Words Of Truth

Study Notes For Romans
Chapter One

Introduction Thoughts:

• The Gospel was first preached to people from Rome, Italy in Acts 2 (Acts 2:10).
• I am not aware of an exact Scripture of when congregations were started in Rome, but we can look at Acts 18:1-3 and know the saints in Rome were familiar with Aquila and Priscilla (Romans 16:3-5).
• Paul planned on going to Rome (Acts 19:21), but went to Macedonia (Acts 20:1), various other cities, Ephesus (Acts 20:17), various other places (Acts 21:1-8), and then to Jerusalem (Acts 21:17). There he was arrested and the trip, by the will of the Lord (Acts 23:11), to Rome began and ultimately therein he ended up in Rome (Acts 28:16). He taught there and remained teaching under a form of house arrest for two whole years (Acts 28:17-31).
• As we study through this epistle, you will notice correction to Jews who thought they were special because they were God’s people of old and you will find Gentiles corrected because of their thinking they were special.
• Keep this in mind, Jewish Christians had an advantage over Gentiles (Romans 3:1). Such was abused though and not just in Rome (Acts 15:1-31).
• We see whole areas wherein congregations went back to certain aspects of the Law of Moses (Galatians 1:1-9, Galatians 5:1-6, and Galatians 6:11-15).
• We will see circumcision as an issue in Rome (Romans 2:25-29, Romans 3:30, Romans 4:9-10, and Romans 15:8).
• Remember how HUGE circumcision was for a Jew (Genesis 17:1-14, Genesis 17:23-24, Genesis 21:4, and Leviticus 12:1-3).
• Also, and this is very important to remember as we get into Romans chapter four, remember how highly Abraham was esteemed among first century Jews (Matthew 3:1-9, John 8:31-33, John 8:53, Hebrews 7:1-6, and James 2:21-23).
• Jesus even used such (their view of Abraham) in teaching (Luke 13:10-17 and Luke 19:1-10).
• While they loved Abraham, they also clung hard to the Law of Moses (John 9:24-28 and Acts 6:11-14) which came after Abraham for a reason (Galatians 3:19-24) and it was taught incorrectly in the first century (I Timothy 1:3-11).
• The division ignored the promise (Genesis 22:18) and fulfillment to Abraham (Galatians 3:26-29).
• In this letter we will see the point made that Abraham lived under faith, before the LAW OF MOSES (Romans 4-5). We will see that the Law of Moses was put away (Romans 7:1-6). The divisions in Rome over Jew vs. Gentile might well have ceased if these things were realized. This is most often “the law” that we will talk about throughout this letter (Romans 2:12, Romans 2:13, Romans 2:15, Romans 2:17, Romans 2:18, Romans 2:20, etc.). *over 60 times. Remember that, for misunderstanding this can result in major confusion (i.e. Romans 6:14; but we are under a law - Galatians 6:2, James 1:25, etc.).

• Paul, formerly known as Saul (Acts 13:9), is the penmen of this letter.
• Paul was moved by the Spirit in what he did (Acts 16:1-10; cf. John 16:1-13).
• He was also led by the Spirit in what said/wrote (I Corinthians 2:1-13 and Ephesians 3:1-7)
• The same was true concerning what other inspired speakers/penmen said and wrote (2 Samuel 23:2 [cf. Mark 12:36 and Acts 1:16], Jeremiah 1:9, Matthew 10:16-20, I Corinthians 14:37, Galatians 1:10-12, II Timothy 3:15-17, and II Peter 1:20-21).
• When Paul taught of his own words and clarified such and did such with the Lord’s approval (I Corinthians 7:1-11).
• The Greek word “δοῦλος” [δοῦλος] translated “servant” in the KJV is defined as: “1) a slave, bondman, man of servile condition; 1a) a slave; 1b) metaphorically, one who gives himself up to another’s will those whose service is used by Christ in extending and advancing his cause among men; 1c) devoted to another to the disregard of one’s own interests; 2) a servant, attendant” (Thayer; Strong’s # 1401).
• Paul held the office of an Apostle (Acts 9:1-18, I Corinthians 1:1, 2 Corinthians 1:1, etc.) and had authority as such (Acts 2:42, I Corinthians 12:28, and Ephesians 2:19-20).
• Yet, he identified himself as a servant showing that he knew his place (Romans 1:9, I Corinthians 3:1-7, I Corinthians 9:18, I Corinthians 11:1-3, I Corinthians 15:1-11, II Corinthians 4:1-7, Philippians 1:1, and Titus 1:1).
• Think about why that is so important (Matthew 10:24, Matthew 18:23, Matthew 20:20-28, Matthew 24:45-46, Luke 17:7-10, and John 13:16).
• The word translate “apostle” can have meaning beyond one holding that office. The word can just mean “a delegate, messenger, one sent forth with orders…” (Thayer; Strong’s # 652). See: II Corinthians 8:23 [“messengers”] or Hebrews 3:1 in reference to Christ [cf. John 20:21].
• Separated unto the Gospel in the sense of his work (Acts 13:1-5, Acts 20:24, and Galatians 1:11-16).
• There is also another way in which Paul was separated unto the Gospel that applies to all saints (I Thessalonians 2:12 and II Thessalonians 2:13-14).

