Romans 1 has much to say about some of the modern problems that the world is facing today. In this portion of Scripture, Paul starts in Romans 1:18 by highlighting God’s displeasure with the conduct of His creation. Paul then tells the reader why by using the words “for,” “but,” “therefore,” and “because” in verses 18, 19, 20,21, 24, 25, and 26. These words operate as conjunctions and reveal the flow of thought that Paul is expressing. Typically, when the word “for” is used in Romans 1, it is revealing a reason as to why something is happening.
For instance, Romans 1:18 starts with, “For the wrath of God…” The word “for” points the reader back to Romans 1:16-17 where Paul tells the reader of the Gospel. In other words, the reason for the Gospel is the wrath of God. Romans 1:12 starts with, “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen…” (Rom. 1:20). Here, the word “for” points back to verse 19 in which Paul tells the reader that God has shown His creation that He (God) exists. In other words, the reason that people know God exists is because God has made this clearly evident in creation.
This approach continues throughout Romans chapter 1. Paul steadily builds off of his preceding thoughts by using the word “for” and other conjunctions like it. By the end of the chapter, the Christian gains a proper understanding of a declining culture as a result. So how does Paul conclude the first chapter of the book of Romans? What can the Christian take away from this picture of a sin-stained world?
Evidences of a declining culture #1 – Not acknowledging God
Scripture says, “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” (Rom. 1:28). In this portion of Scripture, the people in this culture are moving away from God. They are the ones who initiate this drifting away from the Holy One.
It is interesting, to say the least, to read the words of Scripture and take them at face value. Scripture says, “Wherefore God also gave them up…” (Rom. 1:24), and again, “For this cause God give them up…” (Rom. 1:26), and yet again, “…God gave them over…” (Rom. 1:28). As the people turned away from God, it is as though God then took His hand of grace off of the people.
Here stands a firm warning that when a culture or nation turns from God, it cannot also expect God’s blessing. The Bible, in Romans 1:28, tells of a large group of people that did not want to “retain” God in their “knowledge.” These words are important for the Christian as this is what led to the downfall of these people. What does it mean to retain God in their knowledge?
The word retain is the Greek word “echo.” It means to hold, to have, or to keep. By its use, it carries the meaning of a continued possession of its object. It is used to signify mental conception.
The people here are said to have wandered from holding fast to (retaining) God in their minds (knowledge). Thus, God is said to have given them over.
But what does God give them over to? The Bible says a “reprobate” mind. The word “reprobate” in the original language is “adokimos,” which means worthless or unworthy. In the passive sense, it involves one who is cast away or rejected.
The people did not acknowledge God, and thus God did not acknowledge the people. God is patient, and He does not desire that people would perish. God’s desire is that everyone would repent and turn to Him. However, Paul makes it clear that the mankind must never presume upon God’s grace; He does not owe grace to His Creation.
Evidences of a declining culture #2 – Filled with all unrighteousness
Since the people turned from God, they inevitably turned to sin. The Bible says, “Being filled with all unrighteousness…” (Rom. 1:29). This statement of the people’s condition paves the way for what follows. When this Scripture speaks of being “filled,” what is at stake is a culture that is cram-packed or fully supplied with unrighteousness. It is reminiscent of a glass that is filled to the full and nearly overflowing.
A culture such as this is similar to that of Sodom. When Abraham heard that God was going to destroy the city of Sodom, Abraham interceded for the people. He asked God if God would destroy the city if there were 50 righteous people living within it. God told Abraham that He would not. Abraham then asked God if God would destroy the city if there were 45 righteous people living within it. God again informed Abraham that He would spare the city if there were 45 righteous people living there. This dialogue continues until God agrees with Abraham that He would spare the city if only 10 righteous people were living within.
Shortly after God’s discussion with Abraham, God calls down fire from heaven on Sodom. The reason for this is that the city was filled with unrighteousness. The city did not have 10 righteous people. The government, the school systems, the healthcare programs, etc., do not exalt a nation. Scripture says, “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (Prov. 13:34). The Bible makes it clear that the way for a nation to be exalted by God is through obedience to the Lord.
But how does the Christian function in a world that is seemingly “filled” with unrighteousness? Does God even take note of those who are seeking to do right when so many are not? The Bible says, “Ye are the salt of the earth…” (Matt. 5:13). Salt acts as a preservative. Jesus is saying that the Christian has a preserving element in the world in which he finds himself.
Remember that if God would have been able to find 10 righteous people within Sodom, the city would have been preserved. Every righteous believer matters as he finds himself living in a world that is filled with unrighteousness.
Evidences of a declining culture #3 – Giving approval to the unrighteousness of others
Scripture says, “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” (Rom. 1:32).
One of the greatest tendencies of people who are entrenched in sin is to give approval to others who are living in sin as well. When people find themselves given over to drug and alcohol addiction, they will find others who are also addicted. They will approve of one another’s practices, and rarely ever will they speak out against the other person’s misconduct.
This is a somewhat extreme example, but nevertheless, it paints a picture of what happens in the lives of those who carry on in unrepentance. Nothing can pacify the conscience of an individual quite like a large number of people giving approval to that person’s sin.
It can be difficult for one person to convince his own conscience that his actions do not matter. But when he has the help of others, the conscience begins to grow weak and defeated. The Bible calls this conscience “seared.” In a declining culture, you will find a declining conscience.
Application
The Christian must hold fast to Christ as Christ clings to him. Depend on Jesus, abide in Christ, and pray that God will give you the strength and humility to live in the world and not get stained with sin. Paul tells us that the Christian must acknowledge God in his thoughts. Embrace God in your mind, and fight to think scripturally.
Paul tells the Christian what the marks of a declining culture will look like. Do not fall into the snare of the enemy. You may notice that there will be times in your life when it seems that everyone is doing what you believe the Bible tells you not to do. Do not follow the majority; follow Christ. Finally, fight against the temptation to give approval to sin. God will be glorified in your life as a result.
Final prayer
Father, I thank You for preserving our nation. Help me to be like salt in the world and a light to the lost. Teach me Your ways, and help me to trust in Your leading. In Jesus’ name, Amen.