Paul begins this book describing himself as a "slave of Christ Jesus" and he wanted to be known as someone who lived his life to please his master. His life was defined by his relationship with Jesus. Hmm...what defines my life?
Paul said, "I am not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God to everyone who believes." He made it his goal to share that life changing power with everyone who he encountered. Hmm...am I ashamed of the gospel? Am I sharing the life changing message?
Paul said that people did not want to worship God, but "rather exchanged the truth of God for a lie", and therefore, worshiped created things rather than the creator. They gave themselves fully to things that were not honoring Christ! He lists those things: unrighteousness, evil, greed, wickedness, envy, murder, quarrels, deceit, malice, gossip, slander, arrogant, proud, boastful, disobedient, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving & unmerciful! He said that people, even though they knew what God wanted, refused to "do" what He says. Hmm...Am I obeying God?
Read it here.
The wrath of God may often be seen in Him turning over people to their own desires. It's what happens when God doesn't show up in conscience or restraint. When the human spirit is entirely unbridled from societal conformity, inner conscience, or even self-preservation, what results is grotesque.
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