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Romans Chapter One

 
Chapter One General Review
 
OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER
 
1) To be impressed with the all-sufficiency of the gospel
 
2) To see how God's wrath may be directed toward our society today
 
SUMMARY
 
As is the custom in most of his epistles, Paul begins by extending
greetings and offering thanks. Identifying himself as a bond-servant
of Christ, he mentions his apostleship and its mission in the gospel of
God concerning His Son: to bring about the obedience of faith among
all the Gentiles (1-6). Addressing the recipients of his epistle as
"all who are beloved in Rome, called as saints," he extends to them the
popular two-fold greeting of that day: "grace" and "peace" (7). He is
thankful for their well-known faith and reveals his desire to visit
Rome and to proclaim the gospel there (8-13). The motivation behind
that desire is his sense of obligation and bold conviction that the
gospel is God's power to save (14-17).
 
The mention of "salvation" naturally leads to the need for all men to
be saved. Paul begins to demonstrate this need on the part of the
Gentiles. He explains that because of the Gentiles' failure to
acknowledge the eternal power and divine nature of God as revealed in
the world around them, and for their subsequent pride and idolatry,
they were therefore exposed to God's wrath from heaven (18-23). This
wrath manifested itself in God simply letting them reap the fruits of
their vanity. By giving them over "to uncleanness, in the lusts of
their hearts," "to vile passions," and "to a debased mind," the result
was such corruption that even those who knew better were caught in its
clutches (24-32).
 
OUTLINE (adapted from Jim McGuiggan)
 
I. INTRODUCTION & THEME (1-17)
 
 A. CONCERNING PAUL (1-5)
 1. His place in life: servant & apostle (1)
 2. His story in life: the gospel of Christ (2-4)
 3. His purpose in life: to produce obedience based on faith (5)
 
 B. CONCERNING THE ROMANS (6-15)
 1. Paul's description of them (6-7)
 2. Paul's report of them (8)
 3. Paul's deep desire to visit them (9-10)
 4. Paul's reason and eagerness to visit them (11-15)
 
 C. CONCERNING THE GOSPEL (16-17)
 1. Its respectability: nothing to be ashamed of (16a)
 2. Its nature: the power of God (16b)
 3. Its aim: salvation (16c)
 4. Its scope: for everyone who believes (16d)
 5. Its content: the revelation of God's righteousness through
 faith (17)
 
II. THE GENTILES' NEED OF SALVATION (18-32)
 
 A. WICKED MAN DISHONORING GOD (18-23)
 1. Wicked man stifling God's revealed truth (18-19)
 2. Wicked man despising the testimony of nature (20)
 3. Wicked man ungrateful and foolish (21-22)
 4. Wicked man given to idolatry (23)
 
 B. HOLY GOD "GIVING UP" ON WICKED MAN (24-32)
 1. Giving them up to disgusting uncleanness (24-25)
 2. Giving them up to lesbianism and homosexuality (26-27)
 3. Giving them up to debased minds and all unrighteousness
 (28-32)
 
WORDS TO PONDER
 
gospel - literally, "good news;" in the NT it denotes the good tidings
 of the kingdom of God and of salvation through Christ (VINE)
 
grace - "favor, goodwill, lovingkindness;" as used in reference to
 God's favor toward man, it's freeness is stressed; i.e.,
 unmerited favor
 
faith - "trust, conviction;" produced by God's Word (Ro 10:17), it
 expresses itself through obedience and love (Ro 1:5; Ga 5:6)
 
power - from the Greek word dunamis (from which derives "dynamite");
 "strength, ability"
 
righteousness of God - 1) God doing that which is right (cf. Ro 3:25- 
 26); or 2) God's way of making one right with
 Him (related to the concept of "justification," 
 declaring one to be "not guilty;" cf. Ro 4:6-8)
 
REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER
 
1) List the two main points of this chapter
 - Introduction (1-17)
 - The Gentiles' Need Of Salvation (18-32)
 
2) How was Jesus declared to be the Son of God? (4)
 - With power, through His resurrection from the dead
 
3) What was the objective of Paul's apostleship? (5)
 - To bring about the obedience of faith among all nations
 
4) Why did Paul want to go to Rome? (11-12)
 - To see them and share in their faith together
 
5) To whom was Paul obligated? (14)
 - Both to Greeks and barbarians, both to wise and unwise
 
6) What is God's power to save? (16)
 - The gospel of Christ
 
7) Why is it God's power to save? (17)
 - In it the righteousness of God is revealed
 
