The Devolution of Man

Worship – God’s Righteous Due

a. We were created for His pleasure (Rev. 4:11)

b. We were created to praise God

i. Psalm 104:1-3, 31-35

Man is Utterly Depraved (1:18-32)

This is against the utopia thinking and humanist philosophy.

Based on the idea that mankind is basically good.

The state of the world exposes the lie.

The downward spiral. (1:18-32)

Unrighteously suppress the truth

Refuse to glorify God and unthankful It all starts with refusing to honor God and God and being ungrateful with what He has provided.

Result – vain imaginations. (Dialogismos) Doubtful reasoning, rationalization

Heart is darkened – deadening of conscience

Adopt idols, worship creation vs. the Creator

Environmental extremism in our day

God gives them over to their filthy lusts

“Gave them over” – surrender, cast in prison

Result – They change God’s truth into a lie and Dishonor their own bodies

God gave them up to vile affections

They throw off all honor

Homosexuality is rampant

God gave them over to reprobation

Reprobate mind – no judgment, undiscerning, reprehensible

The fight against the very laws of nature (set in place by God)

Their end is utter wickedness.

“Filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless.” (1:29-31)

3. Man is Deceitfully Proud (2:1-16)

Paul points the finger at those who trust in themselves.

They trust in their own righteousness

“I am better than they are…”

“Do you think you will escape God’s judgment” (2:3)

They trust in their blessed heritage

The Jews thought of themselves as God’s people

American’s think of ourselves as God’s country.

God’s previous blessing does not guarantee His future graciousness.

“despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forberance and longsuffering?” (2:4)

4. God’s Verdict – All are sinners

None are Righteous in God’s sight.

Both Jews and gentiles, reprobate and self-righteous are in need of salvation

God’s perspective on man.

Romans 3:10-18

The law only serves to show us our guilt.

“That every mouth may be stopped and all the world may become guilty before God.” (3:19-20)

5. God’s Provision

Freely justified by God’s Grace

Redeemed by Christ’s blood.

6. Application

Have you recognized your true condition before God?

Have you received His Provision?

If yes, when was the last time your praised him for his redemption?