Romans 3:9–18

⁹ What then? Are we better than they? Not at all. For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin. ¹⁰ As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one; ¹¹ There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. ¹² They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one.” ¹³ “Their throat is an open tomb; With their tongues they have practiced deceit”; “The poison of asps is under their lips”; ¹⁴ “Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.” ¹⁵ “Their feet are swift to shed blood; ¹⁶ Destruction and misery are in their ways; ¹⁷ And the way of peace they have not known.” ¹⁸ “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” 

Commentary
The Apostle Paul here continues his exhortation that Jews, though having privileges (and responsibilities) in being chosen by God, are not because of them, any better than the Gentiles (consider Deut. 9:4-6; Acts 7:51-53). For as the Apostle Paul has already demonstrated, and he reiterates here in verse nine. Both Jews and Gentiles are all under sin, and thus all are in need of the Gospel. Therefore the Apostle Paul is challenging his Jewish countrymen's arrogance if they feel they do not need the Gospel like the rest of humanity does. Now that haughtiness of spirit is not unique too them. For people in church communities can likewise develop that same sort of attitude. And so what we have here in verses 10-18 is a Scriptural rebuke of all such arrogance and or self-sufficient attitudes, whether emanating from Jews or Gentiles. Now to do this the Apostle Paul will quote from several Scriptural passages bringing them together into one cohesive thought. And so starting in verse ten to verse twelve, the Apostle Paul will strikingly quote from Psalm 14:1-3 (which is also paralleled in Psalm 53:1-3). Striking because this Psalm opens with a rebuke of the ungodly and unbelieving. And so the Apostle Paul's use of it here is not simply a rebuff of the ungodly, but rather it's quoted verses cuts deeply to the heart of the human condition, as seen from heaven, before there is genuine repentance and faith before God. Thus it describes us all (to lessor or greater decrees), whether religious or not, before salvation. And so looking at them individually, starting with verse ten which says: "There is none righteous, no, not one." The Apostle Paul Scripturally then confronts this cold hard fact about the human race. That there is no one (whether religious or not) who is righteous in the sight of God, in of themselves. Just as Jesus' said when correcting the Rich young rulers presumption about H/himself (see Matt 19:5-6, as well as Isaiah 64:6). Yet this truth is often the greatest barrier for people to overcome before coming to God. Because it assails all human pride that wants to believe otherwise. For if people are inherently good than there would've been no need for Jesus Christ to suffer and die on the Cross. God could've remedied the whole siltation by simply encouraging us all to live better lives. And in time things would've gotten better. Yet because we know that evil and desires for it are so prevalent within every human heart and soul; because of indwelling sin. As well that Satan (and his forces) are also actively at work in this world, deceiving and manipulating people into doing his destructive desires in the earth. That the only remedy is a complete and total transformation of it all. Literally as the Bible says the regeneration of each believing person, and then at the end, all of creation. For Jesus Christ will rule over all the new a creation, of not only the people redeemed by Him, but also a new heavens and earth in which righteousness dwells (Isaiah 65:17-25; 66:22; 2 Cor 5:17; 2 Peter 3:10-13; Rev. 21-22:5) And then when all things are made subject to Him, He Himself will be subject to the Father (1 Cor 15:20-28).

And so all of creation is corrupted by sin, thus sin is the number one problem that mankind faces. For all other problems have their root in it. Thus sin by it's very nature puts us at enmity with God. For there is no one who lives in sin, who either understands the things of God, or seeks after God (vs. 11). And that is the present condition of this world and the people within it. "They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one." vs. 12  Therefore if there were any who were "good" amongst us, it is quite possible God could've employed one of us in bringing about our redemption from sin and death. Yet in searching both His chosen people, and all the earth (through the many centuries of human history) He found no one. "Therefore His own arm brought salvation for Him; And His own righteousness, it sustained Him." Isaiah 59:16
For as the Apostle Paul goes on too quote from the Scriptures, citing now from Palm 5:9, he sees people's lives not only being lived indifferently towards God, but also he sees the human tongue, which is so powerful a tool of communication only becoming the means by which this worlds sin separated state is not only being manifested, but sadly multiplied in the earth, just as the passage states: “Their throat is an open tomb; With their tongues they have practiced deceit”; “The poison of asps is under their lips”. vs. 13 For truly in every culture, in every generation, the human tongue is never sanctified for given God praise and Glory. But rather it always becomes an organ by which mankind's sinful heart and desires are both revealed and multiplied in the earth, as Jesus said (see Matt 12:34-37; 15:16-20). And so from blasphemy, to lies, to every other form of evil. It all flows out of dead hearts, souls and lives, filling the air with the resonance of death, as their mouths become like open tombs, by which their spiritual condition is not only revealed, but they also propagate more sin and death in the earth through it. As the Scripture says', “The poison of asps is under their lips”. For just like deadly snake venom, so unregenerate mankind's tongues inevitably become the means of bringing forth more death, not life into this world (consider Prov 18:21: James 3). Thus the Apostle Paul again reaching into the Psalms in verse fourteen now quotes from Psalm 10:7 which again is another rebuke of wicked, which says, “Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.”  And so if anyone still presumes upon the "goodness of humanity" just let them go into any public venue where people gather and it won't be long until their ears are filled with the cursing and bitterness that is the human condition.
 Therefore from their tongue to their feet, literally head to toe, mankind's person is not set towards peace with God or even ones fellow person, but instead is at odds with Him and each other. That is what is being revealed to us in verses fifteen to eighteen, which states: ¹⁵ “Their feet are swift to shed blood; ¹⁶ Destruction and misery are in their ways; ¹⁷ And the way of peace they have not known.” ¹⁸ “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” The Apostle Paul quoting from Isaiah 59:7-8 in verses 15-17, then from Psalm 36:1 in verse eighteen, which again is an oracle about the wicked. Tells us that universally, humanity from Adam and Even forward all have gone astray, all have corrupted themselves, all have become unprofitable. From their tongues which only become vessels of cursing and bitterness, through which lies, blasphemy, slander and every evil desire is declared and multiplied in the earth, too their feet which are swift to carry out evil and murderous desires in the earth. And so there is nothing at the end of it all, but a trail of misery and destruction that is left in their wake. For there is no fear of God in the unregenerate human heart, the gay "pride" parades that have exploded (and have now become universally "acceptable") in the last few years give testimony to that fact (consider 2 Peter 2:6). For the sinful human heart will always find some way to manifest it's own condition. Which is why mankind universally needs the Gospel. For unless there is a total Spirit transformation (i.e. regeneration of a person), there will be no change of the heart and soul its lost and sinful condition. And God is the only Person who can accomplish that in us and for us. The means of which Paul will address starting in Rom 3:20 which will begin the next blog.

Scripture Citations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982

 

 

 

 

 

 

Romans 3:1–8

¹ What advantage then has the Jew, or what is the profit of circumcision? ² Much in every way! Chiefly because to them were committed the oracles of God. ³ For what if some did not believe? Will their unbelief make the faithfulness of God without effect? ⁴ Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar. As it is written: “That You may be justified in Your words, And may overcome when You are judged.” ⁵ But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unjust who inflicts wrath? (I speak as a man.) ⁶ Certainly not! For then how will God judge the world? ⁷ For if the truth of God has increased through my lie to His glory, why am I also still judged as a sinner? ⁸ And why not say, “Let us do evil that good may come”?—as we are slanderously reported and as some affirm that we say. Their condemnation is just.

Commentary
Vs. 1-4 Having shown that God is not any more partial to the Jewish person than towards the Gentile, simply because they are Jewish and are circumcised (consider Acts 10:34-35). The Apostle Paul now answers a persons possible response to this: "What advantage then has the Jew, or what is the profit of circumcision?" vs. 1 To which the Apostle responds in verse two by saying : "Much in every way! Chiefly because to them were committed the oracles of God." That is the very words of God were given too and through the Jews. Indeed Christ Himself came in the fulfillment of them through Jewish/Gentile pedigree. And so being chosen by God to bring forth His Word and Revelation into the world inherently brings with it great honor and prestige as the Apostle Paul also states in Rom 9:3-5 of Israel being chosen, chosen here to believe, to obey, and to deliver God's Word for all of humanity. Too even bear a "cachet" from God if you will, in their circumcision. And so in being a Jew there is exceedingly great honor. Yet honor bestowed upon one is not necessarily honor received. For though God first choose the Jews for this exceedingly significant and extremely important purpose in His redemption plans for all of humanity, because Abraham believed and obeyed Him. Yet the Jews history as a people, from the time of their deliverance from Egyptian bondage, right up until the Lord Jesus Christ's crucifixion (and even now), has largely been one of a collective disobedience and unbelief. And so though God longs to fulfill all His promises towards them, He cannot complete the honoring of them, until they first believe and obey Him according to His Word (consider Matt 24:37-39). Now this may seem to imply that God's Sovereignty over all things can somehow be thwarted by humanities free-will, whether this be the Jews or the Gentiles free-will. To which we find am answer to in the Apostle Paul's response in verses three and four when he says: ³ For what if some did not believe? Will their unbelief make the faithfulness of God without effect? ⁴ Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar. As it is written: “That You may be justified in Your words, And may overcome when You are judged.”

