Romans Part 6: The Downward Spiral of the Sinner (Part 2)


by Mike Deguzman

I. The Restraints for Humanity

   1. Personal Restraint

   2. Parental Restraint

   3. Governmental Restraint

   4. The Church

Judges 21:25

II. The Structure of the Text

   Step 1: The Exchanging of God

   Step 2: The Giving Over of God

Proverbs 1:24-31
Matthew 15:14a (Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind
John 6:44
John 12:37-40

   Step 3: The Improper Behavior of Sinners

Galatians 6:8
1 Corinthians 13:6 (love) does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth

III. The Hope for Sinners

    1. From Wrath to Righteousness

Romans 1:16-17

    2. From Impurity to Purity

Romans 6:17-18
1 Corinthians 6:9-10
1 Corinthians 6:11

    3. From a Depraved Mind to a Renewed Mind

Romans 12:2
Psalm 81:11-16

Small Group Questions:

1.How have you seen a systematic removal of the weapons of restraint that God instituted? What can be done to reinstitute each one? Which will be the biggest challenge? Why?

2.How do you think Paul’s location in Corinth influenced his illustrating the downward spiral of the sinner when writing to the Roman church?

3.How does the knowledge that “God gives them over” motivate you to share the Gospel with friends and loved ones? If you haven’t signed up for our evangelism class, it begins August 8

4.How has God renewed your mind as it relates to the sin of homosexuality or the idea of a “gay” Christian?