Romans 1:21
because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
Truth to Learn
Those who reject God become fools living in darkness.
Behind the Words
The words “became futile” are translated from the Greek word mataioō, which means “to become destitute of real wisdom” or “to become foolish.” The word is expressed in the passive voice indicating that it is something that was done to them. That is, they were made destitute of real wisdom.
The word translated, “thoughts” is the Greek word, dialogismos, from which we get our English word “dialog.” The Greek word refers to “discussion and reason, or debate.”
“Were darkened” is translated from the Greek word skotidzō, which means, “to be obscured, or darkened.” Again, this word is in the passive voice meaning that it, too, was done to them.
Meaning Explained
In the previous verse Paul said that the invisible things about God (His eternal power and Godness) are clearly seen and understood by the creatures (mankind) so that they are without excuse. He now goes on to give clarification regarding that statement.
He says, “Because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were they thankful.” Paul makes it very clear that all of mankind has known God, but some have not given Him the glory, that is, the worship that He is due. Neither did they give Him the thanks that He justly deserves. The previous verse makes it clear that those who reject God recognized His power and Godness but willingly reject Him.
The next phrase is very interesting. It says, “but became futile in their thoughts.” As discussed in “Behind the Words,” someone else made them void of wisdom after they rejected God. The implication is that God made fools of them because they rejected the real truth. Their very ability to reason with regard to God has been made to be without wisdom. Paul also says, “their foolish hearts were darkened.” In the Apostle John‘s first letter he says,
God is light and in Him is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5)
Those who reject God do not have this spiritual light; instead, they live in darkness. And, the real pain of Hell for those who reject God will not be that of the heat and flame. It will be the darkness created by the total absence of God and the knowledge that He is gone from them for eternity!
Paul’s message is quite clear in this verse. Those who reject God do so of their own will after having comprehended the existence and power of God. As a result of that rejection, God has made them unable to understand Him, and He has removed His light from their hearts. In a very real sense, God has already judged them because they have rejected who and what He really is.
Application
Throughout the Old Testament it is proclaimed that God is a jealous God and we are to worship no one or nothing other than Him. Yes, He is a loving God, but He is also a jealous God who expects us to recognize Him for who and what He is. Those who neglect to do so are destined for a torturous and dark eternity!
In God’s service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2009 Will Krause. All rights reserved.
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