If we are going to have
any type of study or discussion on the book of Romans, we have to take a look
at Paul’s introduction. The problem with
the introduction is the fact that Paul gives us a lesson on the topic of
sin. People really don’t like this idea
of sin, or that it exists. We want to go
on with our lives and to do what we want to do without any real consequence,
the only problem is if we want to proclaim the gospel to be true then we have
to admit that sin is real. In Romans
1:18-2:16 Paul makes the argument that sin is real and gives us a clear definition
of sin. He explains how people from the
beginning of time ignored the laws of God.
In Romans 1:28-32 Paul tells us, “When they refused to acknowledge God,
he abandoned them to their evil minds and let them do things that should never
be done. Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed,
hate, envy, murder, fighting, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip. They
are backstabbers, haters of God, insolent, proud, and boastful. They are
forever inventing new ways of sinning and are disobedient to their parents. They refuse to understand, break their
promises, and are heartless and unforgiving. They are fully aware of God’s
death penalty for those who do these things, yet they go right ahead and do
them anyway. And, worse yet, they encourage others to do them, too.”[1] Take note at how Paul describes the sinful
nature the words that he uses, I underlined them for you. It would seem all of those describe one who
is centered on themselves, they care for only doing things that make them feel
good.
As we look deeper into what Paul is saying it is that they
choose themselves, their own wants, and desires instead of living for God. After all isn’t that what Satin tempted Adam
and Eve with? “God knows that your eyes will be opened when you eat it. You will
become just like God, knowing everything, both good and evil.”[2] When we begin to dissect sin we begin to notice
something interesting at the center of sin is self-centeredness. The idea is that we must do what we want, and
do things that feel good. What’s wrong
with doing what makes us feel good as long as it doesn’t harm others? As long as we are good people and know God’s
word, isn’t that enough to get into heaven to have eternal life? Is God really going to punish us for doing
things that goes against His own law if doesn’t affect anyone else? “God
will punish the Gentiles when they sin, even though they never had God’s
written law. And he will punish the Jews when they sin, for they do have the
law. For it is not merely knowing the
law that brings God’s approval. Those who obey the law will be declared right
in God’s sight. Even when Gentiles, who
do not have God’s written law, instinctively follow what the law says, they
show that in their hearts they know right from wrong. They demonstrate that God’s law is written
within them, for their own consciences either accuse them or tell them they are
doing what is right. The day will surely
come when God, by Jesus Christ, will judge everyone’s secret life. This is my
message.”[3]
We have hope, we have the gospel, and we can put our faith
in God, and in the Blood of Christ, but we must turn from our sin and begin to
desire the things of God. The prophet Ezekiel
told Israel; “Therefore, I will judge
each of you, O people of Israel, according to your actions, says the Sovereign Lord. Turn from your sins! Don’t let
them destroy you! Put all your rebellion
behind you, and get for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should
you die, O people of Israel? I don’t
want you to die, says the Sovereign Lord.
Turn back and live!”[4] The
problem is that our self-centeredness doesn’t want to die, the world around is
going to encourage it. The world does
not want to be told that what they are doing is wrong and the world wants to encourage
us to live as we want to, do what we want to do. Christ said; “There is no judgment awaiting those who trust him. But those who do not
trust him have already been judged for not believing in the only Son of God. Their
judgment is based on this fact: The light from heaven came into the world, but
they loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. They
hate the light because they want to sin in the darkness. They stay away from
the light for fear their sins will be exposed and they will be punished. But
those who do what is right come to the light gladly, so everyone can see that
they are doing what God wants.”[5]
[1]Holy
Bible : New Living Translation. 1997 (Ro 1:28-2:1). Tyndale House: Wheaton,
Ill.
[2]Holy
Bible : New Living Translation. 1997 (Ge 3:4-5). Tyndale House: Wheaton,
Ill.
[3]Holy
Bible : New Living Translation. 1997 (Ro 2:12-16). Tyndale House: Wheaton,
Ill.
[4]Holy
Bible : New Living Translation. 1997 (Eze 18:30-19:1). Tyndale House:
Wheaton, Ill.
[5]Holy
Bible : New Living Translation. 1997 (Jn 3:17-21). Tyndale House: Wheaton,
Ill.
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