• “He” is in reference to God the Father (vs. 3).
• The Gospel (vs. 1) promise (Acts 26:13-23) made through the prophets (Deuteronomy 18:15-19 [Acts 3:18-26], Psalms 41:9 [John 13:18], Isaiah 53:1-12 [ Acts 8:29-39], Jeremiah 31:31-34 [Hebrews 8:1-13], etc.).
• Even as it relates to the Gospel going to the Gentiles (Isaiah 42:1-9 and Isaiah 49:5-7 [Matthew 12:15-21 and Luke 2:25-32]) of which Paul played a significant part (Acts 13:32-49, Romans 11:13, and II Timothy 1:8-12).
• That DOES NOT mean Paul was the only Apostle that preached to the Gentiles (Acts 11:1-18 and 1 Peter 2:10). The Apostles were to preach the Gospel to ALL nations (Matthew 28:16-20, Mark 16:14-20, and Luke 24:44-47).
• In this letter, the “scripture” or “scriptures” will be referenced multiple times (Romans 4:3, Romans 9:17, Romans 10:11, Romans 11:2, Romans 15:4, and Romans 16:26). Think on that (II Timothy 3:15-17; cf. Matthew 22:29).

• God the Father of Jesus (Matthew 3:13-17, Matthew 8:28-29, Mark 1:1, Luke 1:26-35, John 1:29-34, and I John 4:15).
• Jesus our Lord (Acts 2:36, Acts 10:36, and Philippians 2:3-11). *Scriptures state such hundreds of times.
• Think about the word “Lord” as seen here and again in verse 7: “1) he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master, lord; 1a) the possessor and disposer of a thing; 1a1) the owner; one who has control of the person, the master; 1a2) in the state: the sovereign, prince, chief, the Roman emperor; 1b) is a title of honour expressive of respect and reverence, with which servants greet their master; 1c) this title is given to: God, the Messiah” (Thayer; Strong’s # 2962).
• We belong to Jesus (Romans 14:7-9 and II Corinthians 5:14-17).
• He is the owner (Colossians 1:18; 3:24).
• He is the Master (Matthew 23:8-10).
• He is sovereign [supreme in authority] (Matthew 28:18, Ephesians 1:19-21, and I Peter 3:20-21).
• He is to be revered; respected (Luke 20:9-18).
• Made of the seed of David according to the flesh (Jeremiah 23:5-6, Jeremiah 33:15, Matthew 1:1, Luke 1:31-32, and II Timothy 2:8).

