List of Sin?

Observation: The last half of the first chapter of Romans is often used as a "List of Sin". That is, some say this is a list of things that are wrong to do. The clear reference to homosexuality is perhaps the most controversial. However, as I look at the context of this verse, I see that the "Who" that Paul is talking about is in verse 18. Paul is talking about those who "Hold the Truth in Unrighteousness" At the end of his "List" Paul makes it clear again in chapter 2 verse 1 that his is addressing hippocrites, this who judge others doing the same things they judge others for.

Application: Many have used this "List" as a list of Do's and Don'ts, and applied it to those who don't know God. That is not the context that the list was given in. If this list would be applied in context, it would be applied to believers who are judging others... and the application would be for those believers to not do the things that they are condemning others for. Later in Chapter 2, Paul is explicit in God's condemnation of the judgmental. However, he does not excuse the sinners, but he does seem to apply a greater condemnation for the judgmental.

So, how should this affect our lives? Should believers condem the sins of non-believers? Should non believers say that their sins are not wrong? No, and No... But rather, believer should minister the love of God and let the Holy Spirit do the judging. However, neither should we call wrong right. It seems to be a fine line the believer is called to walk down, a line between judging and calling wrong right.

Prayer: Father help us to live right before, not out of fear of condemnation, but out of love for you! Let your hearts be filled with the love of God, and the Love of others.

Created 8 months ago