The Mind

[complete]

Hello there,

This is a study I made some time ago on the use of the word ‘Mind’ in scripture. There are several Greek words translated ‘mind’, but the one that I studied is the Greek word 'nous', (Strongs No. G3563), which is defined as 'That, which perceives, thinks, wills etc., the mind, intellect.'

* I began with Luke 24:45 (the 1st reference in the NT)

“Then opened He their understanding (nous), that they might understand the scriptures.”

What a good place to start a study, at the acknowledgement that without the operation of the Holy Spirit in enlightening our minds we would have no understanding of the things of God at all. Here on the road to Emmaus, after the crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord, He met with two disciples and opened their understanding that they may recognize in the law and the prophets those scriptures which spoke of Himself. Only He could do this for them, and it was necessary, because the natural man cannot understand the things of God.

It is possible, like those disciples, to be familiar with the word of God, and yet still have our understanding darkened, as it says in Ephesians 4:17-20:-

'This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord,
.. that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk,
.... in the vanity of their mind, (nous)
Having the understanding darkened,
.. being alienated from the life of God
.... through the ignorance that is in them,
...... because of the blindness of their heart:
Who being past feeling
.. have given themselves over unto lasciviousness,
.... to work all uncleanness with greediness.
But ye have not so learned Christ; ... '

It is not without reason that the first thing requested in the prayer of Paul for the believers in Ephesians 1:17+ is for the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. That spirit is essential if we are to know and acknowledge the truth revealed in those epistles, concerning Christ as the Head of the church which is His Body: it's hope, it's inheritance and it's place in the plan and purpose of God.

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

(To be continued)

 

[Waiting on him]

Hello there,

This is a study I made some time ago on the use of the word ‘Mind’ in scripture. There are several Greek words translated ‘mind’, but the one that I studied is the Greek word 'nous', (Strongs No. G3563), which is defined as 'That, which perceives, thinks, wills etc., the mind, intellect.'

* I began with Luke 24:45 (the 1st reference in the NT)

“Then opened He their understanding (nous), that they might understand the scriptures.”

What a good place to start a study, at the acknowledgement that without the operation of the Holy Spirit in enlightening our minds we would have no understanding of the things of God at all. Here on the road to Emmaus, after the crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord, He met with two disciples and opened their understanding that they may recognize in the law and the prophets those scriptures which spoke of Himself. Only He could do this for them, and it was necessary, because the natural man cannot understand the things of God.

It is possible, like those disciples, to be familiar with the word of God, and yet still have our understanding darkened, as it says in Ephesians 4:17-20:-

'This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord,
.. that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk,
.... in the vanity of their mind, (nous)
Having the understanding darkened,
.. being alienated from the life of God
.... through the ignorance that is in them,
...... because of the blindness of their heart:
Who being past feeling
.. have given themselves over unto lasciviousness,
.... to work all uncleanness with greediness.
But ye have not so learned Christ; ... '

It is not without reason that the first thing requested in the prayer of Paul for the believers in Ephesians 1:17+ is for the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. That spirit is essential if we are to know and acknowledge the truth revealed in those epistles, concerning Christ as the Head of the church which is His Body: it's hope, it's inheritance and it's place in the plan and purpose of God.

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

(To be continued)

So, in your nous, which world is being referenced?
Revelation 13:8 KJV
[8] And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

 

[complete]

So, in your nous, which world is being referenced?
Revelation 13:8 KJV
[8] And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

Hi @Waiting on him,

You ask, what world, in my 'mind', is being referred to in Revelation 13:8? It has to be the present world, doesn't it? :)

'And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said,
Oh, this people have sinned a great sin,
and have made them gods of gold.
Yet now, if Thou wilt forgive their sin;
and if not, blot me, I pray Thee,
out of Thy book which Thou hast written.
And the LORD said unto Moses,
Whosoever hath sinned against Me,
Him will I blot out of My book.
(Exodus 32:31-33)

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

 

[complete]

Hello again,

The second reference to the word 'mind' (nous) is Romans 1:28 - this is a contrast to the previous one, yet also a good verse with which to begin this study, because it causes us to consider 'the rock from whence we were hewn'(Isaiah. 51:1)., and acknowledge just what we have been saved from by the grace of God:- 'a reprobate mind.'

