MEMORY VERSE: “Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.” – 2 Timothy 3:8
BIBLE PASSAGE:Romans 1:18-25 (KJV)
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
LESSON INTRODUCTION
Reprobacy is the state or character of being a reprobate. A reprobate is an unprincipled or depraved person. The Greek word translated “reprobate” in the New Testament is ‘adokimos,’ which literally means “unapproved, i.e. rejected; by implication, worthless.” It is that which is rejected on account of its own worthlessness (Jer.6:30). Many people have wondered if at this point a person may be beyond hope. It is imperative, therefore, for believers to study the nature and dangers of reprobacy.
There are some pointers to knowing someone that can be referred to as a reprobate. Such persons usually have the desire to suppress the truth with wickedness (Rom.1:18; 2Tim.3:8). They wilfully reject God in their imaginations and actions (Rom.1:21; Tit.1:16). People with reprobate minds choose to worship the creature rather than the Creator (Rom.1:23-25; Jer.10:14). They commit all manner of sins and have no limits or restrictions on sinful behaviours (Rom.1:29-31; Eph.5:3). Reprobates do not only hold onto and continue in their wicked behaviours, they encourage and celebrate others who imitate them (Rom.1:32; Ps.50:18). Those with reprobate minds do not have the Spirit of God and live only for themselves (Tit.1:16).
CLASS ACTIVITY 1: What can true believers do to win the reprobates to Christ?
2. DANGERS OF REPROBACY
The Bible warns against reprobacy because it leads to a point where God withdraws His longsuffering to save but gives them over to a degenerated mind (2Pet.3:9; Rom.1:28) to:
Face the wrath of God (Rom.1:18).
Become unclean and dishonour their bodies between themselves (Rom.1:24).
Practice vile affections e.g. homosexuality, bestiality, etc. (Rom.1:26).
Do those things which are not convenient (Rom.1:28).
Be filled with all unrighteousness (Rom.1:29-31).
Ignore impending judgment and continue in sin (Rom.1:32).
Nevertheless, there is no heart or mind that God cannot change if that person approaches Him in genuine repentance (Isa.1:18; Jn.6:37). People toing the path of reprobacy should repent and turn to God for mercy because there is grace and hope for them (Ps.51:17; Isa.55:7; Rom.10:13).
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Why are there so many reprobates around us?
CONCLUSION: Be careful to guard your mind and avoid the gradual drifting, shifting and twisting of thought that moves people towards reprobacy (Rom.12:1-2).
QUESTIONS:
Describe the nature of reprobates
What are the dangers of reprobacy?
Monday: 2 Peter 3:9 (KJV); The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Tuesday: Colossians 3:5 (KJV); Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
Wednesday: Jeremiah 6:30 (KJV); Reprobate silver shall men call them, because the Lord hath rejected them.
Thursday: 1 Samuel 3:13 (KJV); For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not.
Friday: 1 Kings 21:22 (KJV); And will make thine house like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the son of Ahijah, for the provocation wherewith thou hast provoked me to anger, and made Israel to sin.
Saturday: Hosea 4:17 (KJV); Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone.
Sunday: Hebrews 6:8 (KJV); But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.
ASSIGNMENT: Mention five things a believer can do to avoid reprobacy? (2×5= 10 marks).
