Untitled Sermon (5)

When God Gives Us Up: The Dangers of Rejection

Bible Passage: Romans 1:18–32

Summary: In Romans 1:18-32, Paul outlines the consequences of humanity's rejection of God, illustrating how this leads to moral decline and spiritual darkness. He emphasizes that God's wrath is revealed when people choose to suppress the truth and indulge in their sinfulness, ultimately leading to a society that is given over to destructive behaviors.

Application: This sermon aims to help individuals recognize the seriousness of rejecting God and the gradual consequences that unfold in our lives and society. By understanding these dynamics, we can develop a deeper reliance on God's truth, seek repentance, and engage in conversations about faith and morality with compassion and clarity.

Teaching: This sermon teaches that the rejection of God leads to a downward spiral of sin and that acknowledging this reality is essential for personal and communal repentance. It urges the audience to reflect on their lives, the culture around them, and the importance of holding onto the truth of God’s Word.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the broader context of Scripture, Christ represents the ultimate answer to humanity's plight described in Romans 1. While the passage shows the consequences of rejecting God, Christ embodies the invitation to redemption, offering grace, truth, and restoration to a fallen world.

Big Idea: Rejecting God invites His judgment; however, through Christ, we can find redemption and hope.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider delving into the historical context surrounding the Roman audience in your Logos library. Look into how idolatry and pagan practices were prevalent during Paul's time and how the cultural background informs his message. Additionally, explore various commentaries that address the theological implications of God 'giving them up' to sin, and how this relates to the nature of free will and God's sovereignty.

1. Rejecting Leads to Idolatry

Romans 1:18-23

You could emphasize that rejecting God leads to a distortion of the truth, as people exchange the glory of God for idolatry. Highlight that this passage demonstrates how humanity's refusal to honor God results in a warped understanding of the world. By rejecting God's revelation, we start to worship created things instead of the Creator. Encourage your listeners to self-reflect and consider the idols they may be holding onto. Point to Christ as the ultimate truth and the one who restores our proper worship of God, guiding believers to true wisdom and understanding.

If you are idle in Christ’s work, you are active in the devil’s work. The Sluggard’s Farm, Volume 34, Sermon #2027 - Proverbs 24:30-32

Charles Spurgeon

2. Receiving Dangerous Desires

Romans 1:24-27

Perhaps focus on how God 'giving them up' illustrates the passive judgment that comes from rejecting Him—He allows people to follow their own desires, leading to moral decay. Stress that these verses show a grave consequence of ignoring God's truth is being left to one's passions, resulting in disorder and brokenness. This calls believers to see Christ as the one who redeems and reorders our passions toward what is holy and good. Encourage repentance and a turning back to God whose love empowers us to live righteously.

3. Reaping Righteous Ruin

Romans 1:28-32

Maybe highlight the ultimate outcome of rejecting God, where society experiences a full range of unrighteous behaviors as described in this passage. This serves as a warning of the destructive path that results when God's truth is exchanged for lies. Explore how Christ's redemption offers a path back to wholeness and peace, contrasting the chaos of sin with the peace found in Him. Urge your audience to seek after righteousness through Christ and engage with the world by being beacons of His light and truth.