'And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge,
God gave them over to a reprobate mind,
to do those things which are not convenient (not seemly);'
(Romans 1:28)

* How solemn this is within it's context, isn't it! The word reprobate (G96 - adokimos) means, 'failing to pass the test' ie., rejected, worthless, castaway.

* These are references to where it is used elsewhere in Scripture, for comparison:-

‘gave them over to a reprobate mind’ - (Rom 1:28)
'I myself should be a castaway' - (1 Cor. 9:27)
'Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?' - (2 Cor.13:5-7)
‘That ye be not reprobates' - (2 Cor.13:5-7)
‘Though we be as reprobates' - (2 Cor.13:5-7)
'Reprobate concerning the faith' - (2 Timothy 3:8)
'Unto every good work reprobates' - (Titus 1:16)
'bearing thorns and briars (is) rejected' - (Hebrews 6:8)

In Romans 1:28 and it's context, we are told that those whom God gave up to a reprobate mind did not want 'to retain God in their knowledge': it was as simple as that - although creation shouted loudly of the existence of God, they did not want to acknowledge Him. Sounds familiar doesn't it? That spirit is all around us in this day. and we see the outcome of that reprobate mind working out in peoples lives, as the symptoms there in Romans are manifested about us and even evidenced within us in the old man (1 Corinthians 6:11), whom we have to reckon as having died with Christ, in order to walk in newness of spirit before the Father.

This is an interesting list of references which would profit us to follow through, but it will take me away from the subject in hand, I will leave them with you.

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

(to be continued)

 

[complete]

Hi there,

The next verse in the concordance which includes the word mind (nous) is Romans 7:23,

'But I see another law in my members,
warring against the law of my mind,
and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin
which is in my members.'
(Romans 7:23)

This links up with what was said concerning the previous verse doesn't it? (Reply#4)

Here we see the conflict between the old nature and the new: the new nature being that which God gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour and Lord. The old nature which we inherited from Adam seeks always to take captive the law of the mind (the new nature) which operates within us. But praise God we are no longer under the dominion of the law of sin and death, and have the choice now to walk in newness of life and reckon as dead the old nature in Adam. There is a new law operating within us - the law of the Spirit of Life which is in Christ Jesus. We have a renewed mind. What an encouragement it is to us, once we understand what is happening. This is something only a believer can experience, something which cannot be counterfeited i.e., the conflict between the two natures.

Praise God for it - We are alive in Christ!!

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

 

[complete]

Hi there,

The next verse which contains the word, 'mind' (nous) is, Romans 11:34

"For who hath known the mind (council or purpose) of the Lord?
or Who hath been His councillor?"
(Romans 11:34)

The word 'mind' here has the meaning of 'council or purpose'. Looking at the context in which this verse comes:- in chapter eleven, we see the wisdom of God revealed, showing how He in His mercy has laid aside Israel in unbelief: that we, as Gentiles, may find grace and salvation; in so doing they too have found mercy through the grace of God, even as we; as we see in verse 32, "For God hath concluded them all in unbelief that He might have mercy upon all."

* In response to this we cry, like Paul, in v.33:- "Oh the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!" For, 'how unsearchable are His judgements and His ways past finding out' (Romans 11:33). For of Him, and through Him, and to Him are all things! (Romans 11:35) To whom be glory for ever. Amen.

in Romans 12:2, we come to His council and purpose again, in the next verse containing the word 'min' (nous)

"And be not conformed to this world:
but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind (council and purpose),
that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.'

The idea of 'council and purpose' in regard to the 'renewing of your mind' has helped me to see more clearly how this is achieved. For what is being transformed is the 'council and purpose' by which our actions are governed. We walk at the impulse of His will rather than of our own. We have his 'council and purpose' in the written Word, and as we read 'His Council' our minds become renewed in 'Purpose'. This leads to the following,

"I beseech you therefore brethren by the mercies of God,
that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice,
holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service,"

Praise God!

