darkened hearts of wayward men and women have sprung countless silly religions, cults and denominations. Wanting to become wiser than God's revelation they have plunged themselves and those who blindly follow into foolishness that can cost their salvation (1Co 1:20-25)!

Those who depend on their own justifications or other's "science" for their "right thinking" are just as handicapped as those who depend on themselves for salvation. If you think you are something be careful! (1Co 10:12; 1Co 8:1-3; Gal 6:3-4) Be careful of what you call wisdom! Unless it is the Gospel of Jesus you have chosen to make your wisdom, and life and desire, you will also be destined to become a fool! They became fools because they choose not to honor God (obey Him) and be thankful.

Nothing can make you wise except the Word of God (2Ti 3:15). Many books can inform but only the Bible can transform!

Romans 1:23

and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.

Idolatry is the result of rejecting God

Since these people delighted in the material things, in the things their flesh hungered for as opposed to delighting in God and in the unseen things, they decided to change God's image (eikon: a likeness, that is, (literally) statue, profile, or (figuratively) representation, resemblance: - image.) into one they could better accept, and therefore control. Since they were no longer privy to the enlightenment of God, since they refused God's wisdom, they had to fashion a god after their foolishness.

This is why they fashioned as their god, images that their mind could see and transform as oppose to submitting and being in awe of the majestic God of Heaven. They worshipped and idolized natural things as opposed to the One Who created them. Isn't this what had happened to Israel when Moses was on Mount Sinai for forty days? (Exo 32:15-25)

The same things people do today, perhaps not in the same fashion these people did it centuries ago, but in similar ways people have changed the image of God and have allowed other created things to become their god. They become concerned about their image and worship it. Perhaps they bow down to their car, home, job, boss, wife or money, health, etc.

The point here is that you cannot treat any created thing in the same way as you treat or even think about God. We owe glory and honor to our God who is immortal and incorruptible! He does not even fall into the same category or paradigm as anything in creation!

Other Examples of exchanging God's domain for our own limited thinking: mother nature, evolution, big bang, good luck, lucky stars, lucky numbers, etc.

Romans 1:24

Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another.

The people gave up God, so God gave them up!

Since these people stopped focusing on the important things, the things that matter, God gave them over to the things they desired most and increased the influence of the lust of their heart (1Jo 2:15-17). Now, without restraint, these people followed their hearts and that lead them directly to sexual impurity and the degradation of their own bodies and minds.

They associated their identity with their own flesh and have degraded that identity by sexual impurity. This is what happens when we do not think it worthwhile to retain and exercise God's knowledge given to us through the Gospel (verse 28).

Going with the flow of your heart causes you to be sexually impure and to dishonor your body (2Co 5:10; 1Co 6:18-20).

Much of the sinful activity Paul will mention here was clearly evident in Rome, where sin was being concentrated in every form of wickedness and depravity, as we see even today in all major cities.

Romans 1:25

They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator-- who is forever praised. Amen.

Giving up on God is giving up on truth

These people willingly exchanged the truth of God for lies. They purposely worshipped and served the created things, the material things of this world, as opposed to the Alpha and the Omega, the One Who is beyond the Ages. They believed the lies of the devil more than the truth of God, getting caught up in the same tangled web of deceit and lust that Eve fell for (2Th 2:9-11). God has given them over to their delusions. You cannot rise above the degraded image you create and worship. Only when we give praise, honor and glory to the One True God can we rise above our own limitations and be truly fashioned after His image. You will reflect the glory of whatever you choose to focus on.

When you give up on God you are also giving up on truth. You are living a lie and a vain life, full of empty worship (Mar 7:7)! You will be a slave to the material things you surround yourself with and to your vain image. Unfortunately you will be so deceived that only at the end will you realize that your worship was empty and all your efforts for naught (Mat 7:21-23)!

There are many who will find out at the end that:

1. There was only one true church - not that one church was just as good as another

2. It does make a difference how you worship God - not that it doesn't make a difference how you do it!

3. There is a [pattern to be followed explicitly - not that there is no particular pattern to follow

4. You do have to be baptized to be saved

5. You do have to change your life (repent) to be saved

6. It matters what you believe - that being sincere about what you believe is not enough

7. It makes a difference whom you choose to hear - just because someone may use a Bible or preach from the Bible is not enough! You need to know what you are accepting!

