Comments for July 28

v.25 - Absalom (as son of David) contrasts here with Jesus (as Son of David). as Jesus' perfection was spiritual, whilst his outward appearance was not handsome (Isa.53:2).

v.21 - Joab brought Absalom to Jerusalem so that he could keep an eye on him. He saw him as a threat. However bringing him to Jerusalem created an environment in which he could plan his revolt.

v.17,20 - David here is referred to as 'like an angel of God'. This observation is neither confirmed or denied, or even commented on, and yet it seems such a significant thing for her to say.

We maybe wonder why Absalom was so appealing to David. Maybe there is a hint (14:26) when we learn that Absalom 'polled' his head. It is the same word 01548 used of the Nazarite (Numbers 6:9 etc)

:28-33 We know that Joab was a powerful and scheming man so the fact that Absalom stood up to him and got his own way indicates that Absalom also was a very powerful and scheming individual.

It appears that Joab wanted Absalom in Jerusalem where he could keep an eye on him but Absalom wanted access to the king's court so that he could further his own objectives.  So two scheming self seeking men can be seen in Absalom and Joab.

V.25 As handsome as Absalom was, he would make a fine king, if only David would relent! But David would not, for what he had been told, that the one who would reign in his place must be a man of godliness. "I will be his Father, and he shall be My son"  

It was Absalom's long hair that caused his downfall (2Sam 18:9). How true his brother's words were to become, "Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." (Prov 16:18)

V.2 etc. The woman sent by Joab marked the second time that David had committed himself by subtle intervention.  The first was with Nathan over his adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah(2Sam 12). 

14:2-18  The subterfuge of Joab in sending the woman with her ‘parable’ might seem to be rather like the visit of Nathan the prophet in 2Sam 12 . However the two are quite different. Nathan, speaking on behalf of God, was seeking to elicit repentance. On the other hand Joab was seeking something for himself.

14:2  Joab, now in possession of Uriah’s death warrant written by David, asserts his will knowing that David will not be able to withstand him

RETURN FOR THE SINNER
 
If it was true under the law of Moses in the days of David, it is even more true now in Christ. In a veiled reference to the exiled Absalom, a wise woman said this to David: "Like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be recovered, so we must die. But God dies not take away life; instead he devises ways so that the banished person may not remain estranged from him." (2Sam 14:14)
 
Absalom had murdered his brother Amnon because Amnon had raped Absalom's sister, Tamar. After the rape Amnon refused to marry Tamar and cast her out of his sight. The law was very clear that anyone who had sexual relations with his sister should be "cut off from their people." (Lev 18:9,29) Amnon's death cut him off from his people in the ultimate way, but also brought guilt on Absalom. So Absalom fled and lived in exile.
 
If we were all banished from the LORD's presence because of our sin, none of us would stand before God. He is a merciful and forgiving God. Through the forgiveness we have in Christ he has devised ways for us, banished by sin, so that we will not remain estranged from him. "He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2Pet 3:9)

14:25   The description of Absalom’s beauty ‘from the sole of his foot event to the crown of his head’ in a macabre way contrasts with the description of Godless Israel – Deut 28:35 Absalom had all the outward appearance but inwardly he was like the Godless people that Deuteronomy 28 speaks about.

V.2 etc. David was torn between the roles of father and king.  He allowed himself to act as a father rather than that of a king.  As a father, he had compassion on the son he loved, wishing him to live.  But, Absalom was guilty of premeditated murder. 

As a king, who applied God's law, David should have executed his son as a murderer (Gen 9:6; Num 35:16-18).  By not doing the right thing, in God's eyes, David would incur rebellion from the son he chose to keep alive. 

The question for us is: as parents, do we do the right thing, in God's sight, regarding our children - or do we act out of emotional self-interest?

14:4-7 The parable of the woman is strikingly similar in principle to the parable of Nathan to David after he had committed adultery with Bathsheba. This s one of the many details in the record which highlights that the uprising of Abishalom has its origins in David’s sin with Bathsheba.

V.2 Tekoa was situated six miles south of Bethlehem, and twelve miles south of Jerusalem.  It is highly unlikely that this woman would be known in Jerusalem, and so the ruse would have been quite secure.

V.25 People judged by the flesh in David’s time just as they do today.  The physical casing, in which we come into the world, is of no consequence to Yahweh.  He looks on the inner person to see if the heart is right towards Him (1Chron 28:9; 2Chron 16:9; Psa 34:18).

We are supposed to emulate Yahweh (Matt 5:48).  Therefore, when we look at people, let us assess them on morals and character.  Let us not be persuaded by physical beauty or worldly importance (Acts 10:34; James 2:30).