• The word “declared”: “1) to define; 1a) to mark out the boundaries or limits (of any place or thing); 1b1) that which has been determined, acc. to appointment, decree; 1b2) to ordain, determine, appoint” (Thayer; Strong’s # 3724).
• “Determined” (Luke 22:22, Acts 11:29, and Acts 17:26).
• “Determinate” (Acts 2:23).
• “Ordained” (Acts 10:42 and Acts 17:31).
• “Limiteth” (Hebrews 4:7).
• The word “power” :1) strength power, ability; 1a) inherent power, power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature, or which a person or thing exerts and puts forth; 1b) power for performing miracles; 1c) moral power and excellence of soul; 1d) the power and influence which belong to riches and wealth; 1e) power and resources arising from numbers; 1f) power consisting in or resting upon armies, forces, hosts” (Thayer; Strong’s # 1411).
• The message is essentially - “determined the Son of God with miraculous power down; according [down; through] the Spirit” (John 5:36, John 10:37-38, John 14:1-11, and Acts 2:22; cf. Hebrews 2:1-4).
• It is not that the miracles convinced everyone (Matthew 11:20-24 and John 12:36-43).
• According to the Spirit of holiness or in other words, the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:38) as was prophesied (Isaiah 61:1-3 and Luke 4:16-21).
• Further, related evidence - the resurrection (Acts 2:23-36 [cf. Psalms 16:10] and Acts 10:38-43).
• The resurrection being the cornerstone of our faith (I Corinthians 15:1-24).
• The Spirit and the resurrection (I Peter 3:18).

• We have grace from both the Father and the Son (John 1:17, Acts 15:11, Romans 16:20, I Corinthians 1:3-4, 1 Corinthians 16:23, 2 Corinthians 13:14, Ephesians 1:2, II Timothy 1:8-9, and Hebrews 2:8-9).
• Thus, we can say: “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (I Corinthians 15:57).
• Apostleship (Matthew 10:1-15, Acts 1:15-25, I Corinthians 9:2, and Galatians 2:7-8) from God (I Corinthians 15:9-10, II Corinthians 3:5-6, and Ephesians 3:1-11).
• Paul specifically (Acts 9:1-20 and I Timothy 1:11-16).
• Grace and the apostleship for obedience to the faith (Romans 15:15-19; cf. Acts 6:7).
• For all nations (Matthew 28:16-20, Mark 16:14-20, and Romans 16:26).
• All nations is a key point to those who were divided (Romans 3:29-31).
• “For his name” (Acts 15:14-17; cf. Matthew 12:15-21 and Romans 15:8-12). *Prophets referenced (Amos 9:11-12, Isaiah 11:1-10, and Isaiah 49:6).

• We talked about Paul be “called” in a different manner than this point (Romans 1:1).
• Those whom are addressed in this letter are included in the obedient to the faith (Romans 1:12, Romans 5:6-11, Romans 6:1-11, Romans 6:17, Romans 12:5, and Romans 15:19).
• “Called” (I Thessalonians 2:12 and II Thessalonians 2:14).
• Called of Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 1:9 and I Peter 5:10).

• Think about the clarity of these statements to “all”, “beloved of God”, and “called to be saints.” Not just to the Jews in Rome or just to the Gentiles in Rome. Both Jew and Gentile (Romans 3:29, Romans 9:24, and Romans 10:12).
• Similar wording appears in other letters Paul penned to saints (II Corinthians 1:1, Philippians 1:1, Colossians 1:1-2, etc.).
• How about the fact that all the saints in Rome are “beloved of God” (Romans 9:25 and Colossians 3:12)? What does that do to the idea that one group of people in a congregation is greater than another (cf. I John 4:11)?
• All Christians are the children of God (II Corinthians 6:14-18, Ephesians 5:1, and I John 3:1-2).
• What happens when that is forgotten and some idea of superiority arises among the saints (I Corinthians 1:10-13, I Corinthians 3:1-3, I Corinthians 11:16-19, and James 2:1-13).
• Furthermore, just in general, think about what other Scriptures teach about humanity in general (Genesis 1:26-28, Acts 17:24-30, and James 3:9-10).
• Who is my brother (Mark 3:31-35)?
• Called to be saints (I Corinthians 1:2). That should carry an expected conduct with it (Romans 16:1-2 and Ephesians 5:3).
• Called by what (II Thessalonians 2:14)? Which was to be preached to whom (Mark 16:15-16 and Romans 1:14-16)?
• Not called to be Jews or Gentiles (Romans 12:4-5, Romans 12:15-16, Galatians 3:26-29, and Ephesians 4:1-6).
• Grace and peace from the Father and only begotten Son (1 Timothy 1:2, 2 Timothy 1:2, Titus 1:4, and 2 John 1:3; cf. Acts 10:36, Romans 5:1-2, Philippians 4:7, Hebrews 2:9-18, and I Peter 5:10).

