15 since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.

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God has revealed himself to humanity through creation. If people respond to that revelation by turning away from God, they'll experience God's judgment. But that judgment won't come in the way they might expect. God seldom strikes people with a bolt of lightning or makes the earth open up to swallow a person. His wrath, or judgment, comes as he allows their uncontrolled and distorted appetites to consume them.

These appetites are part of the sinful nature; unless held in check through the power of God's Spirit, they inevitably lead to physical and spiritual destruction. But notice where this passage begins: The people Paul describes know God, yet they deliberately cover the truth with their own wickedness (v. 18). This kind of denial and betrayal begins deep in the heart, and is eventually evidenced in the body and the soul.

Paul says that God will hand such people over to their sinful desires (vv. 24-25). Without God's Spirit and law to restrain them, their impure appetites will sweep them into an immoral lifestyle. To justify their behavior they'll have to find a religious system that permits immorality. If they can't find one, they'll create one.

God will also give them over to "shameful lusts" (v. 26). They'll do those things they once considered abnormal and degrading and will indulge in activities that, in the past, they would have hidden from others. Ultimately, their own unbridles passions will destroy them.

Finally, God will hand them over to a "depraved mind" (v. 28). Once that happens, they won't be able to tell right from wrong. Paul lists 21 examples of such thinking. He concludes his discussion with a shoking statement. Those with a depraved mind know their behavior displeases God. They're aware that God's judgment will fall upon them. Yet, not only do they continue in their lifestyle, they also applaud others who live the same way.

In the context of Paul's letter to the Romans, the apostle wants us to know that sin is serious. It's progressive. It's deadly. But as the rest of the letter points out, there is forgiveness and freedom in Jesus Christ.

As you look at our society, doesn't it seem as though God's judgment is already falling upon it? Maybe you've been feeding your sensual appetites in a sinful way. If so, put on the brakes now-it's never to late to repent and turn back to God. Allow your character to be molded constructively by God, not destroyed by your sinful appetites.