V.26 With regard to Absalom’s hair, the expression:  at every year's end (KJV); at the end of every year he used to cut it (ESV), is misleading.  It seems to imply that Absalom cut his hair only once a year.  This is not the real sense of the language.  Absalom cut his hair from time to time throughout the year when it became too heavy (like we do).  The weight of his cut hair, at this time, was two hundred shekels after the king's weight. This equates to approximately 3 pounds or 1.35 kilograms.

V.27 I wonder if Absalom named his daughter Tamar in honour of his debased sister.

Vs.30,31 There is nothing like setting someone’s  field on fire to attract that person’s attention.

14:22 Joab’s obeisance and open admission that he was the one who wanted Absalom back in Jerusalem maybe shocked David. Little did he know, at this time, of the terrible consequences that would follow from Absalom returning to Jerusalem.

2Sam 14:28-32 - Absalom, frustrated about his disgrace in not being allowed to see his father, gives ruthless Joab a taste of his own ruthless medicine plus a calculating reminder that his father David has far more authority and justification to kill him (yet wouldn't) than Joab. 2Sam 14:33 - Absalom bowing to his father with his face to the ground was feigned humility.

14:19 David’s question ‘Is not the hand of Joab with thee …’ indicates that he was well aware of Joab’s subterfuge. David’s rulership was not a peaceful time when all his servants were concerned to further David’s plan. Some of them had their own plans which ran contrary to what David was planning.

2Sam 14:25-26

“But in all Israel there was none to be so much praised as Absalom for his beauty… And when he polled his head (for it was at every year’s end that he polled it: because the hair was heavy on him, therefore he polled it) he weighed the hair of his head at two hundred shekels after the king’s weight.”

This passage is often used to justify brethren wearing long hair. Now Scripture does not say Absalom had long hair, just that he polled it once a year. We assume the length of his hair by visualizing according to our perception of how long is long!

“Polled” is # <1548>, galach, and means to “shave off, bald.” So how long was it after one year’s growth? It is a fact that human hair grows at a rate of approximately ¼ to ½ inch every month, more-or-less, depending on the person and thickness of their hair. Using as a guideline of a ½ inch monthly growth, Absalom’s hair would have been six inches (15 cm) long by year’s end when he polled it! Six inches of thick hair would be adequate to get caught up in the thick branches of a great oak (2Sam 18:9-10). One strand of hair is so strong that it would take the force of 132 pounds, or 60 kilograms of pressure to rip it! The rebellious son of King David gloried in his hair, even weighing it at 200 shekels, or five pounds. Ultimately, that in which he gloried became responsible for his death.

There is nothing humble about men who wear their hair long, especially shoulder-length. It is a sign of rebellion and defiance against God. The gospel Paul preached was, “by the revelation of Jesus Christ” (Gal 1:12) and he wrote, “Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him” (1Cor 11:14)? Could anything be plainer? If Jesus wore long hair, he would have disgraced his Head - God. If Paul wore long hair he would have disgraced his Head - Christ (1Cor 11:3). His instructions would not make any sense if he and Jesus had long hair as often claimed. Let Jesus and Paul be our examples as we are commanded (1Cor 11:1).

14:23   One wonders what was going on in David’s head. He knew that Amnon should have died because he forced Tamar. He also loved Absalom and it is now 7 years since he had seen him.

14:14 The woman’s  comment about water spilt like blood echoes David’s expressed sentiments when, earlier, he had desired the water of Bethlehem and had been given it by some of his mighty men. – 1Chron 11:19. Maybe Joab had built this into what the woman was to say to tug on David’s heart strings and remind him, incidentally, of his awareness of the value of life.

One of many heirs. The only heir of his mother.

The woman in 2Sam 14:4-20 bases her appeal to David on the basis that her son was her only heir (v7). Absalom wasn't David's only heir, but he was to his mother, Maacah (2Sam 3:3). She appears to be referencing the fact that Absalom is next in line to the throne, which meant that if he remained banished, and another of David's younger sons became king instead, Absalom and his mother's life would likely be endangered.

(I can't understand her cryptic words in any other way that makes sense, but would be interested in other suggestions to the email address below this comment.)

14:8    David’s willingness to intercede on behalf of the woman demonstrated that his judgment was not clouded on the issue even though his own life was compromised. How often can we make right judgments about others but not see a similar problem in our own lives? Jesus taught about having beams in our eyes –Matt 7:3-5

14:23   Absalom had fled to Geshur – 2Sam 13:37 so Joab brings him from there back to Jerusalem.

14:8 Luke 6:41-42, Like Matt 7:3-5, records Jesus’ parable about the beam and mote. David had a beam in his eye regarding the matter of Absalom.

14:2   Joab, doubtless, was aware of Nathan’s parable and David’s reaction to it. Maybe this is what prompted him to use the same ploy now. Though on this occasion Joab did not have a godly motive!

14:2   This is the third deceptive event in three chapters. We are really being forced to recognise that one deceptive acts spawns others that inevitably follow.

