In the Jungle, The Mighty Jungle, The Lion Prowls Around Seeking Someone to Devour Tonight...

Romans 1:16–32 NKJV

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. 24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. 26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

God “gave them up to uncleanness”

God “gave them up to vile passions”

vile - shame or disgrace

God “gave them over to a debased mind”

Debased - Morally Reprehensible. Worthless. Despicable.

He simply means this: He didn’t stop them. That’s it.

our minds are already like this! What if God simply withdraws His conviction?

This creates a condition where no amount of logic or arguing or reasoning could *ever* make *any* difference!

This also opens the door to a terrible weapon the enemy uses to keep things bad:

Escalation.

This situation is growing worse every single moment.

The “mighty jungle” is what has made this worse than ever before.

This passage perfectly describes our society today.

God has “given over” this generation to a debased mind, vile passions, and uncleanness.

Why?

- God will never force Himself upon anyone. People who want nothing to do with Him, He will give them what they want.

- That’s scary! Imagine living your life absent from God!

The people of this current generation *want* that. They *want* God to stay out of their lives and let them have their sin.

Who?

v29 - they did not LIKE to retain God in their knowledge!

v18 - they surpress the truth in unrighteousness

v21 - they did not glorify Him as God AND were not thankful!!!

V23 - they made God to be like one of us and He’s not!!!!

What’s the answer?

verse 16 - 17

What may be known of God is *already* in them!

God has called us to not be ashamed! Jesus said if you’re ashamed of Me in *this* generation, He’ll be ashamed of you!

God has called us to be salt! Even our conversations should be sprinkled with salt!

Jesus has asked us to “come out of her my people”!!!

What good could any of us possible be against this rising tide of confusion and perversion, if we’re accepting it? If we’re participating in it???

IT’S UP TO US! They have to hear about it, people! *We’re* the salt of the earth!!!!