Foundation Scriptures: Romans 1 verses 21 – 32
Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22. Professing themselves to be wise they became fools, 23. And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24.Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves. 25. Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 26. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change that which is against nature; 27. And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one towards another; men with men working that which is unseemly; and receiving in themselves the recompense of heir error which was meet. 28. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 29. Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30. Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedience to parents, 31. Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 32. Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
Some people think that the Word of God is “old-fashioned.” It is old – it has been in existence forever – but it is definitely not old-fashioned. God’s Word was present before creation. It is eternal and it is forever applicable and appropriate in any age. Sin has been around for generations, but the Word of God has been around longer than creation. The word contains eternal rules and principles that never change – they are always the same – and are violated at the sinner’s own risk. The Word of God can even tell us what is happening in the world today – it is like reading the headlines of your local newspaper. Any time a nation honors God, they will be blessed with peace and prosperity, but whenever they forget about God and begin to serve the passions of their flesh, the Word clearly spells out the negative consequences in the hearts and minds of that rebellious generation, no matter what century they live in!
The Bible tells us that in the last days, people will be corrupted by sin resulting in a reprobate mind – a mind void of judgment. Verse 31 talks about people being without understanding, without natural affection – covenantbreakers. This is exactly what is happening today in families and relationships. I am amazed at how people can just throw away a relationship that they have had for many years over some petty disagreement. Marriages have come to an end because of an individual’s pride and inability to humble himself/herself when they are wrong.
I heard it said once that when you counsel a couple, undergoing a marriage breakdown, you would get his side, her side and the right side. It is the same with friendships that break up. People treat relationships like they are infinitely disposable. They would rather be right than happy. They would rather be right and drive the friend, spouse or family member away, than to humble himself or herself, check their own heart and attitude, compromise, and forgive, in order to save the relationship. Some of the perceived “offences” are nothing more than misunderstandings and/or figments of their imagination.
Let’s look at the word “covenantbreakers.” What does this mean? In order to understand the word, “covenantbreakers,” you must first understand what a covenant is. A covenant, according to the Bible and ancient history, is a promise that is considered unbreakable by both parties. It is not entered into lightly and is broken only on the pain of death. You are only as good as your word and when you give your word and then break that word – your reputation is shot! God considers a covenant-promise as binding, into eternity, and so should we. The problem is that a society that rejects God also rejects the sanctity of the covenant promise.
Marriage is a covenant cut between two people – a man and a woman – in the presence of God. I heard a friend of mine tell the young man, who asked him for his daughter’s hand in marriage, that if he ever left his daughter he would die – because the marriage vow declared, ‘Until death do us part!” I know that this was tongue-in-cheek, however, but that is exactly what a covenant promise is – it is binding until death. Unfortunately, too many people take it too lightly. They enter into marriage too quickly, putting too little thought or prayer into the commitment they are making, and they don’t commit to work at maintaining the relationship for the long term. When they hit a snag, they look for the exit sign. They don’t stop to think of the devastation that follows in their wake – both in their lives and in their children’s lives. Even parents and friends are negatively affected. It is better to be single than to make a commitment that you are not committed to.
Malachi 2:16 says that God hates divorce and marital separation. Sometimes couples get a divorce because they should have never married in the first place, but divorce is not a solution and the end of a problem, but it is the beginning of a whole new set of problems. People have a tendency to try to lay blame on others, but if you will take responsibility for your own mistakes and wrong choices, then there is hope for your future. You might say, “Well, what happens if I have already broken covenant? Is there any hope, is there any forgiveness for me?” Yes, assuredly yes. God loves you and will forgive you if humble yourself. You need to repent of that sin: tell God what you have done, that you know that it was wrong, that you have no excuse, and then ask Him to forgive you. You will feel a huge burden roll off of you! Humble repentance is the only way you can get free from that covenant-breaking spirit.
Break the cycle now – so that this spirit will not be able to follow you all the days of your life.