• Thankfulness for the saints (Romans 16:3-4, Ephesians 1:16, Colossians 1:3, I Thessalonians 1:2, II Thessalonians 1:3, and II Thessalonians 2:13).
• Thanksgiving through Christ (Ephesians 5:20, Colossians 3:16-17, I Timothy 2:5-6, and Hebrews 13:12-15).
• Why should we be thankful for faithful brethren besides the fact that we are shown and told to do so? Hmm… (Romans 12:4-5, Ephesians 3:15, Ephesians 4:16, I Thessalonians 5:11-14, Hebrews 3:13; 10:23-25, etc.)!
• Faith by reputation (Romans 16:19 and I Thessalonians 1:7-8).
• To be an example, a pattern for others to see and follow (Titus 2:2-8; cf. Philippians 3:16-17).
• We see that individuals had a “good report” in other texts (Acts 10:22, Acts 22:12, and III John 1:12). Yet, when one can say that an entire congregation serves as a good example, that is certainly a great compliment. It is their faith that was reputable.
• Later, we see thankfulness towards their obedience (Romans 6:17).

• Paul makes a similar reference later in this epistle (Romans 9:1-3).
• He does similarly in other epistles (II Corinthians 1:23, II Corinthians 11:31, Galatians 1:20, Philippians 1:8, and ! Thessalonians 2:5-10).
• Remember, the author of these words is the Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 2:13; cf. II Timothy 3:16-17).
• God being a witness is a good reminder that He knows what’s going on in this world physically and mentally (! Chronicles 28:9, II Chronicles 16:9, Psalms 44:21, Proverbs 5:21, Proverbs 15:3, Jeremiah 17:9-10, Hebrews 4:13, and I John 3:20-21).
• Later in this epistle, we will see that Paul and those working with him have been slandered (Romans 3:8). So, God being the witness of His statements carries potentially necessary weight.
• As we addressed in verse 8, Paul was thankful for them (implication in prayer). We will discuss his praying for them further in verse 10. He prayed about brethren for sure (Philippians 1:4 and Philemon 1:4).

• Making request in his prayers (Romans 1:9).
• Requesting that God would permit him to come (I Thessalonians 3:10-11) to Rome because Paul went were the Spirit guided him to go (Acts 16:1-10).
• He had been hindered thus far (Romans 1:13 and Romans 15:22-24), though he had planned to get there (Acts 19:21), and wants their help in this request to God as well (Romans 15:30-32).
• Paul went where God wanted Him to go (Acts 18:21and I Corinthians 4:19).
• What does the word “prosperous” mean? Defined: “To help on the road, that is, (passively) succeed in reaching; figuratively to succeed in business affairs: - (have a) prosper (-ous journey)” (Strong’s # 2137). “1) to grant a prosperous and expeditious journey, to lead by a direct and easy way; 2) to grant a successful issue, to cause to prosper; 3) to prosper, be successful” (Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon). See: I Corinthians 16:2 and III John 1:2

• He longed to see them as we see with other saints (I Thessalonians 2:17, I Thessalonians 3:8-10, and II Timothy 1:4). Think of his mindset (Philippians 1:22-27). Think of seeing brethren, in person (II John 1:12 and III John 1:13-14; cf. I Corinthians 11:34).
• Apostles laid hands to give the Spirit (Acts 8:12-24 and Acts 19:1-7).
• The Spirit then gave the gifts (I Corinthians 12:1-11).
• Such was the temporary until the full revelation of God was revealed and made known (I Corinthians 13:8-13 and Ephesians 4:7-16).
• Established: “To set fast, that is, (literally) to turn resolutely in a certain direction, or (figuratively) to confirm: - fix, (e-) stablish, stedfastly set, strengthen” (Strong’s # 4741). Meaning strengthened (Revelation 3:2). Other verses wherein spiritual gifts are not even part of it… Romans 16:25, I Thessalonians 3:1-2, James 5:8, etc.

• Comfort and edification from brethren of like precious faith (Romans 14:19, Ephesians 4:1-6, Ephesians 4:29, Colossians 3:12-15, and I Thessalonians 5:11-14).
• To be edified by others who are faithful (Ephesians 1:15-16, Colossians 1:3-4, Philemon 1:4-5, and II John 1:4).