And so though there is at this time a collective unbelief amongst the Jews about the Lord Jesus as the Messiah, God can and will fulfill all of His promises regarding them, as well as the Gentiles. How this will all play out I cannot exactly say, yet we have some very definitive views of God's works towards Israel, as well as their assured future in the Scripture (see Isaiah 2; 4:2-6; 11:1-12:6; 24:21-23; 25:1-27:13; 28:16-29; 29:17-24; 30:18-26; 32:1-8, 16-20; 33:17-24; 35:1-10; 40:1-41:20; 42:1-45:25; 46:1-13; 48:1-56:8; 57:1-66:24; Zechariah 8:20-22 etc.) And so God will in the fulfillment of His Word bring about Israel's collective repentance and faith, and thus restoration (consider Zechariah 12:10-14) at the right time, just as He has appointed it for them. Therefore the Jews unbelief at this time will in no way thwart God's Word, nor His plans for them or the rest of humanity. At the right time God will cause worldly events and human hearts to move in such a way so as to bring about the complete fulfillment of all His Word. Thus God's faithfulness to keep His Promises in His Written Word is something that everyone who believes in Him can hope in and bank on. As the Apostle Paul declares here: "let God be true but every man a liar. As it is written: “That You may be justified in Your words, And may overcome when You are judged.”
Now the Apostle Paul is quoting here from King David's own confession and repentance about his own sin (see Psalm 51:4) to make a Scriptural point about God's faithfulness, not mans. For not until the individual, whether they are a Jew or Gentile sees themselves, and their own sin in the light of God's Word, does the Gospel become the imminent and only remedy for them. For it is God alone who is Faithful, Just and True. Our sins and transgressions only bear greater witness to that fact. Therefore any other perspective of God, or oneself, is inherently evil, because it does not seek to justify God who alone is Everlastingly Holy, Faithful, Just and True. But mankind who is both individually and collectively not only born into sin, but also we exemplify this dreadful condition throughout our lives, being full of all manner of evil desires, self-deceptions, and folly.

Vs. 5-8 ⁵ But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unjust who inflicts wrath? (I speak as a man.) ⁶ Certainly not! For then how will God judge the world? ⁷ For if the truth of God has increased through my lie to His glory, why am I also still judged as a sinner? ⁸ And why not say, “Let us do evil that good may come”?—as we are slanderously reported and as some affirm that we say. Their condemnation is just.

The Apostle Paul now addresses a possible response to the fact that our sins and transgressions only bear a greater witness to God's own Righteousness and Truth. A response that would go something like this: "well if that is so how then can God be angry at us for having sinned?" To which the Apostle Paul, before it is even asked refutes, by asking, then answering his own question, saying: ..."Is God unjust who inflicts wrath? ⁶ Certainly not! For then how will God judge the world?" vs. 5-6
And so though mankind's sins make manifest the righteousness of God more clearly. God is not unjust when He inflicts, (i.e. causes the sinner to experience) His Holy wrath either in this life, or in eternity. For if God did not judge sin then God would be totally unjust and unrighteous, which He is not. And so though mankind's sins only make manifest the righteous of God, that is His Righteousness of Person and Character when He in His Righteousness judges unrighteousness and sin. God does not desire sin from anyone one of us. Indeed God's greatest desire is that His Righteousness be clearly manifest to one and to all through the cross of the Lord of the Lord Jesus Christ, by which He has addressed the sin problem (the number one issue facing humanity) and extended His mercy to one and to all who believe. Which the Apostle Paul will reveal more about later. But for now we must stay focused on the present context. And so the Apostle Paul having addressed the possible response to the Righteousness of God being made more manifest through our sins. Now addresses the Truth of God, and thus the possible response to God's Truth being made more manifest through our falsehood. This Paul does in verses seven and eight. 7 Someone might argue, "If my falsehood enhances God’s truthfulness and so increases his glory, why am I still condemned as a sinner?" 8 Why not say—as some slanderously claim that we say—"Let us do evil that good may result?" Their condemnation is just!
The hypothetical question Paul asks here, playing the role of both questioner and responder is addressing the foolishly reasoned notion that since ones falsehood, in a paradoxical way, actually makes manifest the truthfulness of God, then God should not still judge them as a sinner. Indeed some of these folks even went so far as too totally distort what the Apostle Paul was preaching and teaching through the Gospel by saying that Paul, because of this fact, was actually telling people to do evil that good may come! The idea of which was so blasphemous against God, and slanderous towards Paul, that Paul's only response was to say of them: "their condemnation is just." For the Gospel of grace of God is not a license to sin, it is the Spirit given power of God within us who believe in Jesus not to sin. That is not to live according to the lusts of the flesh (see Gal 5:16-25). Thus the Gospel is not a mere religious Law (though their are commandments within it). It is first and foremost the Message of God's Redeeming Love and Grace for every sinner who sees their own sin, and thus their helpless before the wrath of God because of it, and thus does as God commands, looks to the Lord Jesus Christ crucified in their place (John 3:15-16). For when anyone does, God accepts that faith as the sole basis for His saving them from His everlasting wrath against all ungodliness and unrighteousness and wickedness within them. Therefore the Gospel commands first and foremost that we all trust in the Lord Jesus Christ crucified in our place for our eternal salvation from sin and death. For when we do God not only accepts us (as we are), He by His Holy Spirit comes into us, bringing us to Spirit life and uniting us in Spirit with Christ, and so He transforms us from within. I hope that today if you have not already opened your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ that you will seize this moment of understanding and let God seize you! That is that you will simply say yes Lord Jesus Christ I believe in You, and want You to come into my heart and life that I might be One with You. Complete, Whole, and True, simple because of You.


Scripture Citations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982

 

Romans 2:17-29

 ¹⁷ Indeed you are called a Jew, and rest on the law, and make your boast in God, ¹⁸ and know His will, and approve the things that are excellent, being instructed out of the law, ¹⁹ and are confident that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, ²⁰ an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, having the form of knowledge and truth in the law. ²¹ You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal? ²² You who say, “Do not commit adultery,” do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? ²³ You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonor God through breaking the law?

 ²⁴ For “the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you,” as it is written. ²⁵ For circumcision is indeed profitable if you keep the law; but if you are a breaker of the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision. ²⁶ Therefore, if an uncircumcised man keeps the righteous requirements of the law, will not his uncircumcision be counted as circumcision? ²⁷ And will not the physically uncircumcised, if he fulfills the law, judge you who, even with your written code and circumcision, are a transgressor of the law? ²⁸ For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; ²⁹ but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.

Commentary
Vs. 17-24 And so the Apostle Paul leaves no room for the Jew to have confidence in the Law and boost in God, if they themselves are living contrary to it (19-23).  Indeed Paul's point here is to show the Jews that they are in need of the Gospel just as much as the Gentiles, maybe even more so, because of their knowledge of it. For you can be a "religious" person and have a great zeal for the Law, even for God Himself, and yet not know God because you have not come to Him through His Son the Lord Jesus Christ, and thus done business with Him about your own sins and transgressions.  And so teaching others not to steal is meaningless if you yourself are stealing. Same with committing adultery, or abhorring idols while looting pagan temples etc. Paul's point is that you can make your boast in the Law all day long, but if you yourself are dishonoring God by living contrary to it, then your boosting and confidence is false (vs. 23). And so the Apostle Paul says of his Jewish brethren: For “the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you,” as it is written. vs. 24
Now this scenario is not unique just to "religious" Jews, for "churched people" can likewise become complacent towards their own need for the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, by trusting in all the outward ceremonial ritual and works (i.e. communion, baptism etc.) or everything or anything else associated with church activities, rather than first seeing ones own need for repentance towards God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. For these ceremonial things are only given so as to testify to people as already having a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Not that they themselves bring anyone into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. And so though the Apostle Paul is addressing his Jewish brethren, also has some very clear implications for our generations as well.

Vs. 25 Having addressed the Jewish person's false confidence in their being God's chosen people, and thus through whom the Law came, that this somehow makes them immune to the judgment of God, if they carry on in their sins and unbelief (consider Matt 21:33-46, vs. 43). The Apostle Paul now addresses another false confidence amongst them that is circumcision. And so Paul begins by saying: "For circumcision is indeed profitable if you keep the law; but if you are a breaker of the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision." vs. 25 Now Paul's statement here is that circumcision is indeed profitable for the Jew (not the Gentile, see Acts 15:22-29, vs. 24; 21:17-25, vs. 21-25) if the Jewish person keeps the Law. For that then testifies to their obedience to the Gospel of Christ, if they are keeping it, that is the moral aspects of it (I.e. "love ones neighbor as oneself, which does no harm to ones neighbor, and thus is fulfillment of the Law, see Rom 13:10). However if they are not," then their circumcision becomes uncircumcision, meaning that they are not living in a covenant relationship with God, if they are breaking the Law. 

