Meaningful Choices and Downstream Consequences

January 17, 2018

Meaningful Choices and Downstream Consequences

Romans 1:26–27

Ronnie Oldfield

Central Truth

We are all in this world together, and all fall short of God’s standard (Romans 3:23). How do we lovingly speak truth, establish appropriate boundaries, and build relationships with people in sin struggles the world is glorifying? Hint: look inside. Watermark’s The Prodigal ministry is a great place to learn.

26 For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; 27 and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.

Paul conveys God’s truth in these two verses about one of today’s burning “lifestyle” issues. Looking at this truth together may allow acceptance of the role we play—taking comfort knowing “there is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9b), comfort that God’s game plan is written, and comfort that we have meaningful choices to live it out—or not.

My heart is convicted that my individual choice(s) impact the world. I believe Paul tells us this in today’s passage. The role I played for 25 years was filled with agit(ation), intoxic(ation), fornic(ation), and idoliz(ation) rooted in false beliefs that God didn't love me, His written game plan shouldn't inform every life decision, and my personal choices didn't impact the whole world. Working to impact political systems in this n(ation) provided distractions necessary to keep me from seeking wisdom dispelling my false beliefs about God.

I see clearly what Paul tells us. I am part and parcel of this passage. I didn't live a Christ-centered life, lead my family biblically, or diligently share truth and wisdom with my worldly community. I am part of “For this reason” in Romans 1:26.

God loves us so much He chose to provide His reasons. He provided them directly twice, by Jesus 18 times, twice through Luke, 23 times through Paul, once through Peter, and three times through John. Generally, peoples’ actions give rise to an outcome (cause and effect). He loves us enough to not interfere; He will give us over to our desires.

Should I begin to look down my nose at hurting people suffering through a same-sex attraction or gender identity confusion season, I pray I encounter the circle I have drawn around myself and immediately look inside to remind myself of the role I played in “For this reason God gave them up to . . . ." “And He was saying, 'That which proceeds out of the man, that is what defiles the man. For from within . . . .” (Mark 7:20-21, NASB). Do my lips proclaim: God is good, He loves me, and He desires me to be reconciled to Him?

This month's memory verse

8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

– Romans 5:8

1. When we encounter individuals suffering through a season of same-sex attraction or gender identity confusion, is it important to examine our individual role in Psalm 81:11-12: “So I gave them over to . . . .”?

2. Looking inside, do you see an “-ation” you laid at the feet of Christ so that you might overcome it? Do you believe your story of grace might comfort and encourage someone who has been given over to the sin struggles highlighted today?

3. Inventory all the struggles God has helped you overcome. Even in your darkest times, do you see now that you were always crafted in God’s image and He was always available to rescue you? (Colossians 1:15)

4. Finding your hope in Jesus during these dark times may have come about as you realized God is firm to judge us for our sins. Did you have someone lovingly walk with you during this time of realization? Have you thanked them lately?

5. Entering into God’s grace by trusting in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus washes all our darkness away. Are you preparing yourself to share this truth with someone near to you? Are you building a relationship that might make this conversation possible? (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)