Because people refused to honor God, Paul says, “God gave them over”—a chilling phrase repeated multiple times. This doesn’t mean God stops caring; it means He allows people to follow the path they’ve chosen, resulting in distorted desires and disordered relationships.

Paul focuses on how sin affects human sexuality, not because it’s the worst sin, but because it visibly illustrates the exchange of God’s design for human desires. But he doesn’t stop there. He lists 21 different kinds of unrighteousness—ranging from envy and deceit to arrogance and lack of mercy.

What we see here is that sin doesn’t just affect our vertical relationship with God—it impacts all of human life. Our thinking becomes futile. Our affections become selfish. Our behavior toward others becomes destructive. This passage offers a comprehensive look at how sin corrupts individuals and communities.

Key Takeaways:

• “God gave them over” is a form of judgment—God lets people experience the consequences of their rebellion.
• Sin distorts not just desires but entire value systems—calling evil good and good evil.
• The problem isn’t just individual sins, but a total breakdown in how humanity relates to God and each other.
• Paul includes a wide range of sins—this isn’t about “those people.” It’s about all of us.
• The final indictment: not only do people do these things, but they also approve of others doing them—normalizing sin.

Know that there’s good news coming!