• Paul intended to come to Rome (Acts 19:21). *Whether or not this is in reference to the same, I am not sure.
• He wanted them to know his intentions. WHY? Brethren care enough for others to know their good intentions when such doesn’t work out. Right, (Romans 12:10)?
• What about revealing information so that others are not ignorant [not understanding; Mark 9:32 and 2 Peter 2:12; not knowing; Romans 2:4] (Acts 17:23, Romans 11:25, I Corinthians 10:1, I Corinthians 12:1, II Corinthians 1:8, and I Thessalonians 4:13)?
• Though he oftentimes planned to come, he was “let” [prevent; forbid; forbad; hindered; kept from… # 2967] (Romans 15:22-23; cf. I Thessalonians 2:14-18).
• Just for the sake of thought, it could be God forbade him at points (Acts 16:1-10).
• Consider - I Corinthians 16:12 and Philippians 1:21-26
• Think about those teaching having fruit among brethren (II Corinthians 3:1-2).
• Think about the desire to be fruitful (John 15:1-8, Philippians 1:11, Colossians 1:10, and Titus 3:14).

• Paul felt indebted to others in that he felt he owed them the Gospel (context).
• See: Acts 9:15 and I Corinthians 9:16-27
• In another sense, think about how Paul looked at himself (I Corinthians 15:1-11, Ephesians 3:7-8, and I Timothy 1:13-16).

• He was ready/willing to preach to the Romans (Acts 20:20 and II Timothy 4:1-5).
• Remember, there is accountability on his part too (Acts 20:26-27; cf. Ezekiel 3:18-21 and Ezekiel 33:7-9).
• However, his willingness to do so was not only out of duty or accountability (again; I Corinthians 9:17; cf. II Corinthians 8:12).
• Even when congregations mistreated Paul, he genuinely cared (II Corinthians 12:14-15; cf. II Corinthians 2:1-4).

• Not ashamed (Psalms 119:46, Mark 8:38, II Corinthians 3:12, and II Timothy 1:7-12).
• Not confusing being unashamed with understanding when not to speak (Romans 16:17-18, I Timothy 6:3-5, II Timothy 2:14, II Timothy 2:23, and Titus 3:9-11).
• How could we be ashamed of the Gospel of Christ that contains the promise of now and to come (Ephesians 3:6, Colossians 1:23, and II Timothy 1:10)?
• Not just in word, but in conduct we should show the Gospel (Philippians 1:27 and I Peter 3:1-7).
• Power of God unto salvation (Romans 10:14-17, Ephesians 1:13, Colossians 1:5-6, II Timothy 3:15-17, and James 1:21).
• Without faith, the Gospel is of no effect (Mark 16:15-16, II Corinthians 4:3-4, I Thessalonians 2:13, II Thessalonians 2:12, Hebrews 11:6, and Jude 1:5).
• Jews first (Luke 24:47, Acts 1:8, Acts 2:5, and Acts 3:25-26).
• Then the Greek [also translated Gentile; cf. Romans 2:9; Romans 3:9, I Corinthians 10:32, etc.] (Acts 13:46-47 and Acts 18:4-6; cf. Matthew 28:19).

• Within the Gospel the righteousness [justification; equity] of God is found (Romans 3:20-22).
• The righteousness of God is that ALL MEN can be saved (Romans 3:29-30, I Timothy 2:4, and I John 2:1-2) through His word (Titus 1:1-3).
• Consider the wording “the word of righteousness” (Hebrews 5:13).
• From the old system of faith to the new (Luke 24:44, John 5:39, Acts 15:13-21, Acts 17:1-3, etc.).
• As it is written (Habakkuk 2:4), the just shall live by faith (Galatians 3:11 and Hebrews 10:38).

• The wrath of God is revealed (Romans 2:5-8, Romans 12:19, Ephesians 5:3-6, and Colossians 3:5-6).
• Ungodliness (Titus 2:11-14 and Jude 1:15-18).
• Unrighteousness [injustice; iniquity; unjust; wrong] of men (Romans 1:29-32, II Thessalonians 2:12, and I John 5:17).
• Salvation from the wrath of God (Romans 5:6-11 and I Thessalonians 5:9).
• Hold [seize; to hold down] the truth in unrighteousness (Luke 11:52, Acts 4:13-18, and I Thessalonians 2:14-16).
• There are those that should be dependable as a source of knowledge and they have erred in that role (Malachi 2:4-9).
• Think of the Jews as a whole (Deuteronomy 4:7-8, Psalms 147:19-20, Romans 3:1-2, and Romans 9:4).
• Think about those in whom the Gospel is entrusted (I Timothy 6:20).