Vs. 26-29  ²⁶ Therefore, if an uncircumcised man keeps the righteous requirements of the law, will not his uncircumcision be counted as circumcision? ²⁷ And will not the physically uncircumcised, if he fulfills the law, judge you who, even with your written code and circumcision, are a transgressor of the law? vs. 26-27

And so if the Jewish mans confidence is his circumcision, then he is living deceived. For as the Apostle Paul says here, if an uncircumcised man keeps the righteous requirements of the Law (not the ceremonial rites and rituals, nor the food statutes, but the moral and ethical decrees of God) then will not his uncircumcision be counted as circumcision. I.e. will not God consider him to be in a right standing with Himself more so than the circumcised man who does not. Now Paul goes even further in his rebuking the Jewish mans judging the Gentiles by saying: "And will not the physically uncircumcised, if he fulfills the law, judge you who, even with your written code and circumcision, are a transgressor of the law?" vs. 27 And so in a twist of irony the once despised Gentile because he obeys God will find himself judging the Jew who does not. For again having a written code and being circumcised is useless if one is a transgressor of the law. For there is no partiality with God, but whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. For that is the universal measure God applies to everyone in every nation, whether they are a Jew or a Gentile (see Acts 10:34-35). Now this principal is not limited to religious Jew whose confidence is essentially in his "pedigree", but is also applicable for everyone one of us who are in the church. Because if your confidence is that you are a church member, or have been baptized, or you belong to a certain denomination or adhere to a certain denominations teachings and traditions, or even that you profess faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Yet if your life is being lived no differently then the unregenerate and unbelieving world; or is being lived as lifeless and loveless as the Pharisees then it's time for some serious contemplation about your own standing with God. For it could very well be that you have never come to the place of genuine repentance and faith. Now this I say not to shame you, or condemn you, but to awaken you to your own need for the Lord Jesus Christ so that you might receive Him and what He has done to redeem you, from all your sins and transgressions the moment you believe in Him (Eph. 5:14-18).
For as the Apostle goes onto to say: ²⁸ For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; ²⁹ but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God." Vs. 28-29

And thus not the physically circumcised, who know the letter of the Law are the people of God (i.e. "the Jews"). Rather it is everyone who has been born-again by the Spirit of God, by faith in Lord Jesus Christ's Person, whether they are a Jew or Gentile (see 1 Peter 2:4-10, vs. 9-10). Who thus have their hearts circumcised with the circumcision of Christ (Col 2:11). Meaning it is our hearts God has "circumcised", i.e. transformed by His Holy Spirit, something the letter of the Law could never do. For if there was a law that could've given life truly righteousness would've been by the Law (Gal 3:21). And so the Apostle Paul says of us all who have our hope fixed on Christ crucified and risen from dead for our salvation, and not on our doing whatever religious ceremonial rites and rituals that man would have us do (Heb 9:14-15). And so our praise is from God, (who justifies us by His Spirit) not from man who judges us by the flesh.


Scripture Citations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982
 

Romans 2:1-16

 ¹ Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. ² But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. ³ And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? ⁴ Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? ⁵ But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, ⁶ who “will render to each one according to his deeds”: ⁷ eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; ⁸ but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath, ⁹ tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; ¹⁰ but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. ¹¹ For there is no partiality with God. ¹² For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law ¹³ (for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified; ¹⁴ for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, ¹⁵ who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) ¹⁶ in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.

Commentary

Vs. 1 (Preamble) The Apostle Paul having given us a list in Rom 1:18-32 of sins, vices, and seemingly every form of wickedness and evil which those who have reject true knowledge of God find themselves doing. Now addresses the "onlooker" as it were. The one who observing the brazen and openly wicked conduct of such people, feels rather assured in themselves that they themselves are not nearly as "bad" as those wicked people that they see and judge as such. Now the point of Paul's doing this, is to place us all under sin (Rom 3:9). Both the brazen sinner, as well as the one who observes and judges them as such, while not realizing the outward manifestations of such sins can also be harbored in ones own heart as Jesus' warned about. And so the final purpose is to bring all people into a conviction of their sin, which then leads to their repentance and salvation from it, when they believe in the Lord Jesus Christ (Gal 3:22). And so with that in mind we can now correctly look into Romans Chapters 2-3, not as self-righteous individuals, or anyone else's "superior", but as grateful people redeemed from our own sins, solely by the grace of God.

And so the Apostle Paul begins here with a strong rebuke to us all (whether religious or not), saying: "Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself." Vs. 1 Now as Paul says here in whatever we judge another, we in fact are only condemning ourselves! For the sins and transgressions, even the faults we see in others, are often our very own! For the sins we see in others (and judge others for) are often the "secret" sins in our own hearts, minds or lives. Or they are the sins which we are ourselves have practiced in our own lives before our salvation from them. And so here the Apostle Paul leaves no room for anyone to hide behind "religion" as if one has never sinned, nor had temptations towards it (consider 1 John 1:8-10), though they might be manifested differently. Now an example of this might be (since Paul will be primarily addressing "religious" Jews in chapter two) of a Jewish man absolutely shunning the notion of taking another Jewish mans wife and sleeping with her. Yet the same man might do this if this were the wife of a "heathen" and he thought he could get away with it. Now this imaginary scenario, is not that far off from an very unfortunate occurrence that is recorded in the Bible. Consider if you will then King David and Bathsheba. Bathsheba was the wife of Uriah a Hittite, a resident alien, i.e. a non-Jew in David's armed forces. Now it was springtime and David had remained back in Jerusalem while he let Joab, the commander of the army, lead the troops into battle against the Ammonites, something he as the king should have done. And so one night while the armies of Israel were besieging the Ammonites, David awoke from his sleep, and feeling restless walked about the rooftop of his house, (houses in ancient Israel had flat roofs whereby the residents could escape the heat of the day and catch the cool evening breeze). And so it was from that vantage point that David observed a beautiful woman bathing in the serene night air on her housetop. So captivated with this woman was David that he sent and inquired about her. And so when he was told that she was Bathsheba the wife of Uriah the Hittite (a "foreigner") he sent for her, and she came and lay with him. Now Bathsheba became pregnant from their encounter and so she notified David of this. Now David initially tried to conceal his deed by having Joab send him Uriah from the battle. Which Joab did, and so David sent a gift of food before Uriah to his home so Uriah might go there and lay with his wife; having obtained leave from the battle as it were by David's command so that David could conceal his deed. However Uriah did not go home, but rather slept with David's servants outside the door of David's house. And so when David became aware of it he asked Uriah why he did not return to his home, to which Uriah replied: "The ark and Israel and Judah are dwelling in tents, and my lord Joab and the servants of my lord are encamped in the open fields. Shall I then go to my house to eat and drink, and to lie with my wife? As you live, and as your soul lives, I will not do this thing." 2 Sam. 11:11

And so David, realizing he couldn't get Uriah to willfully go home and lay with his wife, asked him to stay one more night in Jerusalem before he would send him back to Joab, which Uriah agreed to. And so this time David asked Uriah to dine with him which Uriah did. And so the two of them ate and drank together, and David made Uriah drunk hoping that this time he would go home and lay with his wife. Instead Uriah slept again outside with David's servants on his field sleeping mat as it were. With that David sent Uriah back to Joab the commander of the army with an official letter from David, which Uriah carried with himself and delivered to Joab when he arrived. Now inside the letter David wrote to Joab to place Uriah in the fiercest part of the battle, and then have those around him withdraw from him, which Joab did, and which then led to Uriah's demise in the battle (see 2 Samuel 11 for whole story). Now we know God's response to David's having done this (see 2 Samuel 12:1-15). As well the Bible records for us David's response to God; both his confession and repentance, which ultimately led to David's restoration with God (Psalm 51). However there were consequences from his sin that brought much sorrow and trouble to him throughout the rest of his life. And so getting back to Paul, he is here rebuking all such hypocrisy whereby we judge the sinful acts of others on one hand, yet are wilfully blind too (and or justify) our own transgressions on other. That is the principal Paul is laying out here, judging others unrighteousness, while one is basically doing the same, though it may be manifesting itself differently. And so if one thinks that by judging another's sins one comes into a right standing with God, or is in a right standing with God, than one is only deceiving themselves. For you can nod in agreement with the Scriptures rebuke against every and all forms of ungodliness and unrighteousness of man, but if the same is in your own heart and life, then you yourself are in need of your own repentance, just as much as the sinner you yourself judge and condemn as such. Thus you've got to abhor your own sins and transgressions, before you abhor anyone else's.

Vs. 2 "But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things."

The Apostle Paul by saying that God's judgment is against those who practice such sins (i.e., Rom 1:18-31), is warning us all not think oneself in a good standing with God simply because one professes faith in God! For to live an unrighteous life (though cloaked in all kinds of religious service and ceremony) will not profit anyone who thinks they are "secure" by doing so. For the judgment of God is without partiality towards anyone. For it neither respects, nor regards anything about the outward individual. For all that is seen and heard which can sway or manipulate another person's opinion, has no influence on God. Neither ones "outward" person, nor one's social standing (whether inside, or outside of the house of faith), nor anything else about them, that might cause someone to lean favorably toward them, has any bearing on God's opinion and ultimately His judgment of them (consider 1 Sam. 16:7; Acts 10:34-35). For the judgment of God is always according to the truth, (the truth in His word) and the truth He knows about each one of us. Therefore it doesn't matter if your "religious" or not, if you've been baptized or not, or take communion or not. Those things in of themselves are of no regard in the eyes of God, especially if you are living a sinful lifestyle. All that matters is one's repentance towards God and one's faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, that is what matters!