14:9    Whilst David could exercise right judgment about others he could not see his own problem. Rather like the man with the beam in his eye who focused on the speck in his brother’s eye – Matt 7:3-5

14:30  David, seeing the implications of the woman’s words, arranges for Joab to fetch Absalom. So we see in David a recognition of his own error, even though Joab had his own plans regarding Absalom.

14:25 Whilst the outward appearance of Absalom is appealing to human eyes in fact his heart was very far from God. His scheming evil will eventually be seen. He is rather like the way in which God describes Judah – Isa 1:6. It is truly said “beauty is only skin deep

14:20 David, seeing the implications of the woman’s words, arranges for Joab to fetch Absalom. So we see in David a recognition of his own error, even though Joab had his own plans regarding Absalom.

14:26 the word translated “polled” <1548> means more than “cut”. It is the word often translated “shave” and is, a amongst other things, used to speak of the way a Nazarite would signal the end of his vow.

Possibly an indication that Absalom performed annual Nazarite vows.

14:19 We have a sad compromised triangle here. David, Joab and Absalom. Joab knew that David had engineered the death of Uriah, Bathsheba’s husband. He knew also of David’s feelings towards Absalom. Joab clearly saw Absalom as an unstable individual who could disrupt his own plans and so wanted him where he could monitor his actions. Hence the subterfuge with the woman and her parable,

v.6 - We, like Israel, are clay in the hand of the potter (Isa.64:8). We are the work of his hand. Let us remain malleable by being ever open-minded to the truth of God revealed to us in his word. Lam.4:2, Rom.9:21.

The older I get the more I realise the absolute importance of the statement I made above 2 years ago. We must never, as we see so many do, become hardened so as not to be receptive to new knowledge and wisdom which might extend our understanding of and our interaction with God and his Word. We all see those who grow old and also grow inflexible - unable to accept that new ideas and innovations could have merit. Let us pray that we never stop being malleable in God's hands.

v.18 - Jeremiah received no thanks for his willingness to speak the word of God. Rather they sought his life. Spare a thought for his loneliness in his task and then reflect on how easy it is for us to speak the Gospel message.

18:1-10 The incident at the potter was designed to teach Jeremiah (see 'I will cause thee') and then is extended to the whole nation (:6 'O house of Israel) So Jeremiah learnt that God can mould the clay as He wishes. Then he is to go and tell Judah (:11) that God is going to bring evil upon them.

:11 The exhortation to repentance voiced by Jeremiah 'return … good' is quoted by Zechariah (1:4) to a nation who had not learnt the lesson of the exile.

18:6 The way that God likens himself to the potter is the basis for Paul's (Rom 9:21) comment about God's power  to do as He wills with men.

V.4. 6 The clay is clay. If it ever becomes of any value, it is by virtue of the potter, not of the clay. It is only when this fact is acknowledged that it can be upgraded to something of value. "But now, O Lord, thou art our Father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand"

V.12 This verse illustrates the free will of the people to reject the LORD'S plea. The deceptiveness of sin is shown in their painting their future as hopeless (Isa 17:10 , Jer 25:10). That was the result of the stubborn rejection of the LORD'S warning plea by their evil unbelieving hearts (Deut 29:19 , Jer 7:24 , Jer 16:12).

Jeremiah’s visit to the potter provided him with a good teaching point, (Jer 18:1-10). We are clay, and God is the potter.  He can do with us entirely as He wishes.  Paul picks this idea up in Rom 9:20-26, where he imagines the lump of clay speaking against the potter, “Why have you made me a pudding bason? I wanted to be a beautiful flower vase!” “Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God?” We therefore must be extremely careful that we never question God’s judgement.

18:12 In speaking of the imagination of their evil heart Jeremiah is continuing the theme he developed in 17 about the heart. He was not, in 17, simply providing Christadelphians with proof passages, he was emphasising the basis for Israel’s problems.

Jer 18:1-6 - vessels in the potter's house (Rom 9:21-23; 2Tim 2:20-21; Isa 65:4; Psa 31:12; Jer 19:11; Isa 66:20; Acts 9:15; 2Cor 4:6-7; Isa 52:11; Judg 7:16-21; 1Cor 3:16; 1Cor 15:51-52; Eph 5:14), what shines in our vessel?

In this world we are constantly striving to develop new paths, innovate, and accept new ideas. We assume that enlightenment is something yet to be found. But this is not true. In v15 God reminds His people of the "ancient paths" which they should walk on. But what are these ancient paths and how can they be relevant today? Surely what we want is progress, not regression?

The ancient path is found in Genesis, the most ancient of books, and both Adam and Enoch (described as "the ancients" elsewhere) walked in it. In Gen 2:8 we see that God used to walk in the garden of Eden with Adam. In Gen 5:22 we are told that Enoch walked with God for 300 years. This path, then, is defined by who we walk with and listen to. It is clear that God revealed His ways to these "ancients" since they had knowledge of sacrifice and possibly as much knowledge of the future as we have (see Jude 1:14).

