Introduction
Today, on the thirteenth day of our two-week series on “What Must I Do to Please God?”, we focus on an essential but challenging call: grieving the sins of humanity and praying for those in darkness. Romans 1:18-32 gives us a clear picture of the depth of human sin and the consequences of rejecting God. This scripture reflects God’s heart, showing that He is both just and sorrowful over sin’s destructive power. For believers, grieving sin means recognizing the harm it causes and responding with a spirit of intercession, asking God to draw others back to Himself.
Praying for those who are lost is a demonstration of love, compassion, and obedience to God’s will. Rather than feeling anger or judgment, God calls us to mourn the sin that separates others from His grace. This grieving is not passive; it moves us to pray, knowing that God’s desire is for all to come to repentance. Today’s scripture encourages us to align our hearts with God’s heart, understanding the gravity of sin and the power of prayer.
Now Let’s Eat Some Meat!
Romans 1:18-32 (AMP): "For [God does not overlook sin and] the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who [in their wickedness] suppress and stifle the truth, because that which is known about God is evident within them [in their inner consciousness], for God made it evident to them. For ever since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through His workmanship [all His creation, the wonderful things that He has made], so that they [who fail to believe and trust in Him] are without excuse and without defense. For even though they knew God [as the Creator], they did not honor Him as God or give thanks [for His wondrous creation]. On the contrary, they became worthless in their thinking [godless, with pointless reasonings, and silly speculations], and their foolish heart was darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory and majesty and excellence of the immortal God for an image [worthless idols] in the shape of mortal man and birds and four-footed animals and reptiles. Therefore God gave them over [in the lusts of their own hearts] to sexual impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them [abandoning them to the degrading power of sin], because by choice they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. For this reason God gave them over to degrading and vile passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, and in the same way also the men turned away from the natural function of the woman and were consumed with their desire toward one another, men with men committing shameful acts and in return receiving in their own bodies the inevitable and appropriate penalty for their wrongdoing. And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God [or consider Him worth knowing as their Creator], God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do things which are improper and repulsive, until they were filled [permeated, saturated] with every kind of unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice and mean-spiritedness. They are gossips [spreading rumors], slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of new forms of evil, disobedient and disrespectful to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful [without pity]. Although they know God’s righteous decree and His judgment, that those who do such things deserve death, yet they not only do them, but they even enthusiastically approve and tolerate others who practice them."
Context of Romans 1:18-32
In Romans 1:18-32, Paul gives a vivid description of the depths of human sin and its consequences. Paul reveals that God has clearly made His presence known to humanity through creation, yet many have chosen to ignore Him. Instead of honoring God, people became lost in idolatry, pride, and various forms of immorality. The scripture describes how, in response to persistent sin, God allowed people to follow their sinful desires, leading to further moral decay. These verses paint a stark picture of sin’s consequences, showing that rejecting God leads to a hardened heart and a life devoid of true peace and purpose.
Paul’s message here does not only show God’s judgment but also reflects God’s sorrow over human rebellion. For believers, this scripture invites us to understand the gravity of sin, to grieve its impact on humanity, and to respond with prayer and compassion. This call to grieve and pray reflects God’s desire for reconciliation, even for those who seem far from Him.
Grieve the Sins of Men and Pray for Them
Key Phrase: "The wrath of God is revealed… against all ungodliness."
Grieving the sins of men means recognizing the damage sin causes in the world and feeling a deep sorrow for those who are lost. This sorrow is not one of hopelessness but of compassion, understanding that sin separates people from the love and peace that God desires for them. Recognizing the depths of human sin compels us to respond, not with judgment, but with a heart that prays earnestly for others’ redemption. Praying for others who are caught in sin aligns us with God’s love, as we ask Him to intervene and draw them toward His grace.
Grieving sin is an invitation to be moved by what moves God’s heart. It encourages believers to see the world through God’s eyes, recognizing both the reality of sin and the possibility of redemption. This perspective helps us to respond to sin with a heart that intercedes, lifting others to God in prayer and asking for His mercy, guidance, and healing.
2 Peter 3:9 (AMP): "The Lord does not delay [as though He were unable to act] and is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is [extraordinarily] patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance."
This scripture reminds us that God’s desire is for all to come to repentance. Praying for those lost in sin aligns with God’s heart and His desire for salvation.
Relevance to Today’s Believers:
For today’s believers, grieving the sins of others and praying for them is essential to living a life that pleases God. In a world where sin is often celebrated, it is easy to become desensitized to its effects. However, God calls us to feel compassion for those who are lost and to pray that they might find redemption. Rather than feeling overwhelmed by the presence of sin, believers are invited to respond in prayer, knowing that God is at work even in the darkest situations.
Grieving over sin does not mean losing hope; it means trusting God to reach those who are far from Him. By praying for others, we participate in God’s mission, asking Him to bring healing, salvation, and transformation. This response reflects a heart that is aligned with God’s will, one that desires to see lives restored and reconciled to Him.
The Whole of What It Means to Please God
While today’s focus is on grieving the sins of men and praying for them, this practice is part of a larger commitment to living a life that pleases God. Over the past days, we have explored steps such as surrendering to God, being transformed by mind renewal, and living as Christ’s ambassadors. Grieving sin and praying for others aligns us with God’s compassion and His desire for reconciliation, helping us to live out a faith that reflects His heart.
To please God, we must not only reject sin in our own lives but also care deeply for those who are lost. This perspective helps us respond to a world in need with love and prayer, trusting that God’s grace is powerful enough to change lives.
Matthew 5:44 (AMP): "But I say to you, love [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for] your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
This scripture reinforces the call to pray for others, even those who may seem undeserving or far from God. By praying for others, we demonstrate God’s love and compassion.
Summary
On this thirteenth day of our series, we explored the importance of grieving the sins of men and praying for them as a reflection of God’s love and compassion. Romans 1:18-32 describes the consequences of human sin and the sorrow it brings to God’s heart. As believers, we are called to feel sorrow for those who are lost and to lift them up in prayer, trusting God to draw them toward His grace.
Pleasing God involves a heart that not only rejects sin but also cares deeply for those ensnared by it. This compassion compels us to pray, asking God to intervene in the lives of others and bring them to repentance. As we continue in this series, let today’s focus encourage you to pray earnestly for others, joining God in His desire for all to find redemption and healing.
If You Have Ears To Hear, Then Hear It
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