List of Sins?

Scripture: Romans 1:18 - 2:3
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

24Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

26For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

28And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 29Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 32Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.


2:1Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. 2But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. 3And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? 4Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?


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.