This brings us to an important conclusion. God is to be found in regression rather than progression. God is to be found by going back rather than forward. We will find Him if we seek to capture what has already been captured by countless others. We will walk with Him if we walk in ancient paths. The world around us, since the time of Genesis, has sought to corrupt the truth which was revealed to the ancients. The world we inherit now has largely achieved this. All we have to go on is our scriptures which have faithfully been kept pure (or near enough) over thousands of years. It is by rejecting anything in addition to this "pure word" that we can, like Enoch, walk with God.

18:15 Doubtless when Jeremiah said that the people had forgotten God they would have been most surprised. After all did they not go to the temple? Did they not offer sacrifices at the appropriate times? Whilst they went through the motions their heart was with their false Gods – as far as God was concerned they had forgotten Him even though they made a show of piety. A warning for us.

NATURALLY

18:8 And so we see that it is God’s desire to forgive. It is all too easy to forget that as we read a prophecy which predicts the Babylonian captivity which was a fulfilment of earlier prophecies.

V.2 Jeremiah was used to uttering his prophecies from the temple.  The temple was the high place of spiritual and intellectual thought.  From this magnificent high place, he was told to go down to the lowly potter's house.  Here, the hands were at work.  Spawned by the intellect, these hands created something real and tangible, re-shaped if needed, cast away if necessary, but an actual finished creation was produced. 

The head, by itself, can believe spiritual truths, pervert them, rationalise falsehoods, tell outright lies, or just exist in its own intellectual domain. It needs not produce anything.  But the products of the hands are there for all to examine as indisputable evidence.  Such are the things of Yahweh (Rom 1:20).  Man is also known by what he produces (Luke 6:43-45; James 2:20).

18:12 ‘the imagination of his evil heart’ catches the way in which Jeremiah has spoken of the heart of the people earlier – Jer 17:9

BEGINNING REFORMATION

We are living in a world full of wickedness. The Bible said it would be like this, or even worse, so we shouldn't be surprised. But I am sure that we have all thought on many occasions that  the state of society needs to be reformed. People need to turn back to the Lord, to have respect for their elders and for each other, and not to be so engrossed in the selfishness and greed cycle. So how do we change society?

God had the same problem with the people of Judah and Jerusalem, so much so that he had planned disaster for them. The nation needed to change. So this was the message God gave to them: "Look! I am preparing disaster for you and devising a plan against you. So turn from your evil ways, each one of you, and reform your ways and your actions." (Jer 18:11) While this message was addressed to the nation as a whole, the focus of the action was directed at each individual, instructing them to apply it in their own lives. It wasn't a message for "everyone else," it was for those who heard it - including you and me.

The best way we can change society is by changing ourselves first. Society is made up of individuals who are each responsible to God. So let's turn from our evil ways and reform both our ways and our actions.

V.4 The thing that is remarkable about Yahweh is His mercy (1Chron 16:34). As the potter, Yahweh could have taken the corrupted clay and just thrown it away; taken new clay and made another vessel.  After all, Yahweh is capable of creation at will (Matt 3:9).

And yet, Yahweh did not discard the spoiled clay.  Instead, He worked with it, kneaded it until it was able to be moulded according to His will.  However, if the clay refused to be malleable, then it could not be worked, and would have been thrown away.

Jeremiah’s excursion to the potter’s house was a metaphor relating Yahweh and His people Israel.  Although His people had sinned, Yahweh was willing to work with them to re-shape them into a fit vessel. Success, of course, depended upon the willingness of Israel to bend to Yahweh’s will.

The same thing applies to Spiritual Israel.  If we, the followers of Jesus, are willing to cleanse ourselves of impurity, then we shall be moulded into fit vessels for the Lord’s service (2Tim 2:21).

V.14 A farmer in the shadow of the high mountains of Israel would not move, especially to a dry desolate place. The mountains provide abundant water to nourish the fields and produce superior crops. And so, why would Israel leave the abundant care of Yahweh to reside in the dry and desolate place of idolatry.  

V.20 Those in opposition to Jeremiah were in opposition to Yahweh. Scriptural wisdom says that the one who sets about to harm another will themselves be harmed by their own implement of harm (Ecc 10:8).

18:12 In saying 'there is no hope’ the people are dismissing God’s willingness to forgive as outlined in verse :8– because they wanted to behave as they wished. Repentance was not even in their mind as a possibility.

18:12   Here the people have ‘no hope’ – they say. After the destruction of Jerusalem Jeremiah reminds Israel that they should hope and wait –Lam 3:26

GOD'S CRAFTSMANSHIP

A good craftsman knows what he wants from his product. As a mechanical engineer I try to make products that are perfect, that is, they are just like all the others and within the specifications. But occasionally I have needed to make similar items, but slightly different - shorter, longer, tighter, looser or from a different material. If the item I had made could talk back, it could well complain that I hadn't made it right. Comparing itself to a perfect specimen, it could feel right out of place. But I have a special plan for the unusual piece. It has a special job to do that the others would be useless for.