Your lust for the material will blind you to the truth. When you find yourself giving attention to and being surrounded by material things and worrying about them and trying to satisfy yourself with them you are not walking in the light. You won't know you are being deceived by blind guides. Don't exchange God's spiritual truth for material satisfaction!

When you serve and give yourself wholeheartedly to creation, as opposed to the Creator, you are living a lie and you are living in denial of the truth.

Romans 1:26

Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones.

Giving up on God is giving up on morality

Again, shameful lusts (vile affections - KJV, dishonorable passions - ESV) and any kind of sexual impurity is associated with those who discard God's knowledge. This means that whatever shred of decency you had left within your conscience will be gone, as you are giving yourself over to the most vile and shameful desires and you won't want to stop yourself since you have given up on God. You see, God gives you up to your heart because you've already given Him up in your mind.

Lesbianism and any other unnatural sexual relation began because of people not thinking it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of the truth of God. Being a lesbian or having lesbian thoughts is not only contrary to the natural order of things God has established, it is against the kind of lifestyle and thinking that God ordains in His people (1Co 11:9). If you condone, accept or entertain this kind of thinking and behavior you cannot and will not enter the Kingdom of God (1Co 6:9-10).

Some people think that because they are openly gay (homosexual), it is OK. Their confidence in their lifestyle actually indicates that any shred of decency and morality is gone from their conscience! At least those who are "in the closet" may perhaps still have some conscience and a chance to embrace the truth and so be saved!

It is ironic that people use that term, "gay" to describe the lifestyle since homosexuals are the least happy of people. Not just them, but any others who are giving themselves to their passions and given up on God cannot find fulfillment for themselves in any way. They have condemned themselves to live out a fruitless pursuit of happiness without God.

Romans 1:27

In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.

Homosexuality had its beginnings in those who once knew God but refused Him. Whatever consequences these people reap in themselves, that is, their bodies, mind or spirit, it is the penalty of their sin: for example, diseases such as aids, burden of guilt, misidentity, etc

Once you give up on the natural order of things you become abnormal even in your passions. You will want to do indecent acts with people of your own gender. This is abnormal and propagates hurt and emotional distress to others! If you entertain and give yourself to this, it will lead you to commit atrocities (shameless acts; especially an act of unusual or illegal cruelty).

We need to understand that homosexuality is a sin like any other. In some religious circles this sin has been given special status:

1. Some treat homosexuals like lepers were treated under the Law of Moses, as people with a disease.

a. Is it a physical disease?

i. Homosexuality may bring about consequences that affect the body and mind, but it is not genetic nor are there physical traits that can be identified that differ from those who choose to be heterosexual

b. A mental disorder?

i. Some argue that homosexuality is hardwired in the brain, pretty much determining what the individual will do and that therefore, there is little choice in the matter. This follows the physical disease model.

2. Homosexuality has to do with choice (Lev 18:22; Lev 20:13)

a. It not a matter of genetics or physiology any more than stealing or murdering is hard wired into the brain or comes by genetics. You are not born a homosexual any more than you are not born a criminal!

b. The homosexual lifestyle is evidence of a deeper unfulfilled need that can only be met in Christ Jesus, as in any other sinful lifestyle.

Homosexuality is a sin, just like murder, or stealing or adultery! It can and must be repented of and changed in your mind! The dynamite of God, the Gospel, can set you free!

Romans 1:28

Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done.

These people didn't think the knowledge of God was worthwhile to retain. What does it mean not to consider something worthwhile (Sufficiently valuable or important to be worth one's time, effort, or interest)? The ESV translates this phrase to "not seeing fit to acknowledge God". In other words, these people did not see how God fit into their knowledge of things, which is how the KJV puts it. They rejected God and all the goodness and wisdom He gives and therefore their mental status became depraved (adokimos: unapproved, that is, rejected; by implication worthless (literally or morally): - castaway, rejected, reprobate, debased, degraded).

This is what happens we you don't consider worthwhile what you learn from Gods word. God will give you up to a reprobate state of mind (Psa 81:11-12).

In a depraved state of mind you do things that are not becoming (katheco me: unbecoming - Not appropriate, attractive, or flattering; Not in accord with the standards implied by one's character or position.)