* Two verses considered this time, which has led to worship and praise.

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

 

[complete]

Hello there,

Continuing with the study on 'The Mind' (Nous) The next verse is Romans 14:5,

“One man esteemeth one day above another:
another esteemeth every day alike.
Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.”
(Romans 14:5)

* This is in regard to the observing of days, etc., and brings everything down to the individual believer before God, ’Let every man be fully persuaded IN HIS OWN MIND.”

* It is with the mind that we serve God. It is a hidden work; it is between ourselves and the Lord. We need to be fully persuaded, so that we are stable and not blown about with every wind of doctrine, or 'double minded' therefore unstable in all our ways.

* This chapter has much to say about judging other believers, and I think of what the Lord said in Matthew 7:1-6 ; “... why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brothers eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?” “Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and behold a beam is in thine own eye. Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye’.

* I read concerning the ‘mote’ and ‘beam’, that they refer by implication to ‘anything that perverts the vision‘. I find that a very meaningful thought, don’t you? Anything ‘that perverts the vision.’ Anything I believe which detracts from God's council and purpose as revealed in His word.

Do you have any thoughts on this?

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

 

[complete]

Hello again,

The next verse is 1 Corinthians 1:10,

‘Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you;
but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.’
(1 Corinthians 1:10)

* Looking through this chapter (1 Cor. 1) the final verses show the error of division, controversy, and the error of striving one against another over anything. Verse 30 says, “But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption. That according as it is written, - He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.’

* Notice Paul says ‘Now I beseech you brethren’ - the word for ‘beseech’ is ‘to call to one’s side’. (Gr. parakaleo)

* ‘In the same mind ’and ‘in the same judgement’ :- in this day when division within Christendom is the norm. this ‘call’, this ‘beseeching’ of Paul’s to be of the same mind and same judgment is still calling, and though the voice is heeded by many the effort to be of ‘one mind’ is bringing about a unity of man’s making where peace at all costs is in danger of being the common 'mind'.

* What is the mind that should be in each of us, what is the judgment which should govern us? I believe it should be that of Philippians 2, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” (see chapter)

* In the contest of 1 Cor. 1:10: prior to this verse it says, “I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; that in everything you are enriched by Him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by Whom ye were called unto the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

* It is into the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord that these Corinthians were called, and likewise we too who are members of the Body of Christ have fellowship with the Father and with the Son, by the Spirit, as our prime objective: fellowship with others is a blessed by-product of that communion - when members meet together and share the overflow of their heart, in which the word of God dwells richly.

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

 

[complete]

Thank you @VictoryinJesus,

For taking the time to read my posts.
I did so enjoy doing this study on the word 'Mind'
There is more to come.

Love in Christ Jesus
Chris

 

[complete]

Hello again,

In 1 Corinthians 2:16, we have the question asked again,

“For who hath known the mind of the Lord,
that he may instruct Him?
But we have the mind of Christ.”
(1 Corinthians 2:16)

Here we have the word twice, both referring to the thoughts, council and purpose of God (see Rom. 11:34)

* This is a lovely chapter - Paul says to the Corinthians in verse 1, that he came not to them with excellence of speech or of wisdom, when he declared unto them the testimony of God, for he determined to know nothing among them save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified, He was with them “in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.” His speech and preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom but, in demonstration of the Spirit and of power. That their faith should not stand in the wisdom of man, but in the power of God.

* He speaks of a wisdom that was spoken among those who had become mature: yet not the wisdom of this world, or of the rulers of this world (which come to nought). He quotes from Isaiah 64:4 “Eye hath not seen nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.” But, says Paul, “God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.”

Wonderful isn't it!?

* Verses 10-15 are so lovely too, to think that we share in this! - Verse 16, the verse under consideration is partially quoted from Isaiah 40:14 (wonderful chapter - a chapter which puts into perspective all the unrest in the world today and makes one say “What a wonderful Lord we have.”)
Yet this verse tells us that we know His council and purpose - for it is all met and summed up in Christ our Lord. We have the ’Mind’ (the council and purpose) of Christ.

