Okay, here we are facing the last few lines of Romans 1 and GOD's indictment against the unrighteousness and ungodliness of fallen humanity. This does not end at verse 32 but rather continues into chapter 2 to the end of verse 16. Paul in his writing brings to bear the accounts of deceived humanity's dependence on the flesh, as the evil imagination of the devils playground. The every thing brought to an end by the death of sin and deception of the flesh that housed the LORD of lords and King of kings.
Romans 1:28-32 "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; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient (G545) to parents (G1112), without understanding (G801), covenantbreakers (G802), without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment (G1345) 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." (KJV)
Romans 1:28-32 "And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were 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 (G545) to parents (G1112), foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Though they know God's righteous (G1345) decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them." (ESV)
Romans 1:28-29 "Their indifference about their god-identity veiled GOD from them. Sin snowballs! It spreads like a disease, exhibiting its ugly symptoms in every possible form, from perverse sexual obsession, to every kind of atrocity. The problem with sin is that it never in satisfied or satisfies, leaving the victim miserably unfulfilled and constantly craving for more of the same deception: vileness, jealousy, anger and an unnatural obsession with self. Life is cheap, murder doesn't matter; they are steeped in constant quarrelling and wickedness, their conversation has become reduced to slanderous gossip. No one is safe in their company; they think that by insulting people they can voice their hatred for GOD; proudly bragging about their latest inventions of filth. They remain [1; G545] indifferent to any definition of [2; G1112] parenthood, disregarding the fact that we did not invent ourselves. (The word [1; G545 from G1 and G3982] apeithes, is where we get the word apathy from, traditionally translated to disobey, and translates better as being indifferent; which is from (G1) a, a negative and (G3982) peitho, to believe; to make friends, to win one's favor, to gain one's good will, or to strive to please one. The word [2; G1112 from G1096] goneus, is parent; is from base of (G1096) ginomai, to be born.) They live [1; G801] dysfunctional, [2; G802] disconnected lives where no [3; G794] sympathy or mercy is shown. (The words, [1; G801, and G4809] asynetous , a , negative and (G4809 and G4920) sunetos; is from (G4920) suniemi; a joining together like that of two streams; a fusion of thought, a joint-seeing. Thus, with them, there seems to be no compatibility or harmony to connect meaningfully with others. The word [2; G802, G1 and G4934] asunthetos again, a, negative and suntithemai - to stand in agreement or support with of another. They live completely out of sync with others. Then Paul uses the words, [3; G794, G1 and G415] astorgos, without natural affection and eleemon, no mercy.) It just doesn't make any sense, they started off knowing the [1; G1345] righteousness of GOD, yet by their lifestyle they flirted with death; it is almost as if sin has become a fashionable contest. ([1; G1345 is from G1344 and G1342, innocent] dikaioma, righteousness - not judgment, as some translations suggest!
From verse 18 to 32 Paul paints the picture of the dilemma and darkness of the fallen mindset - where the distorted picture becomes the norm. This is the language of a Law system, which defines people by their behavior rather than their design. He then concludes in 2:4 with this amazing statement to underline his conviction as recorded in 1:16-17 about the powerful rescuing act of GOD announced in the Gospel. "Do not underestimate GOD's kindness. The wealth of his benevolence and his resolute refusal to let go of us is because he continues to hear the echo of his likeness in us! Thus his parent patient passion is to Shepherd everyone into a radical mind shift.)
Since chapter 2 is a continuation of chapter 1 we shall, the LORD willing, carry this forward next time.
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