In the beginning of his letter to the Romans, Paul described a culture that had forgotten God. They no longer glorified Him, had darkened hearts, and so were given up to uncleanness by the Creator.
This purposeful rebellion and its descent into ignorance led men to engage in despicable behavior. Paul especially noted the depraved nature of their sexual appetites. They dishonored their “bodies among themselves” (1:24) through homosexual acts. Paul described it as “vile passions” (1:26). “For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 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” (1:26-27).
Though Paul highlighted the depraved sexuality of the day, it was not the only product of their debasement. In fact, the society was given over to many activities that “are not fitting” (1:28). A list of them is given in verses 29 –31 of the chapter. Consider the sins listed:
- All unrighteousness. Those things that are morally wrong or unjust. It is a general term used to describe sin.
- Sexual immorality. Any type of illicit sexual intercourse. This would include the homosexuality already mentioned from the text, but it is not limited to that.
- Wickedness. Another general term for certain types of sin, it includes the idea of depravity or wickedness, but includes the concept of malice. (cf. Proverbs 6:14; 10:23).
- Covetousness. A greedy desire to have more, especially things to which one has no right. In Paul’s writing he equated covetousness to idolatry (cf. Colossians 3:5).
- Maliciousness. Malignity, malice, ill-will, the desire to injure. This is a common characteristic of evil men.
- Envy. Spiteful jealousy. It is a hateful emotion, despising those who have what you desire.
- Murder. In limited cases, the taking of a human life is defensible (cf. Romans 13:4). Mostly the killing of another person is rightly described as sin.
- Strife. Contention and wrangling. A quarrel. As we are able, we are to be at peace with each other (Romans 12:18).
- Deceit. Craftiness or guile. Tricking or baiting others.
- Evil-mindedness. Bad character, depravity of heart and life, malicious craftiness. The general character of evil men.
- Whisperers. Those who slander or detract secretly.
- Backbiters. One who speaks against or defames.
- Haters of God. Those who are exceptionally impious. The term is a compound word. The base words are theos (God) and stygo (to hate).
- Violent. One who is insolent and either verbally or physically abusive of others.
- Proud. One who views himself above or better than others. This is an inflated sense of self that is antithetical to the Christian character (cf. Philippians 2:3).
- Boasters. An empty pretender, a boaster. One who boasts wants others to think he knows when he doesn’t.
- Inventors of evil things. While evil hasn’t changed since the beginning, men have invented new ways of implementing it! Social media, pornography, drugs, weapons of violence. All of these things are examples of evil things (that which is base, wrong, injurious, pernicious, destructive).
- Disobedient to parents. One who is disobedient is not compliant. He can’t be persuaded to do as he should. Those who are disobedient to parents are disrespectful and rebellious. As God is our Father, the analogy is obvious.
- Undiscerning. The first of five words with the prefix “un”. (in the Greek, the letter alpha, which indicates a negative). This word has reference to the one who is unintelligent, without understanding, stupid.
- Untrustworthy. A person who is faithless to a covenant into which he has entered. As we have a entered into a covenant with God Himself such a man is lacking in integrity.
- Unloving. An unsociable person. He does not have natural affection for others. He is described in 2 Timothy 3:2 as a lover of himself. Narcissists are of this type.
- Unforgiving. One who does not have a liberal spirit. He is not willing to enter into an agreement with another. He is implacable (which means unwilling to be placated or pacified).
- Unmerciful. Mercy is a characteristic of God. One who is merciless shows no pity to others. Remember, “…if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:15).
The list of sins above is hardly exhaustive, but it is representative of those who no longer “retain God in their knowledge,” and as such have “debased minds” (1:28). It is also a state that is characteristic of our time and culture here in the United States of America. The final condemnation of such men is seen at the end of this passage.
“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” (1:32).