8) What two invisible attributes of God are revealed in nature? (20)
 - His eternal power and Godhead (divine nature)
 
9) How does God express His wrath? (24,26,28)
 - By "giving people up" to their own sinful passions
 
10) What one sin in particular is an indication that God's wrath toward
 man is in full force? (26,27)
 - Homosexuality

Called To Be Saints (1:7)
 
INTRODUCTION
 
1. In his epistle to the Romans, Paul said he was "called to be an
 apostle" - Ro 1:1
 a. I.e., he was summoned to be an apostle, one sent by Jesus for a
 special purpose
 b. That purpose involved the gospel, which Paul was sent to proclaim
 to the nations - Ro 1:1,5
 
2. All Christians likewise have their "calling"...
 a. We are the "called of Jesus Christ" - Ro 1:6
 b. We are "called to be saints" - Ro 1:7
 
3. The term "saint" is frequently misunderstood and misapplied...
 a. One might get the wrong impression of what Paul is saying
 b. A proper understanding is important, serving as motivation for
 proper conduct
 
[So let us ask our first question: What is a "saint"...?]
 
I. THE DEFINITION OF A SAINT
 
 A. ONE SET APART, CONSECRATED, HOLY ONE...
 1. "The word mean set apart, consecrated, sacred...In the NT the
 word hagios, when used as a noun, usually refers to members of
 the...church. All believers are called 'saints,' even when
 their character is dubiously holy." - Zondervan Pictorial
 Encyclopedia
 2. "A NT believer, belonging exclusively to God. The saints are
 the church, people called out of the world to be God's own
 people." - Zondervan Topical Bible
 3. "Set apart for God, to be, as it were, exclusively His...this
 appellation is very often in the NT transferred to Christians,
 as those whom God has selected out of the world" - Thayer
 4. "It is used of men and things in so far as they are devoted to
 God. These are called hagoi, saints, i.e., 'sanctified' or
 'holy ones.' This sainthood is not an attainment, it is a
 state into which God in grace calls men" - Vine
 
 B. APPLIED TO ALL CHRISTIANS...
 1. Summarizing what these sources say, a "saint" is:
 a. A Christian, a member of the body of Christ
 b. As such, Christians are considered by God to be...
 1) Set apart, holy
 2) Consecrated for His purpose
 2. A quick survey of the NT confirms this definition and use of
 the term "saint"
 a. Addressing those in various congregations - Ro 1:7; 1 Co
 1:2; 2 Co 1:1; Ep 1:1; Ph 1:1; Co 1:2
 b. Describing the subjects of brotherly love - Ep 1:15; Co 1:4;
 Phile 4-7
 3. A "saint" is not some super-spiritual Christian...
 a. Now dead and having lived a long time ago
 b. Who is canonized and venerated as an object of worship
 -- Indeed, every Christian is a saint!
 
[However, we find both now and then that not all Christians behave like
saints. This raises the question: How should saints live...?]
 
II. THE LIFE OF A SAINT
 
 A. AS DESCRIBED IN EPHESIANS...
 1. Saints should live in a manner worthy of their calling - Ep 4:1
 a. Walking in unity - cf. Ep 4:1-16
 b. Walking in truth - cf. Ep 4:17-32
 c. Walking in love - cf. Ep 5:1-7
 d. Walking in light - cf. Ep 5:8-14
 e. Walking in wisdom - cf. Ep 5:15-17
  2. Saints should avoid things not befitting their calling - Ep 5:
 3-4
 a. Fornication, uncleanness, covetousness
 b. Filthiness, foolish talking, coarse jesting
 -- Saints strive to live this way; they do not always live up to
 their calling
 
 B. AS DESCRIBED IN COLOSSIANS...
 1. Saints should be filled with the knowledge of God's will - Co
 1:9
 a. Involves a good knowledge of the Bible
 b. Accompanied by wisdom and understanding (via prayer - Ja
 1:5)
 2. Saints are to walk worthy of the Lord - Co 1:10
 a. We are called to be Christians as well as saints - cf. Ac
 11:26
 b. Our behavior should properly reflect the One whose name we
 wear!
 3. Saints are to fully please Him - Co 1:10
 a. By being fruitful in every good work
 b. By increasing in the knowledge of God
 4. Saints are to be strengthened with all might - Co 1:11
 a. According to God's glorious power - cf. Ep 3:16,20; 6:10,13
 b. For all patience and longsuffering with joy
 5. Saints are to give thanks to the Father - Co 1:12-14
 a. He has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of
 saints
 b. He has delivered us from the power of darkness
 c. He has conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love
 d. He has provided redemption and forgiveness of sins, through
 His Son's blood
 -- The epistles were written to saints; from them we learn how
 saints ought to live!
 