* The next verse is also found here in 1 Cor. 2:16, which I have already considered, yet further light will come on this in the rest of the study.

* In (1 Cor. 14:14) it concerns speaking in another tongue. “My understanding (nous) is unfruitful,” says Paul. His chief concern was edification, mutual edification, and speaking in another tongue, praying or singing in another tongue, (unless as at Pentecost, where all heard the message being given ‘in his own tongue’) if the hearers could not understand what was spoken in the ’other tongue’ then it would not ’bear fruit’ in their understanding: verses 15 & 19 continue this thought.

* This teaching applies to a previous dispensation I know, but there is still much to be learned from it, for mutual edification should be our concern as it was Paul’s, and the ‘bearing of fruit’ in our understanding too.

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

 

[complete]

Hello there,

Continuing with this theme of ‘The Mind’ the next verse is Ephesians 4:17,

'This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord,
that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk,
in the vanity (emptiness) of their mind,”
(Eph 4:17)

* We who have the knowledge of the ‘council and purpose’ of God, who are being transformed by the renewing of our minds, are counseled here ’not to walk as other Gentiles walk,’ for, in God‘s estimation even the thoughts of the wise are vain, (1 Corinthians 3:20). Their understanding being darkened, who are ‘alien from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them,‘ why? ’because of the blindness of their heart:’

* Oh! How much we have to be grateful to God for,don't we? For He has rescued us from that.

* This brings to mind the second verse in the list (Rom.1:28), for we are told that creation was made subject to vanity. What a tragedy this seems. Even we ourselves, ’groan within ourselves.’ (Rom.8:23; 2 Cor.5:2; 2 Cor.5:4) and look forward to the time when this ‘Body of death (humiliation)’ will be laid aside, and we have our resurrection body - no more conflict.

(The word ‘vain’ would be a good word study to follow through)


* In the next verse Ephesians 4:23,

'And be renewed in the spirit of your mind' (your council and purpose);

* No longer being led by the vain thinking of the old man, but directed and motivated by the Holy Spirit by means of a mind that is renewed in council and purpose.

* This verse is sandwiched between the putting off of the old man, and the putting on of the new man in this section, and no wonder, for without the renewing of ‘the council and purpose’ of the mind, that ‘new man’ which is created, 'after God' in 'true righteousness and holiness', would be impossible to ’put on’. For we are told in verse 25, to ‘put away lying’ (the lie) and speak truth with our neighbors, for we are members one of another. This is ‘Truth-ing’ speaking ‘THE Truth’, talking of those things which pertain to life, which in Christ is common to us all. That can’t be done without the ‘renewed mind’. For the natural ‘mind’ cannot perceive or understand the things of the new man in Christ Jesus, only the lie.

What a chilling thought!

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

to be cont...

 

[Ronald Nolette]

Hi @Waiting on him,

You ask, what world, in my 'mind', is being referred to in Revelation 13:8? It has to be the present world, doesn't it? :)

'And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said,
Oh, this people have sinned a great sin,
and have made them gods of gold.
Yet now, if Thou wilt forgive their sin;
and if not, blot me, I pray Thee,
out of Thy book which Thou hast written.
And the LORD said unto Moses,
Whosoever hath sinned against Me,
Him will I blot out of My book.
(Exodus 32:31-33)

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

One may be familiar with Scripture and not be saved, but one cannot be "nous" of Scripture and be unsaved. nous is a very strong word and with very few exceptions refers to the understanding believers have due to the Holy Spirit.

 

[Ronald David Bruno]

Hello there,

This is a study I made some time ago on the use of the word ‘Mind’ in scripture. There are several Greek words translated ‘mind’, but the one that I studied is the Greek word 'nous', (Strongs No. G3563), which is defined as 'That, which perceives, thinks, wills etc., the mind, intellect.'

* I began with Luke 24:45 (the 1st reference in the NT)

“Then opened He their understanding (nous), that they might understand the scriptures.”