So let's make a summary of what happens when you decide to:

1. Suppress the truth with wickedness

2. Not glorify God or give thanks to Him

3. Change the image of God to fit your own thinking

4. Not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God

When you've given up on God this way, God gives you over to:

1. Futile thinking

2. Foolishness of heart

3. Sinful desires of your heart

4. Shameful lusts

5. Depravity of mind

This proves how righteous and holy God is. He will not tolerate sin and will use sin to punish sin. The following list consists of some of the things that a depraved, shameful, sinful, foolish and futile mind does (the fruit of what you've decided to embrace in your mind if it is not God):

Romans 1:29

They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips,

The fruit of the wrong mindset

When you have a depraved mind that does not see fit to acknowledge God, that doesn't think it worthwhile to retains God's knowledge, you will be given over to be filled with these sickening attitudes, flaws and acts. You will be full of every kind of:

1. wickedness (unrighteousness-ESV, KJV - adikia: injustice (properly the quality, by implication the act); moral wrongfulness (of character, life or act): - iniquity, unjust, unrighteousness, wrong). These people are just evil in nature and practice. They think the way of evil and therefore they bear the fruit of evil in wicked acts. They are materialistic to the core and there is no hint of spirituality in them. This can apply to people who are in positions of exercising decisions which influence and affect others, like judges, lawyers, directors, managers and supervisors. They are swayed by bribes, power and selfishness and cause injustice to take place (Luk 18:1-6).

2. fornication-KJV, sexual sins-GW (not found in all Greek manuscripts, not found in the NIV or ESV - porneia: harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively idolatry: - fornication.) This is sexual intercourse between partners who are not married to each other (Mat 19:9; 1Th 4:1-8).

3. evil (poneria: depravity, that is, (specifically) malice; plural (concretely) plots, sins: - iniquity, wickedness.) Evil is the nature of their ways, thoughts and actions. They seek to injure and hurt others.

4. greed (covetousness-ESV, KJV - pleonexia: avarice, that is, (by implication) fraudulency, extortion: - covetous (-ness) practices, greediness.) An excessive desire to acquire or possess more than what one needs or deserves, especially with respect to material wealth, although it could be applied to power, fame, confidence or anything else the person may deem worthy for them. Since these people find their worth in that which is material or created, they surround themselves with things to define their worth or value in their petty life.

5. depravity (malice-ESV, meanness-GW - kakia: badness, that is, (subjectively) depravity, or (actively) malignity, or (passively) trouble: - evil, malice (-iousness), naughtiness, wickedness.) Another cousin of wickedness and evil, it indicates a morally corrupt character or a degraded conscience. Not trustworthy since a depraved person will have their own interests at heart and the care not for others, not even for themselves in a moral way. They will look for ways to cause injury to others and sometimes even to themselves.

6. envy (phthonos: ill will (as detraction), that is, jealousy (spite): - envy.) A feeling of discontent and resentment aroused by and in conjunction with desire for the possessions or qualities of another. Since these people think value comes from the material things of the world, whether they be beauty, fame, power, possessions and the like; if they see something they don't have their envy never lets them see contentment or satisfaction with their own miserable lives. They rejoice when others suffer and feel hurt when others excel.

7. murder (phonos: murder: - murder, + be slain with, slaughter.) Murder is the fruit of hate and anger. When these people cannot control someone or make them submit to their will, it can result in their murder. Since they have no love, they take away the life that may be in their womb or the life of an elderly person just because they may not have any worth in their eyes.

8. strife (debate-KJV, quarreling-GW - eris: a quarrel, that is, (by implication) wrangling: - contention, debate, strife, variance.) Heated, often violent dissension; bitter conflict; a struggle, fight, or quarrel; contention or competition between rivals. Of course, since these people only see themselves as God's gift to men, they will fight and bicker, often violently, for their own interests to be preserved. They cause strife amongst everyone around them since their world revolves around them and they have to get their little meaty hands around everything.

9. deceit (dolos: an obsolete primary probably meaning to decoy; compare G1185); a trick (bait), that is, (figuratively) wile: - craft, deceit, guile, subtlety.) Since these people value materialistic things, they, by definition, are a facade of their own reality. They are fake and fake others out in everything. Their strategy is to appear as something they are really not. Everything they do or say is false and therefore empty, which is a reflection of their own misery. They seek to lead others astray and to trap them in their lies and conniving plans of extortion and blackmail.

10. malice (viciousness-GW - kakoetheia: bad character, that is, (specifically) mischievousness: - malignity.) A desire to harm others or to see others suffer; extreme ill will or spite. Someone who is malicious is to never be trusted. Keep far away from them for they will always try to bring you harm. Don't even associate with them!