[We noted that one reason saints are to be thankful is because God has
qualified us to partakers of "the inheritance of the saints". This
raises a third question: What is the hope of saints...?]
 
III. THE HOPE OF A SAINT
 
 A. RICH AND GLORIOUS...
 1. Which Paul wanted the saints at Ephesus to know - Ep 1:18
 2. Which involves the exceeding riches of God's grace - Ep 2:7
 3. Which is presently reserved in heaven for us - 1 Pe 1:4
 -- Paul and Peter describe our inheritance in general terms
 
 B. NEW HEAVENS AND A NEW EARTH...
 1. Promised by God, anticipated by Peter - 2 Pe 3:13-14
 a. A future realm in which righteousness dwells
 b. Motivating us to live now in peace, without spot and
 blameless
 2. Revealed by Jesus, described by John - Re 21:1-7
 a. Replacing the present earth and universe
 b. Involving the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of
 heaven
  c. In which God will dwell with men, providing wonderful
 blessings
 -- Peter and John describe our inheritance in figurative terms
 
[Questions may remain as to the ultimate nature of the saints'
inheritance, but enough is revealed to motivate us to become saints and
live in a manner worthy of our calling. This leads to our fourth and
final question: How do we become saints...?]
 
IV. THE BEGINNING OF A SAINT
 
 A. CALLED BY THE GOSPEL...
 1. We become saints by being "called" - cf. Ro 1:7
 a. The idea of being "called" is one of being "summoned"
 b. But we are not called or summoned by a small still voice, or
 bolt of lightning
 2. We are "called" by the gospel - 2 Th 2:14
 a. God calls people by the gospel
 b. For the obtaining of the glory of our Lord
 
 B. PRODUCED BY THE GOSPEL...
 1. The gospel reveals God's plan for saving man from his sins
 a. With facts to believe - e.g., 1 Co 15:1-3
 b. With commands to obey - e.g., Mk 16:16; Ro 10:9,10
 c. With promises to receive - e.g., Ac 2:38-39; Ro 6:23
 2. When people respond, they become saints
 a. Saved and called by the grace of God - 1 Ti 1:9
 b. Even though sinners, as were the saints in Corinth - 1 Co
 1:2; 6:9-11
 3. Every time the gospel is preached, God is calling people to
 become saints
 a. Those who hear are exhorted to obey
 b. Those who obey are washed, sanctified, justified
  c. Those who are sanctified are set apart, consecrated for
 God's purpose; i.e., saints
 
CONCLUSION
 
1. By the wonderful grace of God...
 a. We can be His saints, His holy ones, set apart for His purpose!
 b. We can look forward to the wonderful inheritance reserved in
 heaven for us!
 
2. Yet as saints, we must walk in a manner worthy of our calling...
 a. We must make our "calling and election sure" - 2 Pe 1:10-11
 b. Even Paul, called both as an "apostle" and a "saint", realized the
 risk of his being rejected after preaching to others - 1 Co 9:27
 
Are you a saint? You are if you have responded to the call of God
through obedience to the gospel! Are you living as a saint should? May
the hope of saints motivate you to walk worthy of your calling!

Finding A Way In The Will Of God (1:10)
 
INTRODUCTION
 
1. "What is God's will for my life?"
 a. What devout person has not asked a question like this?
 b. Often asked even pertaining to mundane things like one's career,
  where to live, etc.
 -- How can we live in harmony with the will of God?
 
2. Paul mentioned his desire to live in harmony with God's will...
 a. As he made plans to visit his brethren in Rome
 b. As he prayed regarding such plans - cf. Ro 1:9-10
 -- He sought to "find a way in the will of God" to come to them
 
[Paul's comments provide an opportunity for us to consider some thoughts
related to the will of God, especially on how to determine God's will
for our lives. It might be of benefit to first review some...]
 
