Romans 1:28 – “Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done.”

Extended Explanation

This verse continues Paul’s argument about what happens when people reject God. He explains that because people “did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God,” God allowed them to continue down the path they chose. This decision led them to a “depraved mind,” meaning a way of thinking that is corrupt, morally bankrupt, and unable to recognize right from wrong.

The phrase “so that they do what ought not to be done” means that when people refuse to acknowledge God, they lose their moral direction. Without God’s truth guiding them, they fall deeper into sin, making choices that are destructive to themselves and others.

This verse marks the final stage of God “giving them over” to sin (which was also mentioned in verses 24 and 26). It is the result of continued rejection of God. Instead of forcing people to follow Him, He allows them to go their own way, even though it leads to ruin.

Historical Context

Paul was writing to believers in Rome, a city where many people had turned away from God and embraced sinful lifestyles. The Roman Empire was filled with corruption, including immorality, idolatry, and violence. Many Romans prided themselves on their knowledge, but their philosophies rejected God’s truth.

This pattern had been seen throughout history:

• In ancient Israel, people repeatedly turned away from God, leading to spiritual decline (Judges 21:25).
• In pagan cultures, people worshiped false gods, engaged in sinful behavior, and ignored moral laws.
• In Paul’s time, Roman society glorified personal pleasure, wealth, and power while disregarding God’s truth.

Paul was showing that rejecting God’s truth doesn’t lead to freedom but to deeper moral confusion and destruction.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches several key spiritual truths:

1. Rejecting God leads to distorted thinking – When people push God out of their minds, they lose their ability to judge right from wrong.
2. God allows people to follow their choices – He does not force anyone to obey Him. If people refuse to acknowledge Him, He lets them go their own way.
3. A depraved mind cannot discern truth – Without God’s wisdom, people’s thoughts become corrupted, leading to destructive behavior.
4. Sin is progressive – The more people reject God, the deeper they fall into sin. It’s not a sudden fall but a gradual process of moral decline.

This verse is a warning that ignoring God’s truth doesn’t lead to enlightenment—it leads to darkness and confusion.

Literary Analysis

Paul uses strong language in this verse:

• “Did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God” – This shows that rejecting God is a choice. People are aware of Him, but they deliberately decide He is not worth their attention.
• “God gave them over” – This is the third time Paul uses this phrase in Romans 1. It emphasizes that when people reject God, He eventually lets them experience the full consequences of their decision.
• “A depraved mind” – The Greek word (adokimos) means “unapproved” or “worthless.” It describes a mind that no longer functions properly in a moral sense.
• “Do what ought not to be done” – This shows that a depraved mind leads to sinful actions. Thoughts influence behavior, and when people stop thinking rightly, they begin acting wrongly.

Paul is describing a downward spiral: rejecting God → distorted thinking → sinful actions.

Biblical Cross-References

• Proverbs 1:29-31 – “Since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the Lord… they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes.” (A warning that rejecting God leads to destruction.)
• Isaiah 5:20 – “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil.” (A depraved mind confuses right and wrong.)
• Jeremiah 6:19 – “I am bringing disaster on this people, the fruit of their schemes, because they have not listened to my words and have rejected my law.” (Rejection of God’s truth leads to judgment.)
• Ephesians 4:18 – “They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.” (A description of how sin affects the mind.)
• 2 Timothy 3:8 – “Their minds are depraved, and their faith is worthless.” (A similar warning about rejecting God’s truth.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is relevant today because we see the same patterns in modern society. Many people reject God’s truth, and as a result, moral confusion and destructive behaviors increase.

For Christians, this verse serves as:

1. A warning – We must guard our hearts and minds so that we do not become deceived by the world’s way of thinking.
2. A reminder that truth comes from God – Human wisdom apart from God leads to moral failure. We must rely on Scripture to guide our thinking.
3. An encouragement to share the gospel – Many people are lost in spiritual darkness. Our mission is to point them back to God’s truth.
4. A call to pray for those who are deceived – Instead of feeling angry or hopeless, we should pray that God opens people’s eyes and leads them to repentance.

This verse challenges us to ask: Are we holding onto God’s truth, or are we letting the world shape our thinking?

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

Some may wonder, “If God is loving, why does He allow people to have a depraved mind?” The answer is that love gives people a choice.

• God does not force people to follow Him – He offers truth, but He allows people to accept or reject it.
• God’s judgment is also a form of mercy – Sometimes, experiencing the consequences of sin is what leads people to repentance.
• God’s love is still available – Even when people have fallen into sin, He invites them to return to Him.

Romans 1 is a warning, but it is not the end of the story. As long as someone is alive, they have the chance to turn back to God.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the answer to the problem of a depraved mind. While sin leads people into darkness, Jesus brings light and truth.

• Jesus renews the mind – Romans 12:2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
• Jesus brings truth – John 8:32: “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
• Jesus rescues us from sin – Colossians 1:13: “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves.”
• Jesus gives wisdom – 1 Corinthians 1:30: “Christ Jesus… has become for us wisdom from God.”

The only way to escape a depraved mind is to surrender to Christ, who renews our thinking and restores our relationship with God.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do people choose to reject the knowledge of God?
2. How does rejecting God lead to a depraved mind?
3. In what ways do we see this verse playing out in today’s world?
4. How can we guard our own minds from being influenced by the world’s thinking?
5. How does Jesus bring renewal and transformation to those trapped in sin?