Vs. 3 "And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? "

And so Paul is very direct here because the "religious" person can be the most self-deceived of all. If in practicing their religion they are not exemplifying the fruits of righteousness that are incumbent upon us all. But instead are judging other people's sins, while themselves are basically practicing the same. Thus judging another's unrighteousness while practicing the same will not deliver anyone from the judgment of God. For God doesn't judge us by whether or not we go to church, or we have been baptized, or we take communion, or we pray, or read the Bible. All which are great and good things, (and I encourage you to do them all with a heart of faith and love), but in of themselves, if they do not translate into practical righteousness in our own lives, then no-one doing them should take any solace in them, especially if they are living a contrary lifestyle to them, and yet are judging others. 

Vs. 4 "Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?"

The Apostle Paul's question here is then addressing the self-righteousness and or "religious" person who clearly sees and judges the sins of others, and yet does not see their own sin, and thus their own need for repentance. And so they despise the goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering of God exemplified through the Gospel towards every sinner who does. (Regarding this, please read Matt 9:9-13 where the Pharisees despised Jesus for eating with tax collectors and sinners, and then consider Jesus' response to them). And so here we see that God's goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering towards us all, is so that we all might have opportunity to repent and believe. For God is a Just Judge (Deut. 32:3-4) and God is angry with the wicked every day (Psalm 7:11). Yet God does not delight in the death of anyone, nor does He want anyone to perish by His wrath and judgment (consider Ezekiel 18:32; 33:11). Therefore when God defers His judgment towards us sinners, (of which we all are, and of which we must all see ourselves as being, if we hope to find the mercies of God) it is so that we might repent and believe. For only then can God transfer His just wrath against all our sins and transgressions onto His Son the Lord Jesus Christ who bore His Just wrath on the cross. So that justice having been served by Him, Jesus can now restore us to God Himself by our faith in His Person. Therefore that is most critical, that everyone come to place of repentance before God (James 4:8-10), so that He might extend His grace and mercy towards all who believe in His Son (John 3:16).

Vs. 5-10 ⁵ But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, ⁶ who “will render to each one according to his deeds”: ⁷ eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; ⁸ but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath, ⁹ tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; ¹⁰ but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

The Apostle Paul continues his rebuke of all those who in their self-sufficient pride are resisting God. Who when faced with their own sin and sinfulness don't repent and believe, instead they only harden themselves towards God. Now again these may be "religious" people, or they may not, that's not the issue. What is the issue is their wilfully hardening their hearts towards the goodness of God; meaning His command to repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ through the Gospel, by which God might save and change them. Therefore it is through their own hardness and impenitent hearts that they are "...treasuring up for themselves wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, ⁶ who “will render to each one according to his deeds” vs.5-6 

And so it's not the proud in spirit who enter the Kingdom of God, it is the poor in spirit (consider Hab. 2:4; Matt. 5:3). That is all those who see themselves as they truly are, and thus in absolute need of God's salvation will find it for themselves (Isaiah 55:6-7). Whereas the proud, the complacent, the arrogant, the indifferent all will have their lot with unrepentant and unbelieving. Because they are content with the "status quo" in their own lives and persons, and so they never come to the place of repentance (consider Rom. 10:20-21). Now God's wrath and revelation mentioned here is only being deferred until the Great White Throne Judgment, where the ungodly and unbelieving who die in their sins and transgressions, will be repaid according to their deeds (Rev. 20:11-15, also see Matt 16:27-28). In that Day the false confidence of the ungodly, the scoffer, the complacent unbeliever will all quickly vanish from them as they are filled with terror at the Presence of the Majesty of the Lord Jesus Christ from on High. Who will then Judge and repay them according to what has been recorded in God's books about them. And so the choice is ours to repent and believe (and thus receive God's love, goodness, mercy and truth for ourselves through the Gospel while we can) or to carry on in ones wayward and empty path, that will only lead to ones own eternal destruction and ruin. 

Now the Apostle Paul positively goes onto say about God repaying each and everyone according to their deeds that God will likewise render: "⁷ eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; ⁸ but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath, ⁹ tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; ¹⁰ but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." vs. 7-10

In essence what we have here is faith in vs. 7-10 is faith exemplified. That is what Paul is saying in verse seven is that those who believe and obey the Gospel are in fact seeking for eternal life (Gal 2:17). Not that believers are working for it (see Eph. 2:8-9). Rather because we believe (and thus already posses it, see Eph. 1:13-14) we now desire to live lives that are in accord with it, that is our new nature and standing which we have with and from God (2 Cor 5:17), being born-again by the Holy Spirit. And yet because the completeness of our transformation is still to come (see 1 Cor 15:20-28; 35-49; 50-58) we diligently seek after it, striving with His working within us towards it (1 Cor 9:24-27; Phil 2:12-13; 2 Tim 2:15; Heb 4:11). As Paul says here, in the patient forbearance of doing good (consider Titus 2:6-8, 14; 3:8, 14; 2 Peter 1:5-11). For every believer who does so is seeking for glory, honor, and immortality (2 Tim. 2:20-21). Knowing that whatever good (or wrong) we do will be repaid at the Judgment seat of Christ (Rom 14:10; 1 Cor 3:10-15; 2 Cor. 5:10). Conversely then the Apostle Paul also says ⁸ but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath, ⁹ tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; ¹⁰ but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." vs. 8-10

And so in verses 8-10 (as well as 11-16), we see God's absolute impartiality in judgment. Whether one is a Jew or a Greek (i.e. Gentile) is of no significance to God, if one is self-seeking and does not obey the truth, but obey's unrighteousness (consider Matt 3:7-12). God in His indignation and wrath will repay them with tribulation and anguish (vs. 8-9). And so as in chapter 1:18-32 God still plays a Sovereign role in this world, and in peoples lives, here and now (consider Isaiah 45:7). For He alone has the Sovereign right to bring tribulation and anguish on every soul of man who does evil, whether this be the Jew (to whom the Law was given and the Gospel first came) or the Gentile (to whom salvation is also equally extended too through it). If they refuse to repent and believe it, and instead choose to carry on in their sins and transgressions then each one who does so will be justly repaid according to their deeds. 

Vs. 11-16 ¹¹ For there is no partiality with God. ¹² For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law ¹³ (for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified; ¹⁴ for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, ¹⁵ who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) ¹⁶ in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.

Therefore whether or not one had the written Law of God will also be irrelevant at the Judgment. "For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law." vs. 12 Thus the Gentile at the Judgment will not be able to claim ignorance of the Law as an excuse for their living unrighteously. For as Paul previously demonstrated God has given ample revelation of Himself, and His will for us all, even as to the way of salvation (consider Titus 2:11-14). Having also given each person a moral conscience which each one either obeys or debases, according to ones own works and ways. Similarly the Apostle also makes it clear that simply knowing the written Law of God justifies no one. Thus the Jew who knows the Law, (and is circumcised according to it) and yet chooses to live contrary to the law, that is the moral decrees that are to direct people to righteousness and justice, equity and fairness etc., will by no means find justification from God, simply because they are a Jew, and have "possession" of the Law. For as Paul says in verse thirteen "for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified." Thus in a similar tone to what the Apostle James says, that "faith without works is dead" (see James 2:18-26). So here the Apostle Paul makes it clear that hearing the law and not doing the law (that is the righteousness declared within it) will justify no one. And so here Paul is refuting the false confidence of the Jew whose hope is in his or her Jewish pedigree, who knows the Law and the righteousness declared through the Law, and yet does not obey it. They then should have no confidence in merely possessing the Law, nor in judging the Gentiles who do not know it or have it as they have. For as Paul goes onto say in verses 14-15 "for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, ¹⁵ who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them."

And so even though the Gentiles do not have the written Law. Yet they instinctively do the righteous things which the Law commands, which says do not lie, steal, covet. commit adultery etc., and thus do no harm to one's neighbors, nor neglect or take advantage of widows and orphans, the poor, the weak and elderly etc. And so when the Gentiles though not having the Law instinctively obey it's righteous decrees, doing the good that is in accord with it, they show the work of the Law of God written on their hearts, (that is not the Law itself, that's something only God does by His Spirit within all who believe) but the work of the Law, that is the righteousness and justice that the Law itself testifies too. And so their conscience also bearing them witness as too whether they've living just and right (or not). Thus their thoughts either accusing or excusing them,  "in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel." vs. 16

And so in the end God will judge everyone (both their known deeds and their secret deeds, whether good or evil) via the Gospel. That is what Paul is saying when he says "his own Gospel", which is the one and only Gospel in the Bible, which the other Apostles likewise received and declared.