I. FACETS OF GOD'S WILL
 
 A. THERE IS GOD'S PROCLAIMED WILL...
 1. God has made His will known in many respects - e.g., 1 Th 5:18;
 1 Pe 2:15
 2. This He has done through revelation
 a. By sending inspired prophets in the past - He 1:1
 b. By sending His own Son - He 1:2
 c. By having the Spirit guide the apostles - Jn 16:12-13; e.g.,
 1 Co 14:36-37
 3. It is this proclaimed will of God that we must do to be saved
 - cf. Mt 7:21
 -- That which is essential to know, God has revealed through
 Scripture - 2 Ti 3:16-17
 
 B. THERE IS GOD'S PROVIDENTIAL WILL...
 1. God acts providentially in our lives, as implied in our text
 - cf. Ro 1:10; also 15:32
 2. For such reason we are to pray regarding our plans - cf. Ja 4:
 13-15
 3. Our requests are answered as it may suit God's will - cf. 1 Jn
 5:14
 -- We may not have certainty as to what is God's providential will
 for us
 
 C. THERE IS GOD'S PERMISSIVE WILL...
 1. God allows things to happen that are not necessarily according
 to His desired will
 2. He permits people to sin and even hurt other people
 a. He is not pleased, and will one day render judgment - Ac 17:
 30-31
 b. He is able to fulfill His own will, despite such rebellion
 - cf. Isa 10:5-7
 3. God permits people to do things that are indifferent to Him
 a. There are some matters of indifference to God - e.g., Ro 14:
 5-6
 b. Likewise, some decisions we make might not really matter to
 God
 -- Thus not all choices please God, nor are they necessarily
 required by God
 
[With these thoughts in mind, let's now consider some thoughts on...]
 
II. FINDING GOD'S WILL
 
 A. FOCUS ON THE PROCLAIMED WILL OF GOD...
 1. I.e., study diligently to learn what God has revealed
 a. If you don't embrace and practice the revealed will of
 God...
 b. ...what difference does it make to seek areas of God's will
 unknown to you?
 2. The value of focusing on the proclaimed will of God
 a. We will not be ignorant of what is essential for us to know
 and do
 b. We can avoid choices that are clearly contrary to God's will
 
 B. SEEK ADVICE FROM OTHERS...
 1. Discuss your alternatives with older, mature Christians - Pro
 11:14; 12:15
 2. Consult the wisdom found in the Bible (especially in books like
 Proverbs, Ecclesiastes)
 
 C. ASK GOD FOR WISDOM...
 1. I.e., pray diligently for the ability to discern wisely - Ja 1:
 5-8
 2. Wisdom is that spiritual insight that enables you to evaluate
 situations clearly, and helps utilize what options and
 abilities you have
 3. Use such wisdom to eliminate what appears less acceptable
 
 D. COMMIT YOUR WAY TO THE LORD...
 1. Whatever you do, do it for the Lord's sake - cf. Psa 37:5-6,
 23-26
 2. Make your plans subject to God's will, both proclaimed and
 providential - Ja 4:15
 a. Give God permission to close the door on your choice if that
 is His will
 b. If He closes the door on your choice, look for alternatives
 
 E. OTHER THINGS TO REMEMBER...
 1. God is not like a train; he is able to run on more than one
 track
 2. A choice may not be between good and bad, but between good and
 better
 3. God can use us in many different ways
 4. If need not choose right away, wait; that will give you time to
 grow and gain wisdom
 5. Whatever your hands finds to do in your existing circumstances,
 do it with all your might
 
CONCLUSION
 
1. Our goal should be to "stand perfect and complete in all the will of
 God" - cf. Co 4:12
 a. Especially as it pertains to the proclaimed will of God
 b. Even as much as possible in the providential and permissive will
 of God
 
2. Epaphras' desire for his brethren serves as a good example; as does
 that of our Lord...
 a. Who taught us to pray, "Your will be done on earth as it in
 heaven" - Mt 6:10
 b. Who Himself prayed, "Not as I will, but as You will..." - Mt 26:
 39-42
 
Are you seeking to "find a way in the will of God" as it pertains to the
plans in your life?

Not Ashamed Of The Gospel (1:14-17)
 
INTRODUCTION
 
1. As Paul began his grand epistle to the Romans, he wrote of his desire
 to see them...
 a. His diligent prayers toward that end - Ro 1:9-10
 b. His desire to encourage them through mutual edification - Ro 1:
 11-12
 c. His plans to come, that he might have some fruit among them - Ro
 1:13
 
2. His desire to see them was related to the gospel...
 a. Which he served as an apostle of Christ - Ro 1:1
 b. The good news concerning Jesus - Ro 1:3
 c. Of which he was not ashamed - Ro 1:16
 
3. Are we ever ashamed of the gospel of Christ...?
 a. Embarrassed to tell others about Jesus?
 b. Could this be a reason why many are not active in personal
 evangelism?
 
