Introduction: Does man have a leg to stand on? Is God fair? Why would the Lord condemn anyone? Check out how Paul meticulously declares man to be guilty without any defense.

1.Revelation (Rom 1:18)

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness.”

The word “hold” is κατέχω, (kat-ekh’-o). By definition it means to hold fast, bind, arrest, to take possession of, lay hold of, to hold back, detain, restrain, to hold a ship, keep its head.

Basically, it means to hold down or suppress.

In other words, when a person hears the Word of God being proclaimed through reading or teaching or preaching and one “turns a deaf ear” or denies its TRUTH, he or she is in danger of the next downfall after CREATION which is DECEPTION. It is an irreversible slippery slope that leads to destruction.

2.Creation (Rom 1:20)

“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.”

Did you see the words “without excuse”? That means with defense. There is no excuse. CREATION is an undeniable witness.  

3.Deception (Rom 1:21)

“21Because 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. 22Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.”

Denying or suppressing the TRUTH of the WORD of God leads to delusional thinking….then delusional acting. Now we can see why a man or a woman does abominable things; i.e. bestiality, etc.

Perverted living is the result.

4.Rationalization (Rom 1:22-33)

“24Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 26For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27And 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. 28And 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.”

Because of man’s disobedience through deception and delusion, and perversion, Paul reveals the Lord “TURNING” them OVER to a “reprobate” mind.

The word “reprobate” is παραδίδωμι (par-ad-id’-o-mee). It means to hand over, to give or deliver over, to betray….It can also mean to abandon.

This is sad indeed. But there is hope, but only through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.

Conclusion: It is not that man doesn’t believe in God, instead he rejects the TRUTH of God. Here we have description of a downward spiral of our culture. And yet, our Lord has empowered His followers to stand up, speak up, and get ready to go up!

Keep looking up!!