Scripture Citations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982

Word Studies

Vs. 7  ζητέω (zēteō)  "to seek, seek after", "search for";  multiple usages and contexts. Str 2212; GK 2426; TDNT 2.892; TDNTA 300; LN 13.19 (3x); 20.66 (4x); 25.9 (21x); 27.34 (10x); 27.41 (57x); 33.167; 57.59 (7x); 68.60 (24x) 119x

  

Rom 1:18-32

 ¹⁸ For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, ¹⁹ because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. ²⁰ For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes 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, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. ²² Professing to be wise, they became fools, ²³ and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. ²⁴ Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, ²⁵ who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. ²⁶ For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. ²⁷ Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. ²⁸ And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; ²⁹ being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, ³⁰ backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, ³¹ undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; ³² who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

Commentary
 Vs. 18-19 The Apostle Paul having declared the way of salvation, "that just shall live by faith" (Rom 1:16-17), now declares the wrath of God against "...all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, ¹⁹ because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them." vs. 18-19

And so here the Apostle Paul makes it clear that a life of faith is not just believing, it is transformative living. Therefore in contrast to that, the Apostle Paul now shows us the wrath of God and just how He is manifesting it against those who do not believe, nor obey the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. And so Paul begins with the inherent revelation of God given to us all that testifies to God's Person and His Character. Yet these people instead of being drawn towards God through it, instead choose to live according to (and or justify) their own godlessness and evil desires, by which themselves then are wilfully hindering and opposing the truth of God. For it is by the ungodly and unrighteousness conduct of mankind that the truth is suppressed (lit. held back or down). And so mankind collectively suffers as the truth of God's is "suppressed" by those who live by and justify their evil and Godless desires and thus forward the ruinous effects of sin in this world, which ultimately affects us all. Thus the wrath of God is justly aroused against them because sin is not only an offense against His person, it is the ruin of us all who are created in His Person's Image.
Now the Apostle Paul's main point here is not about sin per-say, it is about unbelieving mankind's wilful rejection of the inherent revelation of God's Person and His Will for us all, that He has given us all, that is bringing the wrath of God down on all who do so. For God created mankind to bear His Image in the midst of His creation. In essence we are the crowning glory of God's creative genius of all His works, in all His creation. Thus God created us all (not only as spiritual beings wrapped in physical bodies so that we can all interact with all His creation) but with a moral/spiritual conscience and the capacities to live according to it. And so from our earliest years on, we all have a rudimentary sense of what is right and wrong, lying is wrong, stealing is wrong, mistreating others is wrong, etc. we all instinctively know this, and we all instinctively feel this, even as little children. And so we all have an innate sense of God's goodness, justice, love etc., even His wrath against what is evil. Even with indwelling sin corrupting us all, we all have the capacity to understand God, to know what He approves of and what He disapproves of. For it is instinctively ours from our Creator who has placed it right in the center of our free-will. Now the Apostle Paul will touch on this aspect of the inherent revelation of God that we all have a little later in chapter two (Rom 2:14-16). But for now His focus is own mankind's wilful suppression of that inherent revelation, by either hardening ones own heart and conscience towards Him, or externally by ones own wilful unrighteousness and ungodly conduct by which again the truth of God is held back or down. And so God's wrath is justly aroused against us when we do so. Yet from the Tower of Babylon forward mankind has continually sought for themselves ways to cast God aside, and live by their own "rule" and desires. Which as the Apostle Paul will go onto to say has far reaching consequences, both personally and societally. And so though mankind by their ungodly lifestyles and unrighteous conduct may suppress the truth, God still plays a very personal role in our lives, as Paul reveals here, for God is still God (Psalm 46:10).

 Vs. 20-25 ²⁰ For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes 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, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. ²² Professing to be wise, they became fools, ²³ and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. ²⁴ Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, ²⁵ who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

And so the Apostle Paul declares here that creation itself has always, and will always, testify to it's Creator. For through it God's invisible attributes are clearly seen; i.e. His Infinite Being is clearly seen in the galaxies and universes that have no end, same with the stars that cannot be numbered. Likewise creation itself testifies to God's Divine order of all things. Consider if you will the complexity of the molecular and subatomic world that baffles the mind, yet it all works in harmony. But more readily available to us, and easily observable to us, is the orchestration of creation itself: day and night, seasons and years, the moving of waves on the seas, the flowing of rivers into them, the growing of plants and trees, the births, migration, and movements of the animal kingdom, even the phases of human life, from conception to maturity, all testify to God's Divine arrangement of all things. Just as the incredible forces in the heavens, and in nature (both visible and invisible) testify to His eternal Power. Even His Godhead (i.e. Divinity) can be rudimentarily understood through God's creation, and the awesome diversity and complexity of it all. And so as the Apostle Paul says here they are without excuse, "because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened." vs. 21
And so instead of glorifying God as God, or being thankful to Him, unbelieving mankind becomes futile in their thoughts. (Note: the word used to construct the verb translated futile here is mátaios; "empty", "vain", "pointless", "futile" etc., gleaned from TDNTA).  That is in their wilful denial of God who created them, and sustains them, and all things. They instead of glorifying God as the Creator and Sustainer of all life and all things, having rejected that inherent revelation of God's Person, then become futile in their thoughts. And so as they try to explain life and all it's complexities apart from God, they inevitably come up with all kinds of wild theories and outlandish explanations as to origins of mankind and the planets and solar systems etc. Or they start to attribute various attributes of His Person to creation itself (exalting creation above the Creator) and or creating "god's" for themselves to which they down through the centuries have only distorted and suppressed His true image. And it is all because they have rejected the inherent revelation of God given them. And so with that their foolish hearts become darkened and with that they lose their capacity to discern what is of God, and what is not, and with it their connection to God Himself. Now I'm not talking about sin here, which separates all of unregenerate mankind from God, rather ones innate ability to know and perceive the Almighty, His Character, His Salvation, even His moral will for us all (Titus 2:11-14). And with that, and yet still being spiritual beings; for God is Spirit (John 4:24) and mankind is created in His Image Gen. 1:26-27); they must find for themselves other "gods" or objects of worship. For having rejected the innate revelation and knowledge of the One true God, that God gives them of Himself, their hearts become darkened, and with that darkness comes all manner of distortion of the truth about God Himself and worship and glorification of His Person. And so Paul says of them here, ²² Professing to be wise, they became fools, ²³ and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. vs. 22-23
Notice the downward progression, first they make "idols" or representations of the Immortal God in the likeness of corruptible human beings. Then they degenerate further into making idols and images of birds and four-footed animals and all manner of creeping things etc. Attributing the manifested Eternal Powers of God the Creator to finite creation. And so instead of glorifying and worshipping God the Creator, as the Creator, Sustainer and Judge of all things; first they exalt themselves above God Himself, then as the darkness grows within them, they begin exalting lower and lower life forms in creation above not only themselves, but God Himself!  The consequences of which the Apostle Paul elucidates for us beginning in verse 24, and which he will conclude in verse 32.

Vs. 24-25 ²⁴ Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, ²⁵ who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

Notice that it is God, as an active judgment against them, who gives them up to uncleanness in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves. Now what is being referred to here is all manner of sexual sins and moral depravity. Now God does not make them sin, nor does God entice them, or anyone else to sin. He simply gives them up to the lusts of their hearts for their rejecting the revelation given them of His Person. Now to understand this one must realize there is a sense in which God often restrains people from being the worst they can be (consider Gen 20:1-7). And so with His giving them up to uncleanness in the lusts of their hearts to dishonor their bodies among themselves, because they worshipped and served the creature, rather than the Creator. Whatever restraints of conscience, or anything else, God had previously placed on them is now removed. And so with that they quickly degenerate into some very dark and depraved immoral conduct and behavior. And that is a very sad state of affairs for anyone to find themselves in. To not even realize the depraved state and defiled conduct that one is living in and for. Again this is the direct judgment of God on them because they "...exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen." vs. 25
Now unless you think this is somehow exclusive to only those who worship pagan idols, think again! For this very real judgment of God can find anyone who also knowingly worships and serves the creature, rather than the Creator.

Vs. 26-27 ²⁶ For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. ²⁷ Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.

The Apostle Paul continues his discourse on the downward path that those who choose to worship and serve the creature, rather than the Creator will find themselves on. And so God gives them up (same word as in verse 24) to vile passions. The reference here is to homosexuality in all of it's abominable forms, manifestations and practices; whether by the male or the female. God's judgment on them is that they should burn in their lust for  (lit. be inflamed with desire for...) one another (vs. 26-27). Thus rather than having normal healthy sexual affections for the opposite gender, they burn with insatiable sexual desires for each other!, "receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due." Now the reference here is to the universally observable devastating effects on the soul, mind, and body that homosexual conduct has always reaped on those who practice it. From mental and emotional disorders, to serious health conditions, to the separation of the human soul from God Himself! Homosexual conduct in all it's forms, not only degrades the human person, it devastates them! Thus there is nothing "evolved" or "enlightened" about it. It is as old and as degenerate as the tragic history of rebellions mankind themselves. Thus there is nothing "liberating" in either accepting it, or trying to legitimize it, through man's civil laws, or by changes in the collective "social conscience" (Rom 6:16).  For all such things do not testify to an "evolving" or "enlightened" society, but too a morally degenerating one! Thus trying to justify such Godless behavior is only to show oneself to be on the same downward path! For from the beginning God has always condemned such degenerate and degrading behavior as not fitting for anyone, much less His own people to partake in (Lev 18:22, 29, 20:13; Deut. 23:17; 1 Cor 6:9; 1 Tim 1:9-10 etc.). Because as Paul says here, it is God's active judgment against their persons, for their worshipping and serving the creature rather than the Creator who is blessed forever, amen. Therefore instead of trying to legitimize what God Himself condemns, people need to repent of it (that is first have a change of mind about it) so that they might in faith call on the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ to be set free from it. For the Lord Jesus Christ offers salvation from all sins (no matter how heinous), to one and to all. But it is up to the individual to make that active and positive choice for Him, to both believe in Him, and to obey Him. For there is a Judgment Day when each and every one of us will give an accounting of ourselves to God (Heb 9:22). And so no-one who rejects God Son's Person, much less God's everlasting moral standards, and thus chooses to live an immoral and Godless life will have any recourse on that Day. For the Lord Jesus Christ Himself will take vengeance on all those who do not know God, nor obey the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Thess. 1:8). 