[Perhaps by examining how and why Paul was not ashamed of the gospel, we
might be more diligent in our efforts to share the good news of Jesus
Christ...]
 
I. PAUL WAS NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL
 
 A. HOW HE WAS NOT ASHAMED...
 1. He felt obligated to preach the gospel to everyone
 a. To Greeks and barbarians (non-Greeks), to wise and unwise
 - Ro 1:14
 b. His obligation due partly to favor God had shown him - 1 Co
  15:9-10; 1 Ti 1:12-14
 2. He was ready to preach the gospel in Rome
 a. Whatever opportunity was given him, he would take it! - Ro
 1:15
 b. Even though his preference was to preach where Jesus had not
 been proclaimed before - Ro 15:20
 -- Paul showed that he was not ashamed by his willingness and
 preparedness to preach the gospel anytime and anywhere!
 
 B. WHY HE WAS NOT ASHAMED...
 1. It is the power of God to salvation
 a. For everyone who believes, both Jew and Greek (Gentiles)
 - Ro 1:16
 b. For it tells of Christ, the power of God and wisdom of God
 - 1 Co 1:23-24
 2. It reveals the righteousness of God in salvation
 a. How the just shall live by faith - Ro 1:17
 b. How God is both just and the justifier of those who believe
 in Jesus - Ro 3:21-26
 -- Because of its power and message, Paul was not ashamed to
 preach the gospel to anyone willing to listen!
 
[From Paul, then, we should note several reasons why...]
 
II. WE SHOULD NOT BE ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL
 
 A. THE GOSPEL REMAINS THE SAME...
 1. It is still God's power to save
 a. The power to produce faith in the hearts of those who hear
  it - Ro 10:17
 b. The power to produce fruit in those who hear and know the
 truth - Co 1:5-6
 2. It still reveals God's righteousness in salvation
 a. How Jesus died for our sins - 1 Co 15:1-4
 b. How we can receive remission of our sins in Jesus through
 faith, repentance, and baptism - Ac 2:36-38; 22:16
 -- The passing of time has not weakened the power and message of
 the gospel of Christ!
 
 B. THE NEED REMAINS THE SAME...
 1. Souls are in need of salvation
 a. All have sinned - Ro 3:23
 b. The wages of sin is death - Ro 6:23
 2. Both wise and foolish, both near and afar
 a. Jesus is still the only way to the Father - Jn 14:6
 b. His gospel still needs to be preached to every creature - Mk
 16:15-16
 -- The passing of time has not lessened the need and scope of the
 gospel of Christ!
 
[From the example of Paul, we can know the proper attitude and conduct
of..]
 
III. THOSE NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL
 
 A. WILL FEEL A SENSE OF OBLIGATION...
 1. To God who saved them
 a. Are we not thankful for what God has done for us?
 b. Will this not affect how we live our lives? - cf. Ga 2:20
 2. To those who are lost
 a. Are we not concerned about their eternal destiny should they
 die in their sins?
 b. Will this not move us to do something? - cf. 2 Co 5:11
 -- Those not ashamed of the gospel will feel an obligation similar
  to Paul's - Ro 1:14
 
 B. WILL MAKE THEMSELVES READY...
 1. To share the gospel as they have opportunity
 a. If uncertain what to say, they will learn it (even relearn
 it) - cf. 1 Pe 3:15; He 5:12
 b. They will not rest until they have found some method, aids,
 or tools, whereby they can communicate the gospel to others
 c. Then they will be looking for "open doors" to teach others
 - cf. 1 Co 3:5
 2. To spread the gospel as they have opportunity
 a. They may not be in a position to go, but they can still send
 - cf. Ro 10:14-15; 3 Jn 5-8
 b. They may not be in a position to teach, but they can still
 invite - e.g., Ac 10:24,33
 c. Then they will be looking for "open doors" to send - e.g.,
 Ph 4:15-16
 -- Those not ashamed of the gospel will make themselves ready like
 Paul - Ro 1:15
 
CONCLUSION
 
1. Are you ashamed of the gospel of Christ? You may be, if you are
  not...
 a. Doing anything to share the gospel yourself
 b. Involved in helping others to spread the gospel
 
2. You have no reason to be ashamed, it is still the same gospel!
 a. With power to save the souls of men
 b. Revealing the wonderful righteousness of God to save men
 
May we never be ashamed of the gospel, or of Jesus Himself...
 