When Jeremiah watched the potter at the wheel, he saw that the potter formed the clay "shaping it as seemed best to him." (Jer 18:4) When God forms us, he shapes us as it seems best to him too. We might look at others and wonder why God made us so different. But he has a plan, he knows what is best. While we may think we are not as good as other people, we are perfectly created for the purpose for which God made us.

So let's stop looking at each other, seek God's direction for our lives, and give our all to him.

18:20  Jeremiah now reminds God that he has on separate occasions spoken on behalf of the people – Jer 7:16, 11:14, 14:11

18:6    We readily acknowledge that God can do as he pleases with Israel. The image of the potter is clear to us. However how often do we resist the working of God in our lives? Decisions are to be made. Do we think first how our decision might affect our worship or are matters of our Christian life secondary considerations?

18:13-14          The implication is that the way Israel were behaving was even worse than the way that the nations round about Israel behaved.  Namely they forsook their God Yahweh whereas the nations round about continued to serve their own gods. 

18:20-23            Jeremiah has been given a message that the people did not like so they persecuted him. These verses show Jeremiah’s feelings about that persecution.

OUTLINE OF JEREMIAH

PART TWO -- THE PROPHECIES TO JUDAH (JEREMIAH 2:1 to 45:5)

I. The Condemnation of Judah (Jeremiah 2:1 to 25:38)

   H. Eighth Sermon - Sign of the Potter's House (Jeremiah 18:1 to 20:18):

      1. Jer 18:1-6 - the divine potter at work: V1 "The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord"; V2 "potter's<3335>"; VS 2-4 first we see the potter (i.e. God) and then we see the imperfect clay (mankind/nations) and God's perseverance in working with it so that it might be a useful vessel; V3 "wheels<70>"; V4 the fault or corruption is with the clay (i.e. believers/Israel, etc.) and we are all marred clay in need of the potter (i.e. God) to shape us and we must repent so we are shapeable; V4 clay pottery gets fired (believers get tested) and hardened by the fire; V4 Adam was marred clay while Christ was shaped to perfection having learned and followed a sinless path (Isa 7:14-15;Heb 4:15); VS 4,6 (Rom 9:20-26) God likens Himself to the potter to do as He wills with mankind with some vessels to honor and some to dishonor and even out of worthless contemptable clay God can fashion worthy vessels (Psa 40:2;Isa 64:8), additionally, if clay becomes an object of worth it is credited to the potter not the clay though some still want to blame the potter God (Isa 45:9;Isa 29:16); VS 4,6,14 (John 9:6,39) clay on eyes healing blindness (the spit perhaps represents the living water sent from God and its connection to the light of life).

   H. Eighth Sermon - Sign of the Potter's House (Jeremiah 18:1 to 20:18):

      2. Jer 18:5-10 - VS 5-6 the message of God to Israel that He can do as He wants with Israel; VS 6-10 the potter's clay illustration demonstrates God's ability to alter the destiny of a nation and is used by Jeremiah appealing in vain for Judah to repent and change; V6 Babylon and Egypt used clay to build structures (Gen 11:3;Exo 1:14); VS 6-7 miry clay is God's figure for the contemtable quality of His enemies (Isa 41:25;Psa 18:42;Mic 7:10); VS 7-8 God will change His mind if a nation repents from evil; VS 7-10 free will repentance is involved in a national or individual destiny, though God has foreknowledge (Exo 3:19) and He uses foreknowledge to make Himself known (Exo 9:13-16;Rom 9:17-19); VS 8,10 pottery as nations; VS 9-10 God will punish apostasy; V10 (Phil 2:12-13 free will of the righteous helped by God).

      3. Jer 18:11-12 - V11 having proclaimed the conditions of repentance, God commands Jeremiah warn the people of Judah and Jerusalem that evil was determined against them, they must repent as the clay in its present form was useless; V11 "frame<3335>" is the same word as V2 "potter's<3335>" and V4 "potter<3335>", the potter was the framer of the clay (Isa 29:16;Isa 64:8); VS 11-12 Are we to tell God how we are to be? Does the clay mold the potter? VS 11,18 God to "devise<2803>, a device<4284>" compared to V18 Jeremiah's enemies saying "let us devise<2803>, devices<4284>"; V12 they had free will and did what they wanted according to the imaginations of their evil heart (the clay would have to be remolded).

