DEBASED MIND
Romans 1:28-32
Seventh in the sermon series, “Romans: Gospel Blueprint.”
The apostle’s knowledge of God’s wrath against unrighteousness is a compelling reason why he is not ashamed of the gospel. The gospel is the power of God to salvation (1:16). Without the gospel, there is judgment. That is why Paul is eager to preach the gospel. The apostle said, “God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity” (1:24). He repeats it, “…God gave them up to dishonorable passions” (1:26). Note that God giving up the unrighteous is not passive; it is a “judicial decision that manifests God’s wrath against humans.”[1] The spiritual and moral decay in itself is a form of God’s judgment. Paul cites the decay into idolatry and sexual perversion, which includes lesbianism and homosexuality. The decay is a departure from God’s design, with consequences.[2] Such is God’s recompense to all who reject the Creator.[3] Is this recompense personal or juridical? The safe answer is both. God is just, but He personally hates sin (Prov. 6:16-19, Ps. 5:5).[4]
Debased Mind
Paul once again states that “God gave them up.” The reason is that they did not acknowledge God. The result of God giving them up is a debased mind, which means that they will get worse spiritually and morally. A debased mind is connected to all manners of unrighteousness, which is a defiance of God’s sovereignty.[5]
Romans 1:28, ESV: And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done.
The consequence of not acknowledging God as Creator, which also refers to the earlier statement of failing to honor and thank Him, is God’s judgment of bringing them to a debased mind. They might think they are wise, but in heaven’s eyes, they are debased.
Manners of Unrighteousness
Paul states the details of a debased mind. In general, it points to unrighteousness and evil. The word “unrighteousness” is ἀδικία in Greek and is translated as “unrighteous,” “wickedness,” “unjust,” or “iniquity.”[6] It connotes a violation of God’s righteous requirements. The apostle lists specific acts of unrighteousness. Some of which can be present in daily life. Now, it is obvious that the whole human race, not just the homosexuals, has a debased mind.
Romans 1:29-31: They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31 foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless.
Some sins destroy others’ reputations, like gossip and slander. There is lying and manipulation. There is greed, envy, and murder. As well as malice and maliciousness. Foolish pride and arrogance. Sins pertaining to relationships, like faithlessness and disobedience to parents. Then there is the heartless and ruthless, without mercy. Hating God is also included under unrighteousness. The listed sins and the like are incompatible with a person who lives by faith. The righteous who live by faith live differently.
God’s Righteous Decree
Paul explains that fallen men, despite the darkening of their hearts and minds, know that God disapproves of what they do. Despite knowing this, they do the opposite and approve of those who practice evil. The phrase “righteous decree” is δικαίωμα in Greek, meaning “commandment” or “requirement.”[7] Despite knowing that the judgment is death, humanity even approved and promoted such.
Romans 1:32: Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.
Deep inside, every person has a sense of what is evil. But people try to put aside the truth in their conscience so they can do what is pleasurably evil. The consequence is eternal death, which is God’s wrath for eternity. What is Paul’s point? Mankind is guilty and deserving of God’s wrath. That is why Paul is not ashamed of the Gospel and is eager to preach it.
Application
1. Let us worship God, our Creator; honor Him and thank Him. Let us not be one of those who do not acknowledge God in our lives. Instead, we will acknowledge Him in everything.
2. Let us be mindful of the sins we commit; let us confess them to the Lord and seek His forgiveness. Living by faith is the opposite of living in sin. May we continuously pray for the Lord’s strength to overcome sin.
3. Let us not make excuses; remember that the world has none before God. No matter how they deny it, God has placed in them a sense of God’s existence and righteousness. They might call their sin a lifestyle, God will bring judgment to it.
[1] Douglas J. Moo and Andreas J. Kostenberger, A Theology of Paul and His Letters (Zondervan Academic, 2021), 203.
[2] Michael F. Bird and Scot McKnight, Romans (Zondervan Academic, 2016), 60.
[3] Colin G. Kruse, Paul’s Letter to the Romans (Eerdmans, 2012), 79.
[4] Thomas R. Schreiner, Romans (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), 2nd ed. (Baker Academic, 2018), 101-102.
[5] Schreiner, Romans (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), 97.
[6] “Greek Concordance: Ἀδικίας (Adikias) -- 13 Occurrences,” accessed May 23, 2026, https://biblehub.com/greek/adikias_93.htm.
[7] Richard A. Muller, Dictionary of Latin and Greek Theological Terms (Baker Academic, 2017).
Poem
DEBASED MIND by Ed Pilapil Jr A futile mind; a debased mind The knowledge of God, they declined Natural functions they declined Humanity has lost its mind There’s malice and maliciousness Envy, deceit, covetousness Gossip, slander, and the heartless Plus the boastful and the faithless God gave them up; that’s God’s judgment Full of sinful entanglements Detrimental entanglements Expect the worst of God’s judgment That’s why we must preach the gospel A gospel for all the people The wrath of God is revealed to all Let’s preach the gospel of the Lord
Study Guide
1. Why did God give them up to a debased mind? (Ro 1:28)
2. If you were to classify the sins, what classifications would you put? (Ro 1:29-31) (Note: classification of sin was not the intention of Paul; this exercise is to help us remember)
3. Find a connection between verse 32 and the precious verses starting from verse 18? (Ro 1:32)
