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When we read a chapter like Romans 1, it is easy to see the problem and the results that the problem led to. However, in everyday life, we tend to see the results as the problem. Lying politicians is not the problem, it is the result of the problem. A dozen murders in Chicago is not the problem, it is the result of the problem. The opioid epidemic is not the problem, it is the result of the problem. Homosexuality, homosexual marriage, and even pedophilia are not the problems, they are symptoms of the problem. So, if these are not the problem, then we must as ourselves, what is? Turn in your Bibles to Romans 1. We are going to look at the rest of the chapter this morning.
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world 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 that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
We are by nature drawn to the last half of this text. We look at the sins and our natures says, “If these are the problem, then the answer is to not do them.” That is the wrong approach because we have the wrong focus. This is an attempt at a works based salvation. Our sinful nature tells us that if “homosexuality is a sin, then if i am not a homosexual, I am good.” Or, we might think, “If backbiting and gossip are the problem, then all I have to do is not talk about people and I will be ok”. This is like taking tylenol for a fever but not going to the doctor to get an antibiotic to take care of the bacteria that is causing the fever. You may be keeping the symptom, the fever, in control but all the while the bacteria could be spreading more and more all through your body and eventually kill you.
Not just consequences of our actions but judgment for our actions.