Prayer for the saints to realize the source of wickedness and the way of restriction
Pray that the saints would realize the source of wickedness—holding down the truth in unrighteousness, disapproving of holding God in full knowledge, not glorifying God nor worshipping Him, and exchanging God for idols. Pray also that all the saints, especially the young people, would know the way of restriction from wickedness and would practice this way (Rom. 1:18-21, 25, 28-32; 2:14-15).
Rom. 1:18-21—For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven upon all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who hold down the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known of God is manifest within them, for God manifested it to them. For the invisible things of Him, both His eternal power and divine characteristics, have been clearly seen since the creation of the world, being perceived by the things made, so that they would be without excuse; because though they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God or thank Him, but rather became vain in their reasonings, and their heart, lacking understanding, was darkened.
Rom. 1:25—Who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshipped and served the creation rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
Rom. 1:28-32—And even as they did not approve of holding God in their full knowledge, God gave them up to a disapproved mind, to do the things which are not fitting, being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, covetousness, malice; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malignity; whisperers, slanderers, hateful to God, insolent, arrogant, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, senseless, faithless, affectionless, merciless; who, though fully knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, not only do them, but also have fellow delight in those who practice them.
Rom. 2:14-15—For when Gentiles, who have no law, do by nature the things of the law, these, though they have no law, are a law to themselves, who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness with it and their reasonings, one with the other, accusing or even excusing them.
For further reading please refer to Life-study of Romans, pp. 32-33, 36-39.
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