THE APOSTLE PAUL spoke of the Gentiles in this fashion… “For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened” (Romans 1:21 ESV).
Pay attention to the progression in this verse:
- The Gentiles knew God.
- The Gentiles did not honor God.
- The Gentiles did not give thanks to God.
- The Gentiles became futile in their thinking and their hearts were darkened.
Watch it.
Even though the Gentiles KNEW God existed (because a creation implied a Creator, vv. 19-20), they did not correctly respond to their knowledge of Him.
They refused to recognize, acknowledge, much less, bow down to Him in worship.
They did not accept the fact that He was the singular source of all their blessings.
They decided that blind fortune or human merit afforded the totality of life’s rewards.
And what was the inevitable result of this failure to express honor and gratitude to God?
Paul said their thinking became futile.
The Greek word rendered “futile” means “empty.”
I find it interesting that the same Greek word translated “futile” is the same word in the Septuagint/1 used for idols (e.g., Leviticus 17:7; 2 Chronicles 11:15).
You see, idols are empty; they are nothing.
So instead of building their minds on the reality of God, the ancient Gentiles built them on their own senseless speculation and therefore became futile and idolatrous in their thinking.
There’s a very strong warning in Romans 1:21.
It is possible for a person to know about God and even admit that He exists, but then fail to show love and gratitude towards Him.
The consequences of this perennial ingratitude means that his thinking becomes empty and he eventually loses the ability to make any moral distinctions between right or wrong.
Many are wondering how the 2024 Paris Olympics could open with drag queens and Satan worship.
Romans 1 helps us to understand how that happens.
It began with ingratitude.
Thanklessness.
Folks who chose not to thank God will inevitably pursue “entertainment” that is empty and void of His will.
Think about it.
Pray out it.
1/ The Greek translation of the Old Testament.
“God loves you and I love you and that’s the way it’s gonna be!” – Mike
INCARNATE 