Bible Study Romans Part 38-Paradidomi

The word “wrath” can shut a room down fast, but Romans 1 refuses to let us edit it out. We start with the good news Paul announces, then follow his sharp turn: the Gospel matters because God’s wrath is real, revealed, and directed against ungodliness and the suppression of truth. If we only want a comforting faith, we will never understand why Grace is costly, why Salvation is necessary, or why the Righteousness of God is more than a religious slogan.

We dig into Paul’s claim that people are “without excuse,” tracing how Scripture describes God making Himself known through Creation and how hearts can still choose darkness, futile thinking, and idolatry. Then we slow down over the phrase “God gave them up,” exploring the Greek word paradidomi and why it carries the weight of a legal handing-over to a sentence. To make it tangible, we use two images: the moment a prisoner is remanded into custody, and a roller coaster ride where the safety bar is not engaged because the rider keeps ignoring the warnings.

Finally, we read Romans 1:26–27 and address why the church is now fighting over what the Bible says about sexuality and holiness. Our aim is not to win a shouting match, but to put the text in front of you, ask you to think clearly, and remind you that God’s restraint is not something to presume upon. If this challenged you, share it with someone who needs a serious Bible study, subscribe for more Romans teaching, and leave a review to help others find the show.

Transcript

Why God’s Word Matters

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Welcome to the program Study in the Chapel. God's Word is supreme at Chapel Ministries. We consider it absolutely essential to a proper relationship with God. We study it, we love it, we rely on it every minute of every day. The following program is an edited recording of the regular Bible studies we hold, and we decided to share these with you in the hope that you too will be able to find inspiration, encouragement, and ultimately salvation through discovering Christ in Scripture. Our intention is to travel all the way through the Bible. It will be a challenging journey, but one that will undoubtedly bring you to a decision. Through this study, you will be faced with either believing or rejecting what God has said to us. It is our intention to provide you with enough knowledge to make an informed decision about God and his word. We strongly encourage you to listen intently and diligently, because though at the moment you may not realize it, these things are truly a matter of life and death. In fact, these are matters of eternal life and eternal death. Never treat what God has said lightly. There's truly nothing more important to you. Now join us as we seek God's will through his inspired word.

From Good News To Wrath

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We've reached a rather uncomfortable portion of Paul's letter to the Romans, which is quite a contrast to the way this thing started out. Paul was at first just simply expounding on the gospel, the good news, what it is, what it consists of, where it comes from, who it's for. That was nice. The word good is there. We like that word. Paul at the beginning was giving us an introduction to something that he called the power of God unto salvation. All of that was quite wonderful. And then he turned his attention to why the gospel exists and why we need the power of God unto salvation. Actually, that started out just as wonderfully. Why do we need the gospel? For therein is a righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith as it is written, the just shall live by faith. Oh my gosh, that's amazing. That sounds so beautiful. Everyone smiling, slapping each other on the back, gleefully hugging, high-fiving everywhere. But in the middle of that, it seems Paul then says, Hang on, I'm not finished. For therein is the righteousness or a righteousness of God revealed from faith, the faith as it is written, the just shall live by faith. And then the hammer comes down. For because the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who hold, the King James says hold, it should be hold down, should mean suppress, hinder, put an obstacle in front of the truth in unrighteousness. Listen, whenever the word wrath shows up, the party is over, which is, by the way, why you don't hear that word in church anymore. No one likes the sound of it. But listen, whether we like it or not, the wrath exists. Whether your minister talks about it or not, God's wrath is being revealed. And Paul's point is that the gospel is needed to fend off the wrath. Come on, wrath, John, what is this? 1000 BC? Get with it, man. God is love. That's what my hippie pastor tells me all the time. Listen, as usual, your argument isn't with me. It's with Paul the Apostle in the Holy Spirit, if you want to get technical. These are the words of a man who just a moment ago was telling us what the gospel is. Now he's telling us why the gospel is, and he's using the word wrath. Those two things go together: wrath and gospel. Without the wrath, this is Paul's argument, the gospel is necessary because of the wrath. And the only way to truly love the gospel is to believe in the wrath. Without knowing about the wrath, you will undervalue the gospel. You'll not see it as being full of grace. The gospel is the gospel. It has been revealed because the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and

