Chapter # 1 Paragraph # 4 Study # 10
September 7, 2004
Lincolnton, N.C.
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<057> Thesis:   God's final reaction was to 'lock man into' a mental reality of incompetence. Introduction:   In our studies we have noted Paul's extended treatment of God's reaction to man's rebellion. It is important to understand the constant emphasis on Paul's part that God reacted. There is no escape from this "reaction" thesis in Romans 1:18-32. Clearly, Paul is putting the blame on man. And, it is just as clear that, ever since that first act of rebellion, man has been seeking to put the blame on God. Man invariably says something to this effect: "Well, God knew that things were going to turn out this way, so He should have done something to keep it from happening". Men say, in effect, "If things are not the way God wants them to be, He is supposed to have the power to do anything He chooses, so who's fault is it that things are the way they are?" [isn't the Creator responsible for His creation?]; and, "If things are the way God wants them to be, why is He so upset with me?" [if men do His 'will' why does He find fault?]. This "blame shifting" is a part of why the study this evening is as important as it is. The final divine response, as Paul records it, was to turn men over to their non-think mentality. This is a manifestation of God's wrath from heaven in that it is fatal. Without exception, every person who remains enslaved to the non-think mentality will perish. So, this evening we are going to look into this final, fatal reaction by God.