Vs. 28-32 Now if sexual depravity was all that one would experience for worshipping and serving the creature rather than the Creator, then one might take refuge in the fact that the damage might be relatively "self-contained," to said individuals. But sin is never that simple, or "self-contained." Since God often visits the sins of the parents to the third and fourth generations on those who hate Him (see Exodus 20:5-6). And so as the Apostle Paul demonstrates here God's judgment goes way beyond the individual, and reaches to the very heart of the societies in which we dwell when the people within them wilfully choose to reject true knowledge of Him. And so we all are faced with not only the prospect of a personal depravity, if we reject the Lord, but also a societal one. Thus we are given here a most dreadful list of the depraved, wicked, and unrighteous conduct that emanates from, and encompasses the lives of those who shut out true knowledge of God from their hearts and minds, and instead seek to live independently of Him. It is a literal torrent of unrighteousness, immorality, evil acts, violence, and cruelty. And so the Apostle Paul in this section again illuminates this all to us by saying: ²⁸ And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; ²⁹ being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, ³⁰ backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, ³¹ undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; ³² who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. 

Now the word Paul uses in verse 28 to describe them as having a debased mind is adokimos, it is the antithesis of the word dokimos: tested, proven, valued, approved.  Now since dokimos has to do with the testing and proving of, or proven qualities, characteristics, or character of something or someone. Adokimos is to be utterly disqualified, disproved, unsound. Or as Paul uses it in here in it's strongest moral sense depraved. Thus Paul is using it here in describing a hardened and degenerate people who have lost any and all sound moral convictions, because their conscience has been stripped of them. Thus having lost all moral sensibilities that make for peaceable living, and loving others as God commands we all do; such people live lives that are marked by cruelty, vanity, and every form of immorality. Thus they live lives that are devoid of any sense of reasonability towards God and or care or concern for their fellow persons. And so from verse 29-32 the Apostle gives us a catalogue of sins and vices that mark the lives of those who been given over to a debased mind. Again this is because they first hardened themselves towards God, which always ends in ones own ruin, as God then gives them over to practice every form of wickedness, violence, and evil (consider Prov 10:27; 11:5-6 etc.). Now Paul says that their lives are filled with these sins (literally the word he uses means to be completely full of them), and so they are not lacking in any sort of unrighteousness, wickedness or cruelty. Since for them that is their now default state of conscience and desire (consider Prov 29:27). All told then Paul will list 23 different godless traits that mark their person's and lives which we will now try to look at individually.

1) First Paul says that they are filled with unrighteousness (i.e. unrighteousness, iniquity, injustice, wrong-doing). The word Paul uses here is the antithesis to being righteous and just in one's dealings with God, or ones fellow person. And thus carries within it an aspect of unfaithfulness. At the heart of it is a wilful violation of God's Law, or even the civil laws of man. Which they knowingly circumvent if it serves their own interests and desires. It is then not just a violation of God's moral decrees which are to govern and protect mankind from sin, (and each other). But it is to be wilfully unjust in one's dealings with one's fellow person. And so unrighteousness here is an encompassing word which marks their very lives, encompassing everything from exploiting wage earners, widows, orphans, the poor etc. (Deut. 10:16; Malachi 3:5). To taking bribes or "kickbacks" (Isaiah 5:23), to showing partiality, to justifying the wicked, or wicked acts through the Law (Deut. 16:19; Malachi 2:9; 3:5), to everything else that is a knowing violation of God's Word which makes clear what is righteousness and what is not, to violating mans civil laws and decrees. That are again supposed to provide equity, fairness, and justice for all. And so people who do and justify their own unrighteousness, whether this be their own lawless behavior, or their own or another's unrighteousness, injustice, or inequity will have no place in the Kingdom of God (consider Prov 17:5; Matt 13:36-43; Luke 13:22-30).

2) sexual immorality (porniea). The word Paul uses here is the word from which we get "pornography" from.  It is a word which encompasses all forms of illicit sexual activities; everything from prostitution to fornication (sex outside of marriage), adultery (sex with another's marriage partner); sexual intercourse with close relatives; homosexuality, lesbianism, even intercourse with animals, all which is condemned in God's Law. Even marrying and thus having sexual intercourse with a divorced person who has left their own spouse is not to be found amongst believers (Matt. 5:32; 19:9). For all such things are a distortion and perversion of what God commands for humanity so that we might experience healthy sexual pleasure within the sanctified and safe confines of a lifetime marriage commitment. Which not only preserves the individual, but also the greater society, which is self-evident to all who have observed, or have experienced the devastating effects that inherently come with sexual sins. Again sin, especially sexual sin, is never "self-contained".

3) wickedness (poneria). Though almost identical in spelling to the previous word in the original language, this word is the more encompassing for all which is morally or spiritually wicked, and thus is named such in the N.T. (see Eph. 6:12). Here it's usage is used to describe the very nature of said individuals. It's related word poneros has to do with the wickedness of mankind which emanates from their unregenerate or degenerate hearts, which makes them enemies of God (John 3:19; 7:7; Col. 1:21). In the spiritual realm it has to do with demonic spiritual powers, and thus quite possibly one engaging in occult activities. In Matt 13:19; 1 John 2:13; 5:18 it is used as an appellation for Satan and thus is directly linked too his own people (1 John 3:12). This word is also used of the Pharisees in their opposition to Jesus (Matt 12:34-35) as well it is used to mark the people in the last days who have rejected the Lord (2 Tim. 2:13). In Heb 3:12 it used to warn of having an evil heart of unbelief. Those who willfully distort or oppose the Gospel of God are also referred to as evil ("Jehovah witnesses" for example), and thus believers are to shun all contact with them (2 John 11; 3 John 11). Though this world and people in it are wicked, this does not preclude them from salvation, as the Gospel is God's remedy for every person's own inner wickedness and evil (Col 1:21-22). 

4) covetousness (pleonexia), This word is used to describe a "greedy desire for more" (Enhanced Strong's), but also entails exploiting or taking advantage of people for ones own profit or gain. In the church covetousness marks false apostles, prophets, teachers etc. (2 Peter 2:3, 14). In contrast the Apostle Paul shuns all such things, instead living honestly and with integrity (1 Thess. 2:5). The Lord Jesus says covetousness emanates from a unregenerate person's heart and thus marks their life (Mark 7:22). And so throughout the Bible, and specifically in the N.T., covetousness is condemned as idolatry (Col 3:5). Jesus again warns about covetousness in Luke 12:15-21, since one's possessions will not deliver ones soul. The Apostle Paul loathes and condemns the lust, avarice, and greed of this world in Eph. 4:19. And goes on to command that such is not fitting for any of God's people to partake in, nor to try to justify in their own lives (Eph. 5:3; Col. 3:5). Since covetousness is not only the root of all evil, it has ruined the faith of many who have given themselves over to it (consider 1 Tim. 6:6-10). And so covetousness' is not just evil because it puts one's desires for whatever one desires before the will of God. Covetousness is evil because of the inherent harm it brings to oneself and others through ones own greedy desires and pursuits for more and more. And so when one makes mammon ones "god", one will become morally and spiritually corrupted within as Jesus warns us all about (Matt 6:19-24). This is clearly seen in Satan who is said through his own greed and lust for power and more and more possessions became filled with violence within (Ezek 28:16). Those then who are given over to it, will evitably live lives and have values that reflect that inner corruption that again is Scripturally said to be the root of all evil, all which be judged and condemned on the last day.

5) maliciousness (kakia) rendered malice in six out of 11 occurrences in the NKJ (1 Cor 5:8; 14:20; Eph 4:31; Col 3:8; Titus 3:3; 1 Peter 2:1) this word in many ways parallels the meaning of the word poneria when referring to that which is evil. Here the Apostle Paul is using it as the expression of evil which begins in the heart and moves out from there. That people who have rejected knowledge of God are said to be full of it, having deep seated thoughts of ill will towards others, which is far different than then having a passing disagreeable thought and then confessing it as sin and moving away from it. Instead these peoples minds and lives are filled with malicious and evil desires towards others, and thus neither natural and healthy neighborly love, nor Christian brotherly love and affections have any place within such a persons heart and mind (consider Prov 21:10).   