11. gossips (whisperers-KJV - psithuristes: a secret calumniator: - whisperer) A person who habitually spreads intimate or private rumors or facts. The person who gossips without regard to the individual. They are driven by a desire to defame, depose and dishonor others so they may appear better (Pro 16:28; Pro 17:9).

Romans 1:30

slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents;

1. slanderers (backbiters-KJV, ESV - katalalos: talkative against, that is, a slanderer: - backbiter) Making false statements injurious to a person's reputation. The intent is to malign or demonize someone in the eyes of the many. They speak evil of everyone and are suspicious of everything (Psa 15:1-3; Pro 25:23).

2. God-haters (theostuges: hateful to God, that is, impious: - hater of God) These people hate anything pertaining to God or having to do with God. They hate goodness, kindness, service, humility and all the fruit of the Spirit. They hate piety and holiness; they hate anything related to the church and to making disciples.

3. insolent (despiteful-KJV - hubristes: an insulter, that is, maltreater: - de-spiteful, injurious) Presumptuous (going beyond what is right or proper; excessively forward) and insulting in manner or speech; arrogant; audaciously rude or disrespectful; impertinent. You do not wish to be around these people because it is like being surrounded by bees, flies and creepy crawling malodorous bugs. They make a constant droning of cacophonous noise! They have no consideration for other people's rights or comfort.

4. arrogant (haughty-ESV, proud-KJV - huperephanos: appearing above others (conspicuous), that is, (figuratively) haughty: - proud) Having or displaying a sense of overbearing self-worth or self-importance marked by or arising from a feeling or assumption of one's superiority toward others. These people think they are God's gift to people. They think of themselves first and last!

5. boastful (alazon: braggart: - boaster) To glorify oneself in speech; talk in a self-admiring way. Since they can only think of themselves, that's all they talk about (Pro 27:2)!

6. they invent ways of doing evil (they think up new ways to be cruel-GW) These people are constantly mechanizing evil plans to harm others and create chaos and confusion. They thrive in confusion and any other sort of disorder like their father, the devil (Psa 64:1-8; Psa 140:1-8; Jer 18:11-12).

7. disobey their parents - This wicked nature about these people can be traced back all the way to their disobedience to their parents and perhaps to some parents who were too weak willed to instill godly discipline in them.

Romans 1:31

they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless.

1. senseless (without understanding-KJV, foolish-ESV, don't have any sense-GW - asunetos: unintelligent; by implication wicked: - foolish, without understanding.) Since these people discard the only real wisdom there is, from the Father of the Heavenly lights, they all together have become worthless and stupid (Mat 13:15).

2. faithless (covenant breakers-KJV, don't keep promises-GW - asunthetos: not agreed, that is, treacherous to compacts: - covenant-breaker) They are untrustworthy. They have no regard for contracts nor uphold any promise or keep to their word. They are not true to their duty or moral obligation. They are disloyal and have no faith. They treat God's covenant as a shameful thing (Heb 10:28-29). Sky high divorce rates and lawsuits indicate a nation of covenant breakers.

3. heartless (without natural affection-KJV, don't show love to their own families-GW - astorgos: hard hearted towards kindred: - without natural affection) Devoid of compassion or feeling; without pity, particularly for their own kin or family members. They stand up for abortion and euthanasia, especially of the aged and for those whom they have nothing to benefit from. Even some animals take better care of their young!

4. ruthless (don't show mercy to others-GW, implacable (impossible to appease)-KJV - aspondos: literally without libation (which usually accompanied a treaty), that is, (by implication) truceless: - implacable, truce-breaker) Impossible to satisfy or appease, which is why you should never agree to anything from these people since they will always change their terms on you to rob you and harm you. Mat 5:7; Jam 2:13

Romans 1:32

Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.

Wickedness propagates wickedness

Not only do these people know God, but also they know fully well that God's laws condemn those who practice such things. They knew God's judgments! They already have received in themselves the due penalty of their perversion - sorrow, sickness, mental sickness - even death (Rom 6:23). Being that they continue in this depraved mindset, rejecting the righteous word of God, they will experience the second death, the spiritual death of their soul and forever be apart from the Lord God.

These people knowingly incite others to also practice these things which are condemned in the Scriptures!

The lowest form of wickedness is to incite other to do the same wicked things you are doing for wickedness' sake.