Romans 1:18-23
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 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, 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. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.
(If you missed it, see Part 1 here)
Futile (adj)
1. Having no useful result.
2. Trifling and frivolous; idle.
Thankful (adj)
1. Aware and appreciative of a benefit; grateful.
2. Expressive of gratitude
Foolish (adj)
1. Resulting from or showing a lack of sense; ill-considered; unwise.
2. Lacking forethought or caution.
3. Trifling, insignificant, or paltry.
Paul gives us three great pictures here. The first is that despite the knowledge of God (being told or otherwise – in this case otherwise through God’s revelation of himself through Creation), people chose not to be thankful. Not to be appreciative or grateful to God for the things He has done for us – even leaving out the whole Jesus on the cross for our sins bit – He created us in the first place. I think we have plenty to be thankful for from the start!
The second picture is that we had foolish hearts and futile thoughts. Both words fit well together – we showed a lack of sense which produced no useful result. I think for much of our lives, this statement is true. How often to we run around without direction, guidance, and despite knowing we are struggling we don’t even ask for it? We first reject God in our foolish hearts, and then run around doing our own thing – which produces precicely nothing.
Lastly – we take the things God has created – and turn them into god’s of our own! My wife reminded me of this passage on the weekend, which Paul also being a Jewish scholar also would have been aware of -
Isaiah 44:14-17
He cuts down cedars for himself,
And takes the cypress and the oak;
He secures it for himself among the trees of the forest.
He plants a pine, and the rain nourishes it.
Then it shall be for a man to burn,
For he will take some of it and warm himself;
Yes, he kindles it and bakes bread;
Indeed he makes a god and worships it;
He makes it a carved image, and falls down to it.
He burns half of it in the fire;
With this half he eats meat;
He roasts a roast, and is satisfied.
He even warms himself and says,
“Ah! I am warm,
I have seen the fire.”
And the rest of it he makes into a god,
His carved image.
He falls down before it and worships it,
Prays to it and says,
“Deliver me, for you are my god!”
Seriously. How crazy are we? How futile in our thoughts and foolish in our hearts can we be? One day we will be fully right of mind when we are alive in the Spirit in Heaven – but until then, we need to pray that we don’t end up this way – not just in the worshiping of idols, but with futile thoughts and actions, and a foolish heart that denies God His place in our life…
Lord God, I pray through Your Word You will continue to refresh us, guide us in Your paths of wisdom and give us understanding to make the right choices in our lives. In Jesus Name. Amen.
[...] Well, to begin with, our verses start with a ‘therefore’. And as my pastor says, ’so what is the therefore, there for’. If you like, click the verse title above to read the verses in context (this is the same in all my posts), or look at my studies of the previous verses (18-23, which this refers to) here – Part 1 and Part 2. [...]