When God Gives Us Up, Pt. 2: Dishonourable Passions
- Jun 10
- 3 min read
Rev. (Rtd). Osei Kwabena Nkrahene | June 10, 2026 | Romans 1:26–32
KEY VERSE: “For this reason God gave them up to dishonourable passions.” (Romans 1:26a, ESV)
MESSAGE:
Romans 1:24 showed us the first tragic result of exchanging the truth about God for a lie. God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, and the body became dishonoured because the heart had turned away from the Creator. In Romans 1:26, Paul takes the matter even further. The rejection of God’s truth now reaches the realm of human passions, showing how deeply sin distorts the whole person.
That is why the English Standard Version uses the expression “dishonourable passions.” Other translations render it in slightly different ways: the New International Version says “shameful lusts,” while the New King James Version says “vile passions.” Passion in itself is not always sinful, because strong desire can be directed toward what is righteous and pleasing to God. But in this context, Paul is speaking of desires that have turned away from the order and purpose of the Creator.
Paul then identifies same-sex sexual relations as one expression of this dishonouring exchange. Yet the matter goes deeper than outward behaviour alone. At its root is humanity’s refusal to honour the Creator and remain under His truth. When God is removed from human thought and life, desires lose their proper direction, the body is dishonoured, and people begin to experience the painful consequences of the path they have chosen.
Scripture, therefore, gives serious warnings about sexual sin and its consequences. 2 Peter 2:6 and Jude 7 point to Sodom and Gomorrah as examples of God’s judgment. Such warnings call for sober reflection, not self-righteousness. The Church must respond with truth, holiness, compassion, and gospel witness. Those bound by sexual sin need the liberating grace of Christ, and those who proclaim God’s truth must do so with humility, faithfulness, and love. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Acknowledge the Creator and live under His truth. Submit your desires, body, and choices to God’s design. Let Scripture shape your convictions on purity and worship. Pray for the Church to speak the truth with holiness, compassion, and courage.
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus Christ, help us to honour You as Creator and Lord. Guard our hearts and desires from every path that dishonours You. Help the Church to speak Your truth with courage, compassion, and faithfulness. Bring liberation, repentance, and restoration to all who are bound by sin. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING
DAILY word study: PASSIONS The word translated “passions” comes from the Greek word pathos. It refers to a strong desire, inward craving, or controlling feeling. In Romans 1:26, Paul joins it with the word “dishonourable,” showing desires that have moved away from God’s honour and design.
Passions become dangerous when they rule the heart apart from God’s truth. Romans 1 shows that wrong worship affects more than thoughts. It shapes desires, conduct, and the way people use their bodies.
God created desire to live under His rule. When desire rejects His truth, it begins to serve itself. This is why the heart must stay submitted to God’s Word.
Reflect on this:
Ask God to search your desires today. Let Him correct what is hidden, cleanse what is impure, and bring every passion under the lordship of Christ.
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