 "For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and
 sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when
 He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels." (Mk 8:38)
 
 "Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but
 let him glorify God in this matter." (1 Pe 4:16)

The Wrath Of God (1:18-32)
 
INTRODUCTION
 
1. The Scriptures speak of the coming day of God's wrath...
 a. Revealing the righteous judgment of God - cf. Ro 2:4-6
 b. A day of judgment of the ungodly - cf. 2 Pe 3:7
 -- In which the fullness of God's righteous indignation is made known
 
2. The Scriptures also speak of how God's wrath has already come...
 a. Revealed from heaven - Ro 1:18a
 b. Against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men - Ro 1:18b
 -- In which a foretaste of God's righteous indignation is manifested
 
[Why does God manifest this "foretaste" of His wrath? How does He
express His righteous indignation even now, long before the day of
judgment? Our text (Ro 1:18-32) provides the answers...]
 
I. WHY GOD MANIFESTS HIS WRATH
 
 A. BECAUSE MAN STIFLES GOD'S REVEALED TRUTH...
 1. By suppressing the truth in unrighteousness - Ro 1:18
 a. Rejecting what is true
 b. Justifying what is ungodly and unrighteous
 2. By spurning what God has revealed - Ro 1:19-20
 a. Things about God that are manifest in man himself
 1) E.g., man's intelligence and personality, implying the
 same of his Creator
 2) E.g., man's sense of ought, implying a righteous Creator
 b. Things about God that are manifest in creation around him
 - cf. Psa 19:1-2
  1) Invisible attributes of God, seen and understood by
 things that are visible
 2) E.g., design and order of the universe imply eternal
 power and Deity
 -- When man fails to listen to the beauty and design of the
 universe that declares "God exists!", God is angry!
 
 B. BECAUSE MAN IS UNGRATEFUL AND FOOLISH...
 1. Not being thankful to God - Ro 1:21a
 a. Even when they knew Him
 b. Yet failing to glorify Him as God
 2. Becoming futile in their thoughts and foolish in their hearts
 - Ro 1:21b-23
 a. The consequence of not glorifying God
 b. Leading to idolatry (the worship of creation instead of the
 Creator)
 1) E.g., making God into their own image
 2) E.g., making God into the image of other animate objects
 c. Modern man has his own idols:
 1) E.g., secular humanism (worshipping self)
 2) E.g., covetousness (worshipping money) - cf. Ep 5:5; Co
 3:5
 -- When man ceases to be thankful to God, and esteems created
 things over Him, then God is angry!
 
[The wrath of God at the last day will involve a fiery end (cf. 2 Pe
3:10; 2 Th 1:7-9). God's wrath being revealed today is more subtle, but
terrible nonetheless...]
 
II. HOW GOD MANIFESTS HIS WRATH
 
 A. HE "GIVES MAN UP" TO MORAL UNCLEANNESS...
 1. God "gave them up" (paradidomi) - Ro 1:24a
 a. No fire from heaven striking them down
 b. But simply leaving man to his own desires
 2. To (moral) uncleanness - Ro 1:24b
 a. In the lusts of their hearts (wherever their wicked hearts
 led them, cf. Mk 7:21-23)
 b. Dishonoring their bodies among themselves (in what way, see
 below)
 3. Why? Because they exchanged the truth of God for the lie - Ro
 1:25
 a. Worshipping and serving that which is created
 b. Rather than He who is the Creator and worthy to be blessed
 forever
 
 B. HE "GIVES MAN UP" TO VILE PASSIONS...
 1. Again, God "gave them up" (paradidomi) - Ro 1:26a
 a. No lightning from heaven striking one down
 b. But simply leaving man to his vile passions
 2. Case in point, lesbianism - Ro 1:26b
 a. Women exchanging the natural use for what is against nature
 b. Using bodies designed for procreation in ways that do not
 procreate
 3. Case in point, homosexuality - Ro 1:27
 a. Leaving the natural use of women (to procreate, to avoid
 fornication, cf. 1 Co 7:2)
 b. Burning in their lust for one another, committing with men
 what is shameful
 c. Receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was
  due (e.g., AIDS?)
 
 C. HE "GIVES MAN UP" TO DEBASED MINDS AND UNRIGHTEOUSNESS...
 1. Yet again, God "gave them over" (paradidomi) - Ro 1:28
 a. Since they did not like to retain God in their knowledge
 b. God gave them over to a debased mind, to do things not
 fitting
 2. The result of being "given up": being filled with all