   H. Eighth Sermon - Sign of the Potter's House (Jeremiah 18:1 to 20:18):

      4. Jer 18:13-17 - VS 12-17 tragic is the irrational evil of a stubborn mind: V13 (NIV) "Therefore this is what the Lord says: 'Inquire among the nations: Who has ever heard anything like this? A most horrible thing has been done by Virgin Israel'", Jer 2:10, (literal and figurative unchasstity, false preaching and corrupted Gospel 2Cor 11:2-4); V14 (NIV) "Does the snow of Lebanon ever vanish from its rocky slopes? Do its cool waters from from distant sources ever sesase to flow?" (the divine remonstrance is the same in Jer 2:13); V14 Michael Parry in his 2009 comments  noted how the high mountains provide abundant water to nourish, why would Israel want to leave that for dry and desolate places of idolatry? VS 14-15 they pay little attention to God and what He has created and they burn "incense<6999>" "to vanity<7723>" and to false gods who have no existence (Jer 2:27-28); V15 (KJV) "the ancient<5769> paths<7635>"; V15 the ancient paths seem to be interpreted by many (not all) as godly paths (NET) "the old reliable path of their fathers. They have left them to walk in bypaths, in roads that are not smooth and level"; VS 15-17 because God's people had forgotten Him they would be scattered and face calamity; VS 15-17 break with a rod of iron like a potter's vessel (Job 34:24;1Sam 2:10;Psa 2:9); VS 16-17 elaborates on the punishment God's chosen people would face as a result of having forgotten Him (Deut 30:15-20;Deut 31:16-22;Deut 29:18-28;Deut 28:15-67).

   H. Eighth Sermon - Sign of the Potter's House (Jeremiah 18:1 to 20:18):

      5. Jer 18:18 - reactions of Jeremiah's enemy brethren: V18 as a result of Jer 18:11, etc. the hostile hearers conspired against Jeremiah for a second time (Jer 11:19,21); V18 as the threat from the Babylonians increased, the persecution against Jeremiah grew hotter (Jer 18:18,19,23).

      6. Jer 18:19-23 - VS 19-23 Jeremiah prayed for God to deliver, vindicate, and avenge; V20 (KJV) "for my soul<5315>" here we have a pit dug for a righteous man's (Jeremiah's) soul; V20 (NIV) "dug a pit 'for me<5315>'" this clarifies that we have a pit dug for Jeremiah with the Hebrew word for soul indicating the entire person; V23 (NIV) "But you know, O Lord, all their plots to kill me. Do not forgive their crimes or blot out their sins from your sight. Let them be over thrown before you; deal with them in the time of your anger" (Deut 32:35;Rom 12:19;Luke 23:34;Acts 7:59-60).

18:17  The mention of scattering by the “east” wind presents a metaphor for the Babylonian invasion. Whilst the Babylonians actually invade Israel from the north they are on the east side of Israel.

18:17  God is telling Jeremiah that He is going to turn His back on Israel – that He will no longer hear them or regard their situation. This is an application of the words in Psa 81:12.

18:12  In saying that they will walk after the imagination of their hearts the people are actually throwing Jeremiah’s words back in his face for more than once has he reproved them for doing exactly that  - JJer 9:14, 11:8, 13:10

18:17   The “East wind” of the Babylonian invasion is an idea taken up by the later prophet – Eze 17:10, 19:12

18:15    wagging the head is a way of showing disrespect. Seen in Lamentation of Jer 2:15 and towards Jesus – Matt 27:39

18:7-10 Whilst Yahweh is making general comments on how he treated all nations Judah should have realised that what Jeremiah was saying very specifically applied to them. Repent, it would seem, and the impending captivity would be delayed.

Jer 18:6.11-13 The figure of the potter is clearly understood. The clay responds to the skilful hands of the potter. However Israel refused to be moulded. That is the “very horrible thing”  (:13). Judah’s response to God’s word was to reject it out of hand preferring their own solutions to their problems. One wonders how they thought their own imagination could work out a solution to the onslaught of the Babylonians.

18:1-10 the incident with the potter was a “worked examples” primarily for Jeremiah to see. It was only after he has seen the work of the potter that God commanded him to go and speak to the people. There were a number of occasions when Jeremiah was shown something or had to do something before being told to speak to the people.

18:2-4  Doubtless Jeremiah was already familiar with the way that the potter used the clay when a pot he was making did not turn out as he desired.

Jeremiah is directed to watch, not just remember, what the potter did. The visual experience was used to paint the picture of God’s working with man in the mind of the prophet – and us.

2 v.1,2 - We are given many such warnings against judging each other, and yet we ignore them daily in our thoughts about our fellow men. We must obtain grace to cover these things. God's forgiveness is amazing. Let us heed v.3, and recognise that even Jesus would not judge Luke 12:14.

1 v.3 - That Jesus was 'of the seed of David according to the flesh' marks his human origins. But more than that it draws on the fact that Jesus was the rightful heir to David's throne. This is demonstrated in the genealogies in Matthew and Luke. That he is 'declared to be the son of God' v4 links with the divine origin of Jesus. These two simple phrases provide the authority for showing Jews that Jesus is, to use the language of Hebrews 'better than' the law of Moses. An important point when writing to the ecclesia in Rome where there were many Jewish believers.