Suppressing Truth And No Excuse

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unrighteousness of men who hold down the truth in unrighteousness. But why is the wrath revealed from heaven? Well, in part, verse 19, because that which may be known of God is manifest in them, for God hath shown it unto them, for the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse. Verse 21, 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. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like the corruptible man and to birds and four-footed beasts and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts to dishonor their own bodies between themselves. This is why the gospel is necessary, because wrath, the God's wrath is coming down on people like this, who changed the truth of God into a lie and worshiped and served the creature more than the creator who is blessed forever. Amen. For this cause, because they over and over turn their back on God's overtures to introduce himself to them, both through the natural world and through the answers of the prayers of loved ones, through the leading of them into situations that can only be explained by the divine hand in the matter, when God has had enough after all of that. And listen, if you don't think that God has a limit, then you don't know a thing about him. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections, for even their women did change the natural youths into that which is against nature. God himself gave them over. He himself, now this is the second time in three sentences we're reading this. God gave them up. The term being translated gave them up, both here and in verse 24 is parodidomai, paradidomai.

“God Gave Them Up” Explained

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And parodidomai is actually a legal term from the Greek judicial system that means to release a prisoner to his sentence. You've heard me say before that Catherine and I used to work in the justice system, and we've seen many criminal trials. And one of the most dramatic moments in almost any proceeding is when the judge issues the order after announcing the punishment for the crime, bailiff remand the prisoner into custody. The cops in charge of the courtroom will then walk over to the newly convicted, slap on these awful looking handcuffs with chains, and then walk them out the smallest door you've ever seen. And you know, my heart always breaks for the poor family members who have to watch all that unfold. You know, in almost every sinner's life, there's someone that's trying to pray them back on track with God. They're hoping for their loved ones' return to the light. They want them to give up the excuses and turn themselves over to the Savior. And the last thing they want to see is God's parodidomy on that precious one. God giving up on them and letting the power of their sins take them to a place no one wants to be. You're probably not there yet. If you're still listening to this lesson, you haven't yet been let off to do time in your prison, the one you created with your sin. But every time you do that thing or those things, or think those things, or say those things, you're one step closer to something you don't want. God himself just letting you go, setting you adrift. Imagine God all your life standing in front of you, blocking the exit that leads to destruction. You bob, he bobs, you weave, he weaves, you deke, he deeks. Listen, you're no match for his skills. But then one day you go one step too far, one time too many, and he just stands aside. Some even say that paradidomai is actually an act of handing over as if God grabs you and throws you to your fate. That scares me. If I've said that before, I'm sorry. But when I stop and think about how many times God has rescued me from the cliff I drove myself toward, I shudder to think of what it would feel like the moment his restraining influence was lifted. And that scares me. If it doesn't scare you, it's either happened to you already or you just don't know your own potential. But I think most people who are heading in that direction know, or at least one time knew that's where they were pointed. That might not, they might not want you to know they're scared of themselves or their potential. Surely they don't want their fellow sinners to know, but they are scared. Most are. Those who haven't already been led off in handcuffs. I love roller coasters. I don't love standing in line for roller coasters, but I do love roller coasters. But even standing in line can be entertaining, especially if you have a clear view of the faces of the people riding the thing. I love to see how people react to the twisty, turny parts and the loop-de-loops and those giant spiraling curves, curves that seem to go on forever and force you to mash the perfect stranger next to you. But nothing is more fun than watching people come down those big hills. Fear, tears, queasy smiles, all that. But the one thing that I chuckle the most at is when people do one of these things, you know, hands up in the air as they approach the big drop. Almost everyone is bold, you know, all confidently keeping their arms up during the long climb up, which is dumb, of course, because that does nothing. But you think you look cool. But then as they approach the summit, slowly most of those hands start drifting back down. And by the time they're in the vertical downward direction, those hands are right back gripping that bar like there's no tomorrow. Well, imagine if there is no bar there. Imagine if that which is holding you in is removed. Listen, the only reason roller coasters are fun at all is because they have those safety bars. Let me take this illustration one step further. Once you're seated on that roller coaster, a member of the staff comes by to make sure you pulled that bar down tightly on your lap. You've seen that, right? Sir, could you uh please pull down the bar? Sir, I'm ignoring you. Sir, you must be restrained or this ride won't go well for you. Looking around, not paying attention, bar not engaged. What would happen if that ride operator just gave up trying? Just said, Well, I can't do anymore. He's going to do what he wants, and I have other people to deal with who want my help. And then just lets you go. Imagine.