6) "full of envy" First compare the word translated full in vs. 29 with it's other negative usages in Matt. 23:28; Rom 1:29; James 3:8; 2 Peter 2:14; before seeing its positive usages in Rom 15:14 and James 3:17 to get a good sense of it's "weight" in modifying nouns. The Apostle Paul uses it here as an opening remark before He will go on and list the rest of the godless characteristics that mark those who have rejected God and true knowledge of His Person. Now regarding their being full of envy this again is not something they occasionally feel inside themselves, rather this is a continual state of being for them, harboring ill will, and ill feelings towards others because of some real or presumed advantage experienced by others (gleaned from LN 88.160). And so such people often express their envy with rage, violence, even murder is linked with it in Rom 1:29 and Gal. 5:21. One can then easily see how destructive a force envy is, since the envious person is not only inclined to threaten or even seek the harm of others, envy inherently harms anyone who harbors it (Job 5:2; Prov. 14:30). On a side note envy is also condemned as a demonic and evil impulse that brings nothing but rivalries and strife within Christian fellowship because of bitterly envious people forwarding their own evil ambitions and desires (see James 3:14-16. Note a different word is used in James then is being discussed here though the principal is clearly seen there).

 7) full of murder. As Jesus said murder always begins in the heart (Matt 15:19), and here the unregenerate heart is said full of desires for it. Whether this is the premeditated murder, or the killing of another while committing a crime (see LN 20.82). These people whose hearts are vacant of the love of God, think nothing of killing another person. Yet murder is the ultimate offense against God, for it is the unlawful taking of another person's life, who also bears the image of God.

 8) full of strife. Meaning very sharp and bitter verbal contentions and arguments, often where harsh words and cutting language are used. This word is also used of those who continually use of harsh words and critical language when speaking of others. That they are full of strife means reasoning with them is not very likely, since that is their default disposition, and that is how they "resolve" conflicts not reasonability and peaceably, but by fierce verbal arguments. Therefore such a disposition and behavior is utterly unfitting for any Christian, since brotherly love and peace are what we are called to (consider 1 Cor 3:3). Louw-Nida says it is "conflict resulting from rivalry and discord" LN 39.22

9) full of deceit. The word Paul uses here means to deceive, trick, even to lure someone. This word is used of Pharisees and their desire to take Jesus by trickery so that they could kill Him (Matt 26:4). It is also used by the Apostle Peter in describing and condemning Simon the sorcerer as being full of all deceit and fraud (Acts 13:10). The Apostle Paul uses it once as a sort of "caricature" of his own "cunning" in catching the Corinthians unaware so as to test their own faithfulness to Christ (2 Cor 12:16). Positively and Prophetically this word is used to describe the Lord Jesus Christ in whom no guile or deceit is found (Isaiah 53:9; 1 Peter 2:22). Therefore all believers are commanded to put away all deceit from their lives and mouths (1 Peter 2:1; 3:10). Finally it's last usage in the N.T. is of the 144,000 in Rev 14:4-5 which says of them: ⁴ These are the ones who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb. ⁵ And in their mouth was found no deceit, for they are without fault before the throne of God. (Note: All other N.T. usages are found in Mark 7:22; John 1:47; Rom 3:13; 13:13; Col. 2:8; 1 Thess. 2:3).

10) full of evil-mindedness. Related to the word kakia (see no. 5) and based on the word kakos (evil) from which both are drawn. Louw Nida states of the word translated evil-mindedness here as "an evil disposition leading one to habitually engage in malicious acts—‘evil disposition, malice." LN 88.113 
This word appears only once in the N.T. here in Rom 1:29, and once in the Septuagint (Greek O.T.) in Ester 8:12-13. TDNTA says it is "intentional wickedness", "malice." It's use here indicates a person who is bent on evil towards others, both doing it, and forwarding it, being born out of their own hearts deep-seated meanness (gleaned from Webster's Unabridged Dictionary).

11) "they are whisperers" Literally they are habitually engaging in gossip about others (LN). Enhanced Strong's calls them: "whispers", "secret slanders", "detractors". You'll know them when they lean over your shoulder and whisper something unbecoming, detracting, or downright slanderous about someone to you. Such people should be accursed because it is by their willfully doing so, that they forward the emotional harm and or physical abuse of others. Now though this word appears only here in the N.T., the Bible is clear that those who practice such things will come under the judgment of God (consider Psalm 50:16-21, vs. 20; and Psalm 101:5).

12) "backbiters" What distinguishes this word from the previous one is here the emphasis is on the open and brazen defaming of others. Whereas the previous words emphasis was on the habitual gossiper who is always "talking behind peoples backs" as it were. Here the emphasis is on the fearless slanderer, the person who thinks nothing of openly and brazenly defaming another individual.


13) "haters of God" The word used here is not describing a sin of ignorance, of not knowing the true Nature of God. This word is being used to describe a willful and deep seated hatred of God because of who God is and the righteousness He Himself always exemplifies, commands, and stands up for (consider Prov. 29:27 for a principal on this). Thus they hate God because they do indeed know His Character. And thus knowing it they (like Satan) know that God will be the One who will judge them and fully repay them for all their wickedness (consider Job 21:30; Prov. 16:4; 2 Peter 2:9).

14) "violent" Violence is what characterized the world in the days of Noah before God brought in the world-wide flood (Gen 6:11, 13). That these who have rejected God are likewise violent puts them in that same state of being that existed and prevailed over humanity then. Now the word the Apostle uses here can also imply "insolence".  And it begins a three word exhortation on human pride, which includes the next two words, "proud" and "boosters" (TDNTA). Now the word in question here is very broad in it's scope and meaning. But in the main always implies an arrogance through which one verbally or physically abuses or mistreats another. Insolence, ignominy, insults, scorn, disparagement are said to be part and parcel of its lessor sense. In it's worst sense tyrants exemplify it's darkest qualities seeking to fully dominate others, and so wicked acts of aggression, as well as sexual violence, are all said to be born out of it. In the main it is the arrogant violation of the rights or sphere of another. "In human relations it means either scorn and contempt or more actively, hurt and violence." (TDNTA no. 2). The Apostle Paul uses this word only here, and in 1 Tim 1:13 where he describes his pre-conversion life, though steeped in religion, as that of only being an "insolent" man.

 15) "proud" This is the second word in Paul's three part exhortation on aspects of human pride that has rejected God, placing insolence and boastfulness for and aft of it. In 2 Tim 3:2 Paul again places the proud right in the middle of boasters and blasphemers. While in Mark 7:22 Jesus places pride between blasphemy and foolishness.  And so the proud are insolent, boastful, blasphemers who do not regard God, nor see their need His salvation, just as they openly disdain and blasphemy others. And so God resists all such people, who do not have a proper reverence for His Person (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5). Indeed He scatters them in the imaginations of their own hearts (Luke 1:51). Just as the Scripture says: "God preserves the faithful, but fully repays the proud person" (Psalm 31:23).

16) "boasters" This is the final word in Paul's three word exhortation, again all which covers different aspects of human pride. Here Paul describes the braggart, the one who makes more of themselves then in reality they are, or are capable of doing (TDNTA). Yet the boastful will nor stand in God's sight (Psalm 5:5). And so whatever boastful confidence they have in themselves is at best fleeting.

17) "inventors of evil things" That is whatever God given intelligence, creative abilities, or other skills they posses or acquire in this life, they inevitable use to scheme and dream up all manner of evil acts and occurrences. Anarchy, mischief, and all forms of criminal and unsettling acts. For them joy is found destruction, in creating all manner of chaos and confusion, not forwarding peace and tranquility, or positive human creativity and ingenuity.

18) "disobedient to parents" If the future of a society is said to be "bundled up in it's children" how much more its demise, if such reject God. That the Apostle Paul says that children will become disobedient to parents is not the normal phases of life that all children go through (to lessor or greater degrees) in learning obedience to parents. No, here the implication is that in rejecting knowledge of God, and been given over to a debased mind, they and their children will be utterly rebellious to all parental authority, (indeed authority in general), which of course will also mark the last days (2 Tim 3:2) as all natural respect for God given authority only becomes disdained and disobeyed as mankind hardens themselves towards God, so God will give them over to all of the sins Paul lists here.

19) "undiscerning", That is they are devoid of a moral and spiritual "conscience". Being utterly devoid of any understanding or even concern about the things that make for peace with God. And so they live without regard for the very real moral and spiritual dangers that exist in our world. Thus the issue is not a lack of scientific and technological knowledge, since in the last days this kind of knowledge will increase at unheard rates in human history (Daniel 12:4). The issue is about their having neither a moral conscience, nor the spiritual discernment to know what is of God and what is not, and thus what is good, and what is Satanic and evil! And so as God unfolds His designs on how He will close out human history, before He ushers in His everlasting Kingdom, none of the wicked will understand, but the wise will understand (Daniel 12:9; also consider 2 Thess. 2:11).

20) "untrustworthy" The word Paul uses here literal means "a covenant breaker." Someone who willingly and willfully breaks a sacred covenant or trust, that is what is implied here. And so the breaking of commitments, promises, marriage vows, words spoken in confidence and anything else all becomes acceptable to them if it serves their own interests, desires, or purposes. People who say ones "private life" is not to be a reflection of ones "public life" are deceiving themselves. Since one's private life is a direct testimony as to how one's public life and service will be conducted and rendered; whether with honesty and integrity, or with cunning, deceit, and duplicity.

21) "unloving" Not only will they be hardened towards showing neighborly love and basic human concern for others, they will even be hardened towards their own family members or "friends".

