Faith & Reason Nexus

Romans 1:21-23 describes how humanity, despite having knowledge of God, often chooses to reject or misuse it, leading to spiritual consequences. The apostle Paul lists several ways in which knowledge of God is wasted, highlighting the foolishness of rejecting God’s truth and living in disobedience. Below are key points based on the scripture and supporting passages:

1. Refuses to Glorify God

When a person knows God but does not acknowledge Him as the source of all goodness and creation, they waste that knowledge. God’s glory should be recognized in all things.

• 1 Corinthians 10:31: “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
• Ephesians 3:21: “To Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
• 1 Corinthians 6:19-20: “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

2. Changes the Truth Into a Lie

Rejecting God’s truth in favor of lies is another way knowledge of God is wasted. People often choose deceptive beliefs over the clear revelation of God’s word.

• 1 Timothy 4:4: “For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving.”
• 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12: “The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.”

3. Refuses to Live Righteously

Knowledge of God should lead to righteous living. When a person refuses to live in accordance with God’s commands, the knowledge they have becomes ineffective.

• Romans 1:28-32: “And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting…”
• Titus 2:11-12: “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.”

4. Refuses to Be Thankful

Gratitude to God is a natural response to His goodness. Failure to acknowledge and thank God is a clear sign of wasted knowledge.

• Psalm 100:4: “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.”
• 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

5. Worships the Creature

Instead of worshiping the Creator, people often turn to idolatry or worship of created things. This is a tragic misuse of knowledge about God.

• Matthew 4:10: “Then Jesus said to him, ‘Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’”
• 1 John 5:21: “Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.”

6. Ignores God’s Wisdom

God has revealed His wisdom to mankind, yet many ignore or reject it, opting for their own understanding.

• 1 Corinthians 1:21: “For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.”
• 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
• Colossians 3:17: “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

7. Fails to Obey God

Obedience to God’s Word is the essential response to knowing Him. Disobedience is the ultimate waste of knowledge.

• James 1:22-25: “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror…”
• Titus 2:11-12: “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.”

Conclusion

The knowledge of God, as revealed in His Word, is meant to transform lives. When people refuse to glorify God, live righteously, be thankful, obey His commands, or worship Him alone, they waste the precious knowledge given to them. It is essential to apply this knowledge in our daily lives, leading to a life that honors God in all things. God’s Word is to be obeyed without exception!