What a good place to start a study, at the acknowledgement that without the operation of the Holy Spirit in enlightening our minds we would have no understanding of the things of God at all. Here on the road to Emmaus, after the crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord, He met with two disciples and opened their understanding that they may recognize in the law and the prophets those scriptures which spoke of Himself. Only He could do this for them, and it was necessary, because the natural man cannot understand the things of God.

It is possible, like those disciples, to be familiar with the word of God, and yet still have our understanding darkened, as it says in Ephesians 4:17-20:-

'This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord,
.. that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk,
.... in the vanity of their mind, (nous)
Having the understanding darkened,
.. being alienated from the life of God
.... through the ignorance that is in them,
...... because of the blindness of their heart:
Who being past feeling
.. have given themselves over unto lasciviousness,
.... to work all uncleanness with greediness.
But ye have not so learned Christ; ... '

It is not without reason that the first thing requested in the prayer of Paul for the believers in Ephesians 1:17+ is for the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. That spirit is essential if we are to know and acknowledge the truth revealed in those epistles, concerning Christ as the Head of the church which is His Body: it's hope, it's inheritance and it's place in the plan and purpose of God.

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

(To be continued)

I always thought if the soul as consisting of mind, volition, emotions. The personality I was taught was a range of habits, your behavior, which is highly integrated with your soul. It is interesting that some have lots of knowledge, but don't have much will to do anything with it. They can witness extreme poverty, not act, not have empathy, emotions.
Jesus had all. I lack in compassion sometimes therefore not willing to act to ljve others. We know Jesus, we know what He did, but we fail to love one another.

 

[Ronald David Bruno]

The second reference to the word 'mind' (nous) is Romans 1:28 - this is a contrast to the previous one, yet also a good verse with which to begin this study, because it causes us to consider 'the rock from whence we were hewn'(Isaiah. 51:1)., and acknowledge just what we have been saved from by the grace of God:- 'a reprobate mind.'

In your first post I immediately thought of Romans 1. I have always had an understanding of the reprobate (not that I am a Calvinist), but that it means a person whom God has let go - permanently. We were lost, but we, who were written in the Book of Life, (before we were born), were never reprobate, let go. God has a plan from the time we are born for those who He has chosen. And life, whether it is through parental guidance, experiences and people who have witnessed and ministered to us, God has orchestrated the whole plan of our salvation until that very special day we experience a divine appointment.
Romans 1 speaks of those who were aware of God and He let them go to their own demise. Verse 26, 27 speaks of homosexuality as an example, but others who practice wickedness and all sorts of evils may just not be in that Book.
To be fair, I believe God draws all men to himself, but some resist. He knows who the reprobate are - those who never will come to Him. He lets them go. And why would God continue to try to draw someone He already knows won't ever come? He does this because He is fair and for our benefit. We might think he wasn't if he did nothing for them. Come on,,we know so many people who have destroued their lives, their relationships with their families, got into crime and exhausted their families patience until bothers, sisters, mothers and fathers let them go. Still maybe some needed to be on the street, bankrupt, lonely and hungry or in prison for His to get their attention and they do get saved, but not all. Those who had to learn the hard way become great evangelista don't they. Their testimony is amazing. In their case, everyone let them go, except God.
So I don't believe we were ever reprobate. I think all those who will never receive Christ were born reprobate. Again, God knows who they are, but we don't.

My father was a professed atheist most of his life. He was a good responsible, loving Dad, hard worker, a gentleman. He taught us the Golden rule and that it was better to give than to receive. He was patient, good, kind, had self control, joyful, hopefully ... and a great sax player. You would think he was a Christian with all those values and fruit. He was brought up with Christian parents, had seven sisters who all believed. So what happened to him? Well when he was ten years old, his Dad got TB and they didn't have a cure at that time, so he was terminal. This 10 year old boy got on his knees and prayed to God to save his father. God said no. Since then, he lost his faith and was angry. Maybe it was always spite or anger against God? But he was on God's list to be saved, but not till a couple years before he died. Nevertheless, God guided him to be Christlike unbeknownst to him. How is this possible? We think this cannot happen until a person is saved. We say we are all going straight to Hell, unless we are saved. But God knows the ones who He chose and He has a plan, He is working in their lives. His plan doesn't start the day we were saved, it started long before that.