2 v.5 - Notice that hard heartedness is first seen in Pharaoh Exodus 4:21 7:3,13 8:15,32 9:12,34 10:1,20,27 11:10 14:4,8. So when it is used to speak of how Israel behaved the message is very pointed. You are being like the oppressing Egyptians from whom you have been delivered. Deuteronomy 15:7 2 Chronicles 36:13 Psalm 95:8 Isaiah 63:17 Mark 10:5 16:14 John 12:40

1:16 Are we 'ashamed' of the gospel? How do we feel about acknowledging that we are 'in Christ' - Paul was 'not ashamed' because it is the means of his salvation.

2:29 having a circumcised heart is not a doctrine which started with Jesus. We find it extensively in the Old Testament, Deuteronomy 10:16 30:6 Jeremiah 4:4 showing that it is the way that a man thinks that God is interested in.

1:32 In speaking of some who 'have pleasure in them that do them' Paul, quotingPsa 50:18, is not simply speaking of individuals who sin. Rather the focus is on those who see some virtue in sin. Rather like those he will speak of later who say 'shall we continue in sin ...' (Romans 6:1)

1:4 'Declared' draws on Psalm 2:6 where God 'set' - Hebrews Anointed' Jesus as king after his resurrection.

2:24 In quoting Isaiah 52:5 Paul shows that Israel had a history of a corrupt life style which had the effect of causing gentiles, rather than to glorify God because of what they saw, to count the things of God to be derided. What do our friends, neighbours, family or work colleagues think about God when they see our behaviour?

2:4 'Longsuffering' quotes an attribute of Yahweh seen Exodus 34:6. The point being is that God's mercy should not be used as a basis for 'continuing in sin' rather it should cause speedy repentance.

GETTING TOGETHER

Almost throughout the whole book of Acts Paul had longed to get to Rome to meet with the believers there and to preach the word. As he wrote to them he expressed his desire to come to them. What we need to take notice of is not just his desire to meet with the believers in Rome, but the reason he wanted to see them. He said, "I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong - that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each others faith."

We should have the same aims as Paul for the times when we get together with other believers. Before we get together with other believers next time, let us think about what we can do to give them a spiritual gift - some way we can enhance their life in Christ. As well as that, let's decide on some way we can make each other stronger. Let's get together and mutually encourage each other so that we can all become stronger people for our Lord. When we get together let's get together for a purpose and when we leave, let's leave as stronger people standing firm for Christ.

In verse 1, Paul states his credentials as a servant of Christ. Paul was carrying on the ministry of Christ, by his direction from heaven, which was now to go to the gentile nations and preach the good news. As if there's a repeating record, Paul comes up against exactly the same problem as Jesus, namely that men were trusting in their own ability to keep the law, and thereby gain salvation. Gentiles were wanting to become Jews! The nub of Paul's argument in these two chapters could be said to be in 2v17-24.

Paul launches into a scathing reproach of the nation of Israel, explaining how they had been supplied with all the knowledge of God they needed, yet chose to serve an image instead. (1v25) and how they would be judged for their evil (1v26-32). But what was the image they were serving? Verse 23 says "like corruptible man", and v25 "served...the creature rather than the Creator". Chapter 2v8 "those who are SELF seeking". They were serving themselves! The image they were worshipping was themselves!

Throughout the history of Israel this had been obvious, because of the long list of selfish and abhorrent practices listed in v26-29 (echoed in Eze 16) which they did to gratify their own desires. More difficult it was in the time of Christ, because although they had stopped these practices by and large, they had replaced them with pride, arrogance, selfishness, self sufficiency, hypocrisy, and censure. These were the things Jesus condemned the Pharisees and rulers for, and were now the things that were set to take hold on the early church. The apostle Paul had a struggle on his hands.

1:1,6,7 Notice the repeated use of ‘called’ Paul starts by emphasising that those to whom he is writing have an exalted status – this will provide a platform from which Paul can argue that his audience have high responsibilities.
 
1:23 The quotations ‘changed … beasts’ quoting Psa 106:20 shows that Paul is speaking of Jews here in Romans 1.

2:13 In saying that the ‘doers of the law’ will be justified Paul beings his argument about justification which develops in chapters 3 and 4. Of course no one did obey the law fully – except Jesus. So justification through the law was impossible.

1:16-17 The Gospel is the power of God to salvation. When one believes that therein is declared, revealed, or manifested the righteousness of God

1:26  That ‘God gave them up’ is a sobering thought. It seems that when Israel had set their heart on turning away from God He left them to their own devices.