• God’s work in “nature” (Psalms 8:1-3, Psalms 19:1-6, Isaiah 40:22-26, Acts 14:15-17, and Acts 17:16-31).
• The supernatural (Genesis 41:1-42:3, Exodus 15:11-14, Joshua 2:1-10, Acts 2:22, Acts 4:16, and Acts 26:22-26).

• They were without excuse (vs. 20), BECAUSE THEY KNEW GOD having seen His works (Exodus 15:11, Joshua 2:1-14, Psalms 77:14-15, Psalms 86:8-10, and Daniel 6:26-28)!
• With knowledge comes the expectation of action (James 4:17).
• Later, we see they didn’t want to retain Him in knowledge (Romans 1:28).
• They did not glorify Him as God (II Kings 17:24-41 and Malachi 1:6-8).
• Imaginations [Strong’s # 1261], meaning thoughts (i.e. Matthew 15:19).
• So, their thoughts had become empty, vain, foolish (Jeremiah 4:14 and 1 Corinthians 3:18-20).
• Foolish hearts (Proverbs 15:14 and Proverbs 19:3).
• Darkened hearts (Ephesians 4:17-20).

• Professing to be wise doesn’t mean a person is actually wise (Proverbs 3:5-7, Proverbs 12:15, Proverbs 23:4, Proverbs 26:12, Isaiah 5:21, and I Corinthians 1:18-31).
• Because they thought they were wise, they became fools by glorifying images likened to man and creatures of the earth (Psalms 106:13-21, Psalms 115:1-8, Isaiah 40:18-26, Isaiah 44:9-20, and Habakkuk 2:18-19).
• Food for thought…. What about other forms of idolatry (i.e. Ephesians 5:5; cf. Psalms 49:10-19, Proverbs 11:28, Luke 12:13-21, and Revelation 3:14-22).

• God gave them up (Judges 2:8-15, II Chronicles 30:1-7, Psalms 81:11-12, Ezekiel 14:7-10, Hosea 4:17, and Acts 7:40-42).
• The Gentile nations had given themselves up to uncleanness (Ephesians 4:17-19; cf. I Thessalonians 4:1-5). *This context, they know God!!
• So did Israel (Ezekiel 39:23-24).
• God warned Israel (Deuteronomy 23:14).
• Through the lusts of their own hearts (James 1:13-16).
• Dishonoring [to render infamous, that is, (by implication) contemn or maltreat: - despise, dishonor, suffer shame, entreat shamefully] their own bodies between themselves (I Corinthians 6:13-18).

• See: Romans 1:23
• Serving idols is the opposite of serving God (Leviticus 26:1, Psalms 96:5, I Corinthians 8:4-6, and I Thessalonians 1:7-9).
• No lie is of the truth (I John 2:21).
• They created lies (Jeremiah 10:14-15).
• Creature or “creation” [Strong’s # 2937] (Mark 10:6 and Romans 1:20).
• They served the creation is both the senses of serving themselves as created beings (Judges 17:6, Judges 21:25, and Jeremiah 44:16-17) and serving the idols they themselves made (Deuteronomy 13:13, Psalms 97:7, and Jeremiah 11:10).
• Again, God gave them up to do so (Ezekiel 20:39).
• God is blessed [praised] forever (II Corinthians 11:31).

• As we have discussed already, God gave them up (Romans 1:24).
• “Vile” meaning things that are a shame (I Corinthians 11:14-15).
• Affections means, “inordinate affections” (Colossians 3:5).
• The natural vs. unnatural (Genesis 2:18-25, Genesis 19:1-7, Leviticus 18:22, Leviticus 20:13, Judges 19:22-23, and I Corinthians 7:1-5).
• All sinful lusts is of the world (I John 2:15-17).
• Lusts have to be handled aright (Galatians 5:24 and I Peter 2:11) because of where that leads (James 1:13-16).
• The recompense [reward] of such was meet [necessary]. Think on that from multiple levels (Job 4:8, Galatians 6:7-9, Hebrews 2:1-4, II Peter 2:6-7, Jude 1:7, etc.).

