Scripture to Read: Romans 1:24–27
When God led Paul to write the book of Romans, Paul wrote it from the city of Corinth, where every sort of sexual immorality and ritualistic prostitution was practiced freely. The terminology of Romans 1:24 refers to this combination of sexual immorality and idol worship. In Romans 1:18–32, God had Paul describe the sin and corruption of the pagan world with an amazing directness. As we read yesterday, even women exchanged their natural use as women. God had Paul use the word “homosexuality,” both in the female and male expressions, as an example of God giving mankind over to uncleanness and lust, both spiritually and physically. Some people today say that God’s Word nowhere condemns lesbian homosexuality. But God clarifies that the sin of homosexuality condemned in Romans 1:27 is directly connected to the sin of women mentioned in Romans 1:26. God did not have Paul use the ordinary words for men and women here in Romans 1:24–27. God had Paul use words for male and female that described sexuality outside of human terms. God had Paul categorize the whole section under the idea of vile passions, which were unhealthy and unholy. Paul lived in a culture that openly approved of homosexuality, so homosexuality is not new to our day. Paul also knew that what he wrote would not be accepted by the culture in which he lived, just like God’s Truth is not accepted today. Our role is that we must love those struggling with this temptation and share God’s Truth in love with them (2 Timothy 2:24–26).
Challenge & Application
· What did God teach you today about the commonalities of the people in Paul’s day and of people today?
· How can you love those struggling with their sexuality and share God’s Truth in love with them?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!