The Terrifying Lift Of Restraint

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In very short order, you would become quite aware of the ramifications of your behavior, and you'll feel what it's like to be unrestrained, out of control, and in danger. One moment ago, you're all proud and comfortable in your rebellion against the one who's just trying to help you. But now the only sensation is terror and a sense of being completely at the mercy of your circumstances. Well, can you imagine an eternity just like that? For this cause, God gave them up paradidomi unto vile affections, for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature. I've often wondered why, and you may try and not make this verse about homosexuality, but you'd be wrong. It is, if only partially. Anyhow, objectively speaking, I've always wondered why homosexuals are so insistent on being homosexual. And listen, I'm aware of how conservative and white and boomer that makes me sound, but I mean it. After all, until only recently, there hasn't been much upside to it. Indeed, for the mass the vast majority of human history, engaging in homosexuality came with very unpleasant outcomes. And don't talk to me about the Greeks and the Romans because you've been misled. And besides, should we really be looking to those cultures for morality lessons? Nonetheless, socially, again, until very recently, socially, homosexuality has been risky. Even now, you're sort of going to be labeled. It's going to become your identity. Now, for some, I think that's what they want. But either way, it's a sad thought. Who you are is being centered on your naughty bits. Good or bad, people will treat you differently when you come out as homosexual. Some of the people you know sort of start seeing you in a different light, sometimes even in what can be considered a negative light. They may not say that to you, but that's what's on their heart. And then on the other hand, there are some who are so progressive and so free and so, I don't want to use the word woke because it's too overused these days, but you get it. There are those who want the whole world to see how accepting and tolerant and love is love type you are, that they don't mind hoisting you up on a sedan chair and carrying you around gleefully proclaiming, my friend is gay and I fully embrace it. Either way, it doesn't feel natural. And yet, people persist with this behavior. And that's intrigued me so much that at one point I almost felt like that must mean it's natural. It is the way they were born, and they just couldn't help it. Because why go through all of that if it was merely a matter of choice? Now, does it surprise you to know that's how I felt before I started studying the Bible? Since then, of course, I know full well why people continue living this sort

