How can we apply Romans 1:32 to resist societal approval of sin today? The Verse in Focus “Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things are worthy of death, they not only continue to do these things, but also approve of those who practice them.” (Romans 1:32) What Romans 1:32 Reveals About Our Culture • Sin escalates from personal practice to public endorsement. • Society’s applause does not change God’s verdict: “worthy of death.” • Knowing right yet choosing wrong intensifies accountability (James 4:17). Identifying Modern Forms of Approval • Entertainment that normalizes immorality. • Legislation that contradicts biblical standards (Isaiah 5:20). • Social media trends that celebrate rebellion against God. • Peer pressure that labels holiness as “hate” and sin as “love.” Practical Steps to Resist Societal Approval • Saturate your mind with Scripture daily (Psalm 1:1-2). • Speak truth in love when opportunities arise (Ephesians 4:15). • Refuse to participate in or celebrate sin—online or in person (Ephesians 5:11). • Choose friendships that encourage obedience, not compromise (Proverbs 13:20). • Support legislation and leaders who honor God’s moral order (Proverbs 29:2). • Train children early to discern good and evil (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). • Accept that obeying God may cost popularity (John 15:18-19). Strengthened by Scriptural Reinforcement • Acts 5:29—“We must obey God rather than men.” • 1 Peter 4:3-5—Past sins are enough; now live for God, though “they malign you.” • 2 Timothy 3:12-14—Persecution will come; “continue in what you have learned.” • Jude 23—“snatch others from the fire” while hating “even the garment stained by the flesh.” Living Counterculturally in Grace and Truth By embracing Romans 1:32 we remember that God’s standards remain fixed. Our calling is to reject applause for sin, live and speak the better way of Christ, and point a watching world to the One who delivers from both the practice and the penalty of sin. |
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