22) "unforgiving" It follows then that if one is unloving, then they will be unforgiving, since forgiveness is in many ways the ultimate expression of love. Which maybe why Jesus does not take our disobedience towards Him lightly when we seek it from Him and yet we do not freely extend it to others (consider Matt 18:21-35). For everything about the Gospel screams God's love for us all, and His desire to see us all (no matter we have done) forgiven and redeemed to Himself. Yet not all will receive His love and salvation for themselves, just as not all will want to be reconciled back to others in broken human relationships. And so a willingness to forgive is always the first step towards reconciliation. Yet these folks will be people who are utterly irreconcilable, unwilling to be reconciled either to God or their fellow person/s (Rom 1:31; 2 Tim 3:3). Instead they will not only be unforgiving, they will be people whose hearts and minds are fixed on exacting personal vengeance.

23) "unmerciful" This is the last in the list of Godless traits that defines those who have rejected God. They are a cruel and unkind people, who neither show mercy to anyone, nor do they themselves desire it. And so if being forgiving is the ultimate expression of love, to be unmerciful is the ultimate offense against it. Yet throughout the Scriptures, and specifically in the Gospel, God's mercy is not only exemplified by Jesus Christ, and through Him extended to us all (Rom 11:32), but it is also commanded of us all, having God's blessing on all those who themselves are merciful (consider Matt 5:7; 9:9-13, 18:33, 23:23; Luke 10:29-37; James 2:13 etc). Therefore to be unmerciful is the ultimate offense against the love of God. And yet as the Apostle Paul goes on to say in verse thirty two, these, "who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them." vs. 32

Thus we have here a catalogue of some of the most heinous sins born out of human depravity. All which is the direct result of mankind's rebellion against, and rejection of God, and His will for them. It is then a very depraved and dark world when God (and true knowledge of Him) is willfully shunned and shut out by anyone. Yet as that becomes the "normal" state of each individual's heart, mind, and soul, when people (individually or collectively) harden themselves towards God. Both they and the societies in which they dwell will have to bear the immense consequences of being given over to such things. For the wrath (and thus judgment) of God when manifested by such things, by giving people over to such sins, means that both personal and societal catastrophes will be inevitable. For no one can sustain either peace or prosperity in their own lives, or in the greater societies where they dwell, when such things are the social norms. Wisdoms law simply dictates that. The only solution then is the Gospel which can not only quell, but it can also eradicate such things from each and every believing individuals heart and mind.


Scripture Citations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982

Word Studies
Vs. 18 suppress the truth... katéchō, "to hold back", "suppress", Str. 2722; GK 2988; TDNT 2.2829; TDNTA 286; LN 13.150; 31.48; 37.17; 54.22; 57.1; 85.9 (19x)

Vs. 21 futile: ματαιόω/ματαιόομαι,  "worthless", "empty", "vain" literally their thoughts and reasoning's became nonsense. Str. 3154; GK 3471; TDNT 4.523; TDNTA 571; LN 65.38 (1x)

Vs. 24 gave them up to..., ἀκαθαρσία; "uncleanness", "impurity", "immorality," "filthiness" especially in regards to sexual sins/"lusts of the flesh". Str 167; GK174; TDNTA 3.427; TDNTA 381; LN 79.54; 88.261 (10x)

Vs. 26 vile passions: ἀτιμία, antithesis of honor, or honorable conduct, "dishonor", "shameful" "disgraceful", "vile". Str. 819; GK 871; LN 53.33-53.40; 87.71 (7x)

Vs. 27 burned in their lust...  ἐκκαίω (ekkaiō)/ἐκκαίομαι (ekkaiomai), Str 1572, GK 1706; LN 25.16 (1x)

Vs. 28 debased mind, ἀδόκιμος (adokimos), Str 96; GK 99; TDNT 2.255; TDNTA 181; LN 65.13; 88:111 (6x).

Vs. 29
filled with: πληρόω (derivative of πλήρης), (plērēs) "to be completely filled"; Str 4134; GK 4441; TDNT 6.283; TDNTA 867; LN 59.10, 59.35, 59.31 (90x)
unrighteousness, ἀδικία (adikia),  Str 93; GK 94; TDNT 1.153; TDNTA 22; LN 88.21 (25x)
sexual immorality, πορνεία (porneia), Str 4202; GK 4518; TDNT 6.579; TDNTA 918; LN 88.271 (26x)
wickedness, πονηρία (ponēria), Str 4189; GK 4504; TDNT 6.562; TDNTA 912; LN 88.108 (7x) also see πονηρός (poneros), Str 4190; GK 4505; TDNT 6.546; TDNTA 912 (76x)

covetousness, πλεονεξία (pleonexia), Str 4124; GK 4432; TDNT 6.266; TDNTA 864; LN 25.22; 88.144; (Mark 7:22; Luke 12:15; Rom 1:29; 2 Cor 9:5; Eph 4:19; 5:3; Col 3:5; 1 Thess 2:5; 2 Peter 2:3, 14) 10x
maliciousness, κακία (kakia), Str 2549; GK 2798; TDNT 3.482; TDNTA 391; LN 22.15; 88.105; 88.199 (Matt 6:34; Acts 8:22; Rom 1:29; 1 Cor 14:20; Eph. 4:31; Col 3:8; Titus 3:3; James 1:21; 1 Peter 2:1, 16; (11x)
full of: μεστός (mestos), Str 3324; GK3550; (not in TDNT); LN 59.39; 68.77; 78.45 (Matt 23:38; John 19:29; 21:11; Rom 1:29; 15:14; James 3:8, 17; 2 Peter 2:14) 8x

envy, φθόνος (phthonos), Str 5355; GK 5784; LN 88.160 (Matt 27:18; Mark 15:10; Rom 1:29; Gal 5:21; Phil 1:15; 1 Tim 6:4; Titus 3:3; James 4:5; 1 Peter 2:1) 9x
murder φόνος (phonos), Str 5408; GK 5840; LN 20.82 (Matt 15:19; Mark 7:21; Luke 23:19; Acts 9:1; Rom 1:29; Gal 5:21; Heb 11:37; Rev 9:21) 10x
strife ἔρις, (eris), Str 2054; GK 2251; LN 39.22; 33.447; (Rom 1:29; 13:13; 1 Cor. 1:11; 3:3; 12:20; Gal 5:20; Phil 1:15; 1 Tim 6:4; Titus 3:9) 9x note: rendered strife and contentions in the NKJ
deceit  δόλος (dolos); deceit, trickery, cunning, Str 1388; GK 1515; LN 88.154 (Matt 26:4; Mark 7:22; 14:1; John 1:47; Acts 13:10; Rom 1:29; 2 Cor 12:16; 1 Thess 2:3; 1 Peter 2:1, 22; 3:10; Rev 14:5) 12x
evil-mindedness, κακοήθεια (kakoētheia), Str 2550; GK 2799; TDNT 3.485; TDNTA 391; LN 88.113 (1x)
"they are whisperers",  ψιθυριστής, (psithyristēs), Str 5588; GK 6031; LN 33.405 (1x)

Vs. 30
 backbiters, κατάλαλος (katalalos), Str 2637; GK 2897; TDNT 4.3; TDNTA 495; LN 33.388 (1x)

"haters of God", θεοστυγής (theostygēs), Str 2319; GK 2539; LN 88.205 (1x)
violent, ὑβριστής (hybristēs), Str 5197; GK 5616; TDNT 8.295; TDNTA 1200; LN 33.392; 88.132 (2x)

proud, ὑπερήφανος (hyperēphanos), Str 5244; GK 5662; TDNT 8.525; TDNTA 1231; LN 88.214 (Luke 1:51; Rom. 1:30; 2 Tim 3:2; James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5) 5x
boosters,  ἀλαζών (alazōn), Str 213; GK 225; TDNT 1.226; TDNTA 36; LN 88.220 (Rom 1:30; 2 Tim 3:2) 2x
"inventors of evil things"
 inventors: ἐφευρετής (epheuretēs), Str 2182; GK 2388; LN 30.69; (Rom. 1:30) 1x
"of evil things": κακός (kakos), GK 2805; Str 2556; TDNT 3.469; TDNTA 391; LN 20.18; 65.26; 72.22; 88.106 (40x)


 "disobedient to parents",
disobedient: ἀπειθής (apeithēs), Str 545; GK 579; TDNT 6.10; TDNTA 818; LN 36.24 (Luke 1:17; Acts 26:19; Rom 1:30; 2 Tim 3:2; Titus 1:16, 3:3) 6x
"to parents": γονεύς (goneus), Str 1118; GK 1204; LN 10.18 (19x)

Vs. 31
"undiscerning", ἀσύνετος (asynetos), Str 801; GK 852; TDNT 7.888; TDNTA 1119; LN 32.49 (Matt 15:16; Mark 7:18; Rom 1:21, 31; 10:19) 5x
"untrustworthy", Str 802; GK 853; LN 34.45 (1x)
"unloving",  ἄστοργος (astorgos), Str 794; GK 845; LN 25.42 (Rom 1:31; 2 Tim 3:3) 2x
"unforgiving", ἄσπονδος (aspondos), Str 786; GK 836; LN 40.7 (Rom 1:31; 2 Tim 3:3) 2x
"unmerciful", ἀνελεήμων (aneleēmōn), Str 415; GK 446; TDNT 2.487; TDNTA 222; LN 88.82 (1x)