ROMANS 1:28-31 DEPRAVITY When men do not approve of God, God does not approve of them, and turns them over to depravity that comes as a result of a debased mind. When the knowledge of God has been deliberately resisted and ignored, the moral sensitivity that is characteristic of those who love and know God, is gone. The restraints God has placed in people no longer controls their actions, thoughts and decisions.
The vices that come from depraved minds seems to have no boundaries. Depravity when let loose to work its havoc, affects the world and people who are around those who are debased. Plotting with evil intent finds its vent in words and acts of evil that break out in every area of one's life. Without divine control there is no real constraints at all in those who follow that life-style.
Even life in a family loses any sense of purpose and joy. What should have been and could have been like heaven on earth becomes a foretaste of the bitterness of being separated from God and of the darkness of hell itself. A child who is disobedient to parents and cannot be trusted is part of what comes from debased parents. It seems like on act of depravity follows the next until the "cup of iniquity" is full.
For those who live by faith in such a society, there is a defiling effect even though such people would not participate in any way in the depraved activities of such a place. The spirit of a just man named Lot, "was vexed from day to day" by what he saw was going on around him. There must be care taken to keep close to the Lord and His people, in order to remain strong in the faith. The new nature of the believer will make us conscious of the dangers of immoral, depraved living that goes on around us.
The trials of faith-living are not over yet, there are darker times ahead. Even though depravity is rampant it will be more wide-spread. Things people watch for entertainment and try to experience for fun, Will become more common-place before this age is done.
To stand against the pressures of all going on that is so debased, For every child of God will mean we must be committed to be strong in faith. The testing times are here to stay, and the evil will increase. It won't be until the Lord Jesus reigns the depravity will cease.
There are definite steps to take to avoid the influences around. Any place where licentious living goes on, a believer should not be found. We cannot leave the world; the Lord has left us here for a reason. The light and salt of the believers is what gives the world a season.
We represent and teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to others. All over this depraved world we have thousands of sisters and brothers, Who are placed by the Holy Spirit in various and sundry locations, That there they would shine as lights in the dark of sinful nations.
Even though the times seem hopeless and we wait for the Lord to come, We need as representatives of God's kingdom to reach out and try to save some. Surely among all of the lost as depraved as they may be, God has designs of grace toward them to be with Him for eternity.
"Holy Gracious God, there is no doubt that evil and wickedness abounds. I thank Thee that where sin abounded "grace did much more abound." May the riches of Thy grace be understood by some in this place today. If there are conversations I am to have with people, help me to be ready to speak Thy Word with grace and faithfulness. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen."