A Debased Mind #2171

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; (Romans 1:28, NKJV)

By definition, a debased mind is “unapproved” and, by implication, “worthless.” It does not stand the test and, therefore, is not approved. The Greeks used the word translated “debased” to metals and coins that failed the assayer’s test. So, it was cast aside, rejected, “reprobate” (KJV, ASV). The debased mind does not appear suddenly. The Holy Spirit explained that it develops when people no longer approve of holding on to their knowledge of God. Romans 1 catalogs the process and effects of divesting oneself of the knowledge of God (1:19-25). Foolishly refusing to hold God in one’s knowledge results in all manner of immoral conduct (1:26-27, 28-32). What we retain in our minds shapes our lives. We invariably spiral downward when we are comfortable with not retaining God in our thoughts. The gospel of Christ has the power to save us from the sin that is formed in and results from debased minds (Rom. 1:16-17). The gospel renews our minds when we believe, repent, and obey the Lord Jesus (Eph. 4:17-24; Rom. 12:1-2). Otherwise, our sin put us under God’s wrath and righteous judgment of death (Rom. 1:18, 32). Retain God in your knowledge and follow His will.

“Worthless Bread” #751

And the people spoke against God and against Moses: “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and our soul loathes this worthless bread.” (Numbers 21:5, NKJV)

God fed Israel bread from heaven every day for forty years during their wilderness wandering (Exo. 16:36). But, instead of joyful thanksgiving, Israel repaid the Lord God with the sins of complaining, grumbling and ingratitude. Do you find yourself complaining about God’s good gifts? For example, do you complain about Jesus, the “bread of God” which came from heaven to give life to the world (Jno. 6:33-35)? Do you resist His will, complaining and grumbling against His commands that are intended for your spiritual and eternal good? Give thanks in everything, and do not complain when Jesus commands your obedience. Learn from Israel and never allow your soul to loathe Jesus as “worthless bread.”