 

[VictoryinJesus]

I have always had an understanding of the reprobate (not that I am a Calvinist), but that it means a person whom God has let go - permanently

Permanently? Consider God turns them over to a reprobate mind. How Paul models this turning them over in 1 Timothy 1:20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.

and 1 Corinthians 5:1-5 It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife. [2] And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. [3] For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, [4] In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, [5] To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

 

[Ronald David Bruno]

Permanently? Consider God turns them over to a reprobate mind. How Paul models this turning them over in 1 Timothy 1:20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.

These aren't reprobates.
Deliver to Satan for punishment, does not mean delivered to Hell.
These are Christians that need punishmemt not unto death.

To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus

If God is intending to save this person, then destruction of flesh may be similar to what happened to Job. God delivered Job to Satan
He wasn't allowed to kill him, just destroy everything in his life and then gave him boils on his body.
Some people suffer horrendous physical pain and mutilation, disabilities ... sometimes it is punishment, a test of faith.

 

[VictoryinJesus]

These aren't reprobates.
Deliver to Satan for punishment, does not mean delivered to Hell.
These are Christians that need punishmemt not unto death.

only can speak what has been my experience. I was (and it still rears up) a reprobate and fit perfectly in Romans 1:28-32 in not liking to retain God, of a carnal mind and an enemy of God, dead in sin and trespass and worthy of death(as the one on the cross said I’m worthy to be in this place). Knowing fully sin in being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, [30] Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, [31] Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

one that stands out there is “covenant breakers” what covenant is being broken if not peace? Ephesians 2:14-17 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us ; [15] Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; [16] And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: [17] And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

So (for me) when the passage goes on to say they know these things are worthy of death but have pleasure in those that do these things …fits with Paul saying they were glorying in the flesh when they should have mourned. To glory in the flesh…could this glorying be finding pleasure in homosexuality in their filth builds up an ego of piety? The pleasure being able to say “I’ve never been that filthy, nor did anything worthy of death”? The pleasure in using others failures and shortsightedness to build up our own piety? Paul speaks of what he was …a murderer, blasphemous, a covenantbreaker against his brothers, binding them and taking them to prison, (supporting the stoning of Stephen)…worthy of death. He was a vessel of destruction and (to me), he doesn’t deny he was such but that God had mercy on him and chose to declare His mercy, because God’s Grace in perfection is loving His enemies (which again Paul says I(Saul) was an enemy).

 

[Ronald David Bruno]

I was (and it still rears up) a reprobate and fit perfectly in Romans 1:28-32 in not liking to retain God, of a carnal mind and an enemy of God, dead in sin and trespass and worthy of death(as the one on the cross said I’m worthy to be in this place). Knowing fully sin in being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, [30] Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, [31] Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

You left out the key phrases, " God gave them over to the sinful desires of their hearts ( vs. 24); "He gave them over to a depraved mind" (vs. 28); " Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them." (vs. 32)

God doesn't give a person over to sinful desires and depraved mind (let them go), if He intends to save this person. That would be changing direction, His mind about the matter. Reprobates are FILLED WITH THE WHOLE LIST AND CONTINUE.
Excuse me for giving you a complement, I don't know you, but a I know you weren't filled with all of those things. That would mean you did not have an ounce of good in you and others would agree that you were totally evil - all the time. I don't believe that God let you go to live that way and then brought you back. No, your salvation was granted before you were born, therefore, you were in His hands all along. You suffered, caused others to suffer, but He didn't let you go.
Another way of looking at it is that probably 2/3 of the population of the world will be judged, will not receive eternal life. God knows who they are. They are reprobate, born that way, predestined if you will. We however were predestined for salvation.

Ephesians 1:4-5
even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,

Romans 8:28-30
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

John 15:16
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.

2 Timothy 1:9
who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,

Proverbs 16:4
The LORD has made everything for its purpose,
even the wicked for the day of trouble.

Ephesians 1:11
In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,

Ephesians 1:4
even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love

Revelation 13:8
and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain.

1 Peter 1:2
according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you.

Galatians 1:15
But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace,

Matthew 22:14
For many are called, but few are chosen.”