• Rebellious sinners, who knew God, don’t want to think about God (Psalms 10:1-11, Job 21:7-15, Proverbs 1:24-31, Acts 24:24-25, and II Timothy 4:2-4).
• God gave them over to a reprobate [unapproved; worthless; castaway; rejected] mind (II Timothy 3:1-8). Earlier in this context… Gave them up to “uncleanness” (Romans 1:24) and “vile affections” (Romans 1:26).
• How much does one’s mind matter (Ephesians 4:17-19, I Timothy 6:3-5, and Titus 1:15)?
• Convenient, meaning “fit” as translated in one other place (Acts 22:22).
• God doesn’t want anyone to perish (II Peter 3:9-15), but understand that He will certainly allow you to choose that conclusion (Deuteronomy 30:15-20 and Ezekiel 18:20-32).
• Keep this context in mind when we come to chapter three wherein we will talk about how both Jew and Gentile were sinners in the past (Romans 3:9-23).

• Having given up, they were filled with unrighteousness (Ecclesiastes 8:11).
• Consider some thoughts about unrighteousness (Isaiah 55:7, Romans 1:18, and I John 5:17).
• Think about those who are full of unrighteousness (Genesis 6:5, Proverbs 2:10-20, and Jeremiah 4:22).
• Think about the lack of hope in those accustomed to do evil (Jeremiah 4:22).
• Fornication is to be avoided, not embraced (I Corinthians 6:18, I Corinthians 7:1-2, and Ephesians 5:3).
• Wickedness [iniquity; cf. Acts 3:26] (Mark 7:21-23).
• Covetousness [greedy desire for more] (Luke 12:13-21).
• Maliciousness [wickedness; cf. Acts 8:22] (I Corinthians 14:20 and I Peter 2:1-2).
• Full of envy and murder (Galatians 5:19-21).
• Debate [strife, contention] (I Corinthians 1:11, I Corinthians 3:1-3, 2 Corinthians 12:20, I Timothy 6:3-5, and Titus 3:9-11).
• Deceit [guile] (Ephesians 4:25, I Peter 2:21-22, and I Peter 3:8-10).
• Malignity [bad character] (Proverbs 11:3 and I Thessalonians 5:15).
• Whisperers [secret slanderer] (Proverbs 16:28, Proverbs 18:8, and James 4:11). *Be careful not to mistake this and not do what verses such as Romans 16:17-18 teach.

• Backbiters [slanderers] (Proverbs 10:18 and 1 Peter 3:16).
• Haters of God (John 7:7).
• Despiteful [injurious] (1 Timothy 1:13; cf. Galatians 1:13).
• Proud (Proverbs 6:16-19, Proverbs 11:2, Proverbs 16:5, and James 4:6-10).
• Boasters (Luke 18:9-14, Ephesians 2:8-10, and James 4:13-16).
• Inventors of evil things (Ecclesiastes 7:29 and Micah 2:1-2).
• Disobedient to parents (Deuteronomy 21:18-21, Proverbs 29:15, and Ephesians 6:1-4).

• Without understanding (Matthew 15:1-20; cf. Proverbs 4:7, Proverbs 15:14, Proverbs 18:2, and Ephesians 5:17). Also translated “foolish” (Romans 1:21).
• Covenantbreakers (Psalms 78:1-10 and Psalms 78:34-37).
• Without natural affection (II Timothy 3:1-5; cf. Titus 2:4).
• Implacable [of things not mutually agreed upon; Thayer] (Amos 3:3).
• Unmerciful (Matthew 18:15-35 and James 2:1-13).

• They knew the judgment of God, but did such sinful things anyway (Psalms 50:16-17, Jeremiah 8:8-12, and Nehemiah 9:24-26).
• In the next chapter, which ties back to this chapter, we see that they knew the judgment of God well enough to judge others hypocritically (Romans 2:1-5).
• Pleasure in disobedience (Jeremiah 5:31, Micah 2:11, and Luke 12:13-21).