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Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

Given Over to a Debased Mind

Pastor Bryan Schneider · March 28, 2026

Romans 1:24-32

sharonrpc.org/sermons/romans-124-32

Scripture

Sermon Text

Romans 1:24-32

24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the [c]woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.

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; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved.

Summary

“Given Over to a Debased Mind” (Romans 1:24–32)

Main Theme:
God’s judgment is revealed not only in dramatic acts, but in giving people over to their sinful desires. This passage calls believers to take sin seriously—starting with their own hearts—while clinging to the hope of the gospel.

Key Points

  • The Gospel and Wrath Together (vv.16–18)

    • The gospel reveals God’s righteousness.

    • At the same time, God’s wrath is revealed against sin and truth suppression.

  • What God’s Judgment Looks Like

    • God’s wrath is often expressed by giving people over to their desires (vv.24, 26, 28).

    • This is not freedom, but a form of judgment—removing restraint and allowing sin to run its course.

  • The Root Problem: Idolatry

    • Humanity exchanges the truth of God for a lie (v.25).

    • Worship shifts from Creator to creation.

  • Examples of Sinful Distortion (vv.24–27)

    • Disordered desires, including sexual sin, reflect deeper rebellion against God’s design.

    • These are not isolated issues but symptoms of rejecting God.

  • The Expanding Scope of Sin (vv.28–31)

    • The focus shifts from “obvious” sins to a wide range:

      • Covetousness, envy, gossip, pride, disobedience, lack of mercy, etc.

    • Everyone is implicated—no room for self-righteousness.

  • Two Dangers to Avoid

    • Compromise: Softening or ignoring sin due to cultural pressure.

    • Self-righteousness: Condemning others while ignoring personal sin.

  • The Call: “Call Sin, Sin—But Start with the Mirror”

    • Examine your own heart first.

    • Address sin honestly without hypocrisy.

  • The Hope of the Gospel

    • The same word “gave them up” (Romans 1) is used of Christ being “delivered up” for our sins (Romans 4:25).

    • Jesus was given over so sinners can be forgiven.

    • Romans 1 leads to Romans 8: “No condemnation for those in Christ.”

Reflection and discussion

  • What does it mean that God’s wrath is revealed by “giving people over”?

  • Why is idolatry the root of all sin?

  • Which sins in Romans 1:28–31 are easiest to overlook in your life?

  • How can we speak truth about sin without becoming self-righteous?

  • What is the connection between Romans 1 and Romans 4:25?

  • How does the gospel provide hope for those “given over” to sin?

  • In what ways do we see our culture reflecting Romans 1?

  • How can the church model both truth and grace?

Key terms

  • Debased Mind: A morally corrupted way of thinking.

  • Idolatry: Worshiping created things rather than the Creator.

  • Wrath of God: God’s righteous judgment against sin.

  • Total Depravity: Sin affects every part of human nature.

  • Justification: Being declared righteous through Christ.

  • Sanctification: The ongoing process of being made holy.

  • Concupiscence: Sinful desires arising from a fallen nature.

Notes and prayer