Roller Coaster Without The Bar

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of lifestyle. Listen to me. According to the Bible, according to this letter, if you love Paul, this is truth. They've been given up. Now I want to be careful because I think we are dealing with a lot of confusion. I believe that largely, not mostly, but largely those that engage in homosexuality are victims of misinformation, certainly manipulation, and sometimes flat out simple ignorance. We're dealing with an issue that's become incredibly complicated, though it need not have gotten to that point. I believe the devil is in this one, and he's so twisted this issue that it's now entangled deeply in our emotions and psychology. And what's happened is any debate, meaning a discussion that involves dissenting opinions, that's what a debate is, and conversations with that element, with the dissenting opinions about this topic, have become charged with angry conflict, which results in highly confrontational dialogue to the point that such a thing, having an open discussion with differing viewpoints, is not possible in any peaceful way whatsoever anymore. And listen, I get it. This has become rather personal. The issue has become so tied to an individual's worth and value and acceptance that we see what looks like survival instincts kicking in when the matter is discussed, mostly when homosexuality is opposed. And I'm sure that everyone that's listening to this program feels a little uncomfortable. They're looking around there. Hope nobody can hear them. They probably put their earphones in because they don't want other people to hear this discussion. Well, I've said nothing against it. I've personally said nothing against homosexuality. I'm telling you what the Bible says. And all this presents a challenge for me as your teacher. Homosexuality is a sin. There's my opinion. And anyone who opposes that opinion ignores scripture. And that's the linchpin as far as I'm concerned. I honestly and truly don't care what people outside the church do. Don't care. They have different goals and different guides for life. This letter isn't for those outside the church, it's for those in the church. This is a letter for Christians. This is instructions for Christians until those outside. The church are saved, none of this really applies to them. It is true and absolute, but God is not asking them to do anything except believe. If you're a member of the church, this is your instruction. But this has now become an issue within the church. And I never thought it would. And I certainly didn't think it would get to this point. Entire denominations literally breaking apart over this issue, splitting in two and three and four, over something that should have never been considered. Open homosexuality among members of a congregation should have never been up for debate. And it's even morphed astoundingly into open homosexuality among members of the clergy. But now the debate is no longer whether society thinks homosexuality is okay. That nut's been cracked. Now it's whether or not the Bible says it's okay. The advocates aren't happy with society saying, go on ahead and do what you want. Now they want the church to say it's okay. And the reason I'm so surprised that this has become an issue that's turned tearing the church apart is because I don't think the Bible could be any clearer on the matter. And to be honest, I know I've brought this up before, I'm actually astonished at how many advocates for homosexuality care what the Bible says about it. Why is so much effort expended to twist scripture of all things in an attempt to validate homosexuality? There was a time when homosexuals and their supporters weren't interested in appealing to the Bible to justify themselves. They would just promote the opinion that the Bible is irrelevant on the matter. But for some reason, now it's relevant to them, and so they want to change what it says to allow for their sin. Now I know I said for some reason, but I know the reason. There could be no other reason than this is an all-out attack from Satan. His emissaries are making this a church issue. They're trying to create doubt as to God's stance on the matter. There should be no doubt, but somehow they've been very successful. This is causing significant damage within the church. Again, let me say, what the enemy couldn't do from without, the church is doing from within. Shockingly, it's gone from being a matter of morality to one of holiness. Now, I'm saying all of this because, well, I've decided to change my strategy here. At first, and I announced this last time, that I was planning on going through the arguments coming from the alphabet crowd that say that the Bible has been misinterpreted on this issue. An argument that, and again, just having to articulate this mystifies me.

Romans 1 And Homosexual Practice

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But I was planning on countering the notion that homosexuality has never really been outlawed in the Bible. It's only that white males have of late changed the wording of Scripture to make it appear that homosexuality is a sin. That's ludicrous. The intention of the argument is to say that, now get this, that the Bible doesn't outright ban homosexuality. More importantly, that God doesn't ban homosexuality. And one of the most ludicrous premises on which this argument is based is that since Jesus was silent on this matter, then that must mean God's okay with it. God doesn't consider it a sin, because Jesus never said being gay is bad, therefore it must not be. This is an example of why I decided to change tactics. It just seems like a waste of time to debate what scriptures do say about homosexuality, but because to me, it would be an exercise in stating the obvious, so obvious, that anyone who sees it otherwise isn't even interested in truth or logic. They'll look at me and they'll think I'm a conspiracy theorist or I'm some sort of hater, as they love to say, and they'll rely on fringe academics and outright subterfuge, which will then devolve into personal attacks and name-calling. That's how we've gotten to this point. Trying to debate using factual evidence, the only way I would want to do so, now seems like an exercise in futility. And the problem I have is that I would risk further damaging or at least confusing those who are deep in the throes of deception, victims of manipulation and dishonesty. So I decided that the best thing to do is just teach you what the Bible says and hope that those who are open to the Holy Spirit will benefit. Now I'm sure this little part that I've already gone over has angered some and driven away others, many of whom will never return. I'm sure of that. That wasn't my intention. I am honestly hoping to handle this in the most effective way, but the devil is too deep into this. And so some out there, especially those under his influence, just won't be receptive, no matter how I handle it. So this is how I'm gonna handle it. I'll just quote scripture and leave it to you

Church Conflict And A New Approach

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and the Holy Spirit. But I am asking you to think objectively. Don't think about what the world insists you believe. Don't think about how the world is attacking you for doubting the truth. Listen with an open mind to what God has to say. Because if there's one thing we should learn here, listen to me, is that God is not going to keep trying to get you to repent. At some point, he will withdraw his restraint. Don't push your luck. As promised, I'll read it now and pray you'll listen. Romans 1 26. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections, for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature. And likewise also the men leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another, men with men, working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet, which was proper, which was appropriate. We're not done here, but maybe that's enough for now. We'll see you next time.

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It is our prayer that this will be so for all of our listeners. Please join us again soon. New content is being added all the time,

Scripture Reading And Closing

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