28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting;
God now gave man up in another way—to a depraved, or unapproved, mind. For the third (and last) time within five verses, God gave people who reject revelation over to something (vv. 24, 26).
And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge,
There is a direct correspondence between man’s rejection of revelation and a mind not oriented to God. The word “retain” means to approve. They tested God’s revelation but they did not approve of it. They did not accept the idea of carrying God’s revelation in their minds. God did not meet their standards for life. He flunked their test, but God flunked them in the next phrase.
God gave them over to a debased mind,
A “debased mind” is an inexorable attitude of rejection of revelation. The Greek word “debased” refers to a mind that will not stand the test of accepting God’s order of things; it is an unapproved mind. Their minds were not approved in God’s eyes. These minds were debauched and in rebellion towards God, minds at enmity with God. They could not make trustworthy moral judgments.
to do those things which are not fitting;
The debased mind is oriented to “things which are not fitting.” The words “not fitting” mean not becoming, or shameful.
PRINCIPLE:
When people reject truth, it leaves a consequence.
APPLICATION:
When it comes to orientation to God, man has a depraved mind towards him. People put God’s revelation on trial to see whether they would accept or reject it; they decided to reject it. God disqualifies those who turn from revelation, from thinking properly about life. Education devoid of revelation is seriously flawed; the autonomy of man’s mind is not a good starting point for man.
Ti 1:15, To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled.
Thanks for exposition of this verse
It seems most Pastors, Preachers and Christian leaders want to avoid talking about homosexuality.
You did not. People seek answers Preacher. Always give them the truth. Preach the scriptures for therein lies the truth.
May GOD bless you
Since Abba gave them over to a debased mind do you think that He can give them a approved mind?
Misty, this passage does not say anything about your point on the physical level; however, when God designed us, He gave us certain capacities. One of those capacities was to use the mind He gave us. There are those who use their brain and others who choose not to exercise their power. On a spiritual dimension, the moment we received Christ as our Savior by faith, God declared us as righteous as Christ is righteous. This is called positional truth; we hold a perfect position before God because we are “in Christ” (Eph 1). Thus, believers are approved in God’s eyes.