Jeremiah 1:5
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
and before you were born I consecrated you;
I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”

Romans 8:33
Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.

Titus 1:1
1:1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness,

God never gave you over to a depraved mind, total wickedness and let you go, when He had a different plan from the start. You were predestined, called, justified and will be glorified.

 

[Psalm51]

"As you do not know what is
the way of the wind,
Or how the bones grow in the womb
of her who is with child,
So you do not know the works of
God who makes everything."

(Ecclesiastes 11:5) NKJV

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding..."

(Proverbs 3:5) NKJV

Nowadays our minds are quite susceptible to deception and manipulation, primarily due to the advent of the internet. Our senses are being yanked at from all different directions and, especially regarding the global political turmoil, our minds are being infiltrated and we are being distracted and led astray. It is very important to closely monitor what your sensory perceptions take in as they have a profound affect on the mind. The devil takes advantage of this.

In a world where secularists perform mental gymnastics to scientifically explain all causes of phenomena, including our minds ("Psychology"), we must be very careful as to what doctrines we adhere to. The world of "Psychology" has given rise to "Big Pharma" and a complex network of ideas has been carefully constructed to poison our minds, physically and spiritually. This life is not so complex - cling to The Word.

"And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. But we speak the wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory."

(1 Corinthians 2:4-8) NKJV

"The LORD knows the thoughts of man,
That they are futile.

Blessed is the man whom You instruct, O LORD,
And teach out of Your law..."

(Psalms 94:11-12) NKJV

I see much dissension and argument on this forum, very often on petty matters, because people lean far too heavily on their own understanding. We are so limited in how far our intelligence can take us even the smartest of the smartest are the footstool of the Lord God Almighty. Let us cherish the gifts of understanding, discernment, and wisdom while always remembering our place in this plan.

"Where were you when I laid the
foundations of the earth?
Tell Me, if you have understanding.
Who determined its measurements?
Surely you know!
Or who stretched the line upon it?
To what were its foundations fastened?
Or who laid its cornerstone,
When the morning stars sang together,
And all the sons of God shouted for joy?"

(Job 38:4-7) NKJV

 

[Waiting on him]

"As you do not know what is
the way of the wind,
Or how the bones grow in the womb
of her who is with child,
So you do not know the works of
God who makes everything."

(Ecclesiastes 11:5) NKJV

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding..."

(Proverbs 3:5) NKJV

Nowadays our minds are quite susceptible to deception and manipulation, primarily due to the advent of the internet. Our senses are being yanked at from all different directions and, especially regarding the global political turmoil, our minds are being infiltrated and we are being distracted and led astray. It is very important to closely monitor what your sensory perceptions take in as they have a profound affect on the mind. The devil takes advantage of this.

In a world where secularists perform mental gymnastics to scientifically explain all causes of phenomena, including our minds ("Psychology"), we must be very careful as to what doctrines we adhere to. The world of "Psychology" has given rise to "Big Pharma" and a complex network of ideas has been carefully constructed to poison our minds, physically and spiritually. This life is not so complex - cling to The Word.

"And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. But we speak the wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory."

(1 Corinthians 2:4-8) NKJV

"The LORD knows the thoughts of man,
That they are futile.

Blessed is the man whom You instruct, O LORD,
And teach out of Your law..."

(Psalms 94:11-12) NKJV

I see much dissension and argument on this forum, very often on petty matters, because people lean far too heavily on their own understanding. We are so limited in how far our intelligence can take us even the smartest of the smartest are the footstool of the Lord God Almighty. Let us cherish the gifts of understanding, discernment, and wisdom while always remembering our place in this plan.

"Where were you when I laid the
foundations of the earth?
Tell Me, if you have understanding.
Who determined its measurements?
Surely you know!
Or who stretched the line upon it?
To what were its foundations fastened?
Or who laid its cornerstone,
When the morning stars sang together,
And all the sons of God shouted for joy?"

(Job 38:4-7) NKJV

There are no sons of God pre Calvary. Jesus Christ was the first man to receive the breath of life.