Your life as a Christian should make non-believers question their disbelief in God.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Yesterday, we talked about the grounds on which one will be guilty when the Day of Judgement comes. These bases that Paul wrote were something we cannot blame others. It is our own doing. And we cannot question God all the “whys”. He gave us knowledge about Him, internally with our conscience and morals, and externally through creation. Furthermore, the knowledge about Him and who He is can be found in the scriptures. Thus, we do not have an excuse to be creating our kind of gods.
History to Understand the Word of God
To know more about the Letter of Paul to the Romans. Click Here.
Bible Reading
Today’s devotional reading is from the Letter of Paul to the Romans 1:24-32. Please, read our recent devotional from the Letter of Paul to the Romans 1:18-23: How Much Strength Does It Take To Be A Non Believer?
Reap what you sow
In the letter of Paul to the Galatians 6:7, he writes; Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. Hence, one should not blame God for every wrong thing that is happening in one’s life. We should reflect on our actions and see if it is following God’s will. And we have been gifted through God’s grace with intellect to use it.
When we are guilty of all our wickedness, what then will happen? In Ezekiel 25:17 the Lord said, “I will execute great vengeance on them with wrathful rebukes. Then they will know that I am the Lord, when I lay my vengeance upon them”. Now, this is where the question is you that strong to receive the vengeance of God for your transgressions.
God gave them up
Romans1:24, 26 and 28
All results have one thing in common, and that is that “God gave them up”. Have you seen in the movies where a judge gives a guilty sentence then hands the prisoners to the guards? That moment will be the same for each one that does not repent from their sins. We will be delivered to our own devices with no saving grace, a sure way to go to hell and be apart from our Heavenly Father for eternity. Below are the things you should reflect on.
(Please visit another devotional on Love Of The Father Is The Pruning Of His Saints. To know more about how hardships and trials are God’s grace for us.)
Lust of their hearts
Romans 1:24-25
Sinners, all of us, when left to our ways, will always be following our worldly lust. We crave every day for this world. But let me tell you that this world does not offer us anything back. God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, for us to receive His everlasting grace.
Instead, we cling to the temporary riches and pleasure we have on this earth. We walk in lies rather than walking in truth with Christ. Moreover, we degrade our bodies that is a gift from our Lord.
Vile Affections
Romans 1:26-27
Paul said that women in Rome, supposedly the “last group to be affected by moral collapse”, were also turning to sin against their nature. They gave in to dishonourable pleasures that they get not from their husbands but another source. Our affections should focus on everything coming from Jesus. As Paul wrote to the Philippians 4, 8Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
Men were not an exemption from this message because they have defiled their nature. And because of that, they received punishment for their errors. Evidence of this is the HIV/AIDs pandemic.
Debased Minds
Romans 1:28
Lastly, we will be led by a reprobate mind when we do not turn away from our evil deeds. This happens when we do not acknowledge God and we do not align our thoughts to Him. In a like manner, He will let us be. We will be guided by our intellect that is world-based and corrupted. Additionally, our minds will lead us to sin more and making us even farther from God.
Reflect on Romans 1:29 and compare it honestly with yourself.
Reflection
This is the time for your journaling. Reflect on these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit to test your faith and your walk with Christ.
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? — 2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV
- Have you read what were the points that will make you guilty in the eyes of God? Click Here.
- Do you find yourself accountable for the points given by Paul?
- Are you ready to receive the wrath of God?
- Have you reflected that Jesus alone can save you from this? Accept Jesus Now.
- Do you lean on the lust of your heart?
- Are your pleasures based on impure feelings?
- Have you noticed the way you think?
- Is it following God or this world?
Prayer
Our Father in heaven, holy is your name. We ask that you purify us with the Holy Spirit. May you show us our faults that we will be able to confess it to you and turn from it. O Lord, Jesus Christ, let your examples be in our lives and may we be able to live them every day.
Let us not cling to this world, Lord, but may we cling on to your words. Guide us towards the path that will lead towards you.
We pray in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.
