Paul wrote the book of Romans as a well thought-out statement of his faith. It does not appear as one of his typical letters. The church at Rome was mostly Jewish but also had a number of Gentiles. It had probably been started by believers who were present at Pentecost. Paul had never met most of the believers there so he sent this as a letter of introduction. He really presents the foundations of the gospel as salvation for all, saved by grace through faith. He gives clear practical guidelines for the Roman believers.

Paul reminds the people about the prophecies in Holy Scripture. This would be our Old Testament.

“First I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you…”
Notice Paul thanks God for the people. He doesn’t thank the people.

In Romans 1:26-27 Paul makes it perfectly clear that homosexuality was never intended by God to be a lifestyle.  He also warns that there are consequences for that behavior when he states that they will receive the due penalty for their perversion. 

“I am not ashamed of the gospel.” 
Indeed he wasn't ashamed of the good news. And for that he was rewarded.  Paul’s rewards are still coming in.  Think about the millions of people through the ages who have turned to Jesus because of the letters of Paul.

"...first for the Jew, then for the Gentile..."
See Matthew 10:5-6, Matthew 15:24, John 4 - the story of the Samaritan woman at the well. and others.

“…men who suppress the truth…”
“…so that men are without excuse…”
God’s power has manifested itself from the beginning. Those who suppress the truth are called wicked.  They know the truth and yet suppress the truth, which means, in effect, they present a lie.

“They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather that the Creator – who is forever praised. Amen.”

An example of exchanging the truth of God for a lie would be evolution. It is non belief in a Creator. It takes more faith to believe in evolution than to believe in God.  We have said many times that if only scientists and Christians would get together with open minds, things would make sense for both.

“…received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.”

Sin has consequences. Sin also hurts more than just the sinner.

Romans 1:28-32 seems to describe a slice of life today. And notice it all started with..."since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God..."

All of the other things listed in this passage take place because people do not retain the knowledge of God.

“…but also approve of those who practice them.”

People are watching what we do as Believers in Jesus. We must be careful that by our silence we are, in effect, condoning sinful behavior. Silence can speak volumes!

Circumcision was a symbol of God’s covenant with His people. Circumcision of the heart by the Spirit happens at acceptance of Jesus and receiving the Holy Spirit. However, we must be on guard or our hearts may become hardened.   But if we are not ashamed of the gospel, and proclaim it on a daily basis, we will have no worry that our hearts will become hardened.