2:4 God’s ‘longsuffering’ is not simply an attribute of God that we can admire. It is an attribute which should, of itself, produce a reaction on our part. The reaction? ‘repentance’. We should want to repent because God is longsuffering. Consider how you respond to other people You re more gracious to those who, themselves, are gracious. God’s nature is so designed that it will – or at least should – cause us to want to keep His word.

1:21 Although they knew God from His works in creation, they did not glorify Him. They did not acknowledge Him as their God, nor did they bestow upon Him the praises and honour that was rightfully His. They did not return thanks to Him for the blessings that they were constantly receiving. The next two verses show their blindness to their foolish practices which are inexcusable.

1:28 The ‘reprobate mind’ is the state of rebellious Israel – Deut 32:28

1:4 The resurrection from death; this is the crowning seal of authenticity as the Son of God. We recognize that Jairus' daughter, and Lazarus both arose from death. But, there was a difference, when Christ rose from the tomb, he rose to die no more. With the others they died again. Christ, when he rose he "became the first fruits of them that slept" 1Cor 15:20 This was the culminating event of the "declaration" to the Son of God which vindicated his victory over sin and death.

2:5   The hard heart that Paul speaks of is the heart of the man who will not acknowledge the evidence that Jesus is the Messiah.

1:20 Yahweh has left His physical creation, in all its forms, as a witness to His being and to the greatness of His imagination and power. 

With all the sophistication of modern science, no one is able to create a natural item.  Cloning does not count, as it is merely the copying of genetic structure from existing DNA.  This is not original creation, which only Yahweh is able to do.  

To deny creation is to deny the existence of God.  Those who do this will die in their sins.  Those who do recognize God and His creation, and seek to please Him, will live forever (2:7; Heb 11:6).   

1:17 In saying ‘the just shall live by faith’ quoting Hab 2:4 Paul is setting the scene for further discussions about faith being the way to please God as he does in chapter 4.

The Gospel (lesson 1 of 20 from "Outline of Basic Bible Teachings" by Wes Booker)

I. Is it important to know and believe it? Rom 1:15-16;Mark 16:15-16.

II. What is it? Good news or glad tidings concerning the Kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ:

     A. Acts 8:12,25;28:30-31  B. Before his death and resurrection, it was the gospel of the kingdom: 1.) Mark 1:14;Matt 4:17,23 - Jesus preached it. 2.) Luke 9:2,6,11 - the disciples preached it. Yet they didn't know that Jesus had to suffer, die and be raised - Matt 16:21-23. So at that time it was not an essential part of the gospel; afterward it did become an integral part of it. C. The gospel was preached to Abraham - Gal 3:8,16

III. Many churches teach a different gospel - oversimplified. "Jesus died for you - accept this and that's all that's necessary." But see Gal 1:6-9. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things  shall be added unto you." Matt 6:33.   

Eternal Life (lesson 14 of 20 from "Outline of Basic Bible Teachings" by Wes Booker)

I. NOT a present possession - Rom 2:6-7;Gen 3:22; Titus 1:2 compare with Rom 8:24; 1Cor 15:53-54;Matt 19:16-17

II. To be granted after the resurrection of the dead, and at the judgment - Dan 12:2;John 5:28-29;Matt 25:31-34,46

III. Involves the change of the body - Phil 3:20-21;1Cor 15:50-58

IV. Wrested scriptures - 1John 5:13;John 3:36   A. Possible explanations of verses like this in John's writings:  1.) John's special terminology for a QUALITY OF LIFE NOW   2.) See Rom 4:17

1:2 Paul clearly grounds the gospel in the Old Testament.  Therefore, anyone seeking to understand the gospel must read the Old as well as the New Testament.

1:7 This epistle was written 57-58 AD, and was directed to a mainly Gentile ecclesia at Rome. It is not likely that the ecclesia was founded by Paul (or Peter).  Perhaps, converts from the Day of Pentecost went back to Rome and established the ecclesia (Acts 2:10).

Paul was imprisoned twice at Rome: 61-63 AD; 65-67 AD. It is believed that in 67 AD Paul was beheaded by the Emperor Nero.  After that, Nero began persecuting followers of Jesus.

1:26,27 These homosexual practices are recognized and supported by modern society, especially in the western World.  One has to decide whether to believe and serve Yahweh, or to capitulate to a politically correct world.  Salvation is only possible by rejecting these practices and worshipping God.

2:1 Judging in the sense of condemnation is not acceptable, but judging in the sense of discernment is recommended (e.g. 1Cor 10:15; 11:13).

2:28,29 Here, the difference between a natural Jew and a spiritual Jew is highlighted.  All true followers of Jesus are spiritual Jews.

1:21 That the people ‘knew God’ and became vain shows that this part of the letter was written to Jews. Those who did know God. Gentiles did not know Him.

PEOPLE PLEASER OR GOD PLEASER?

Abraham Lincoln said, "You can fool all of the people some of the time, and some of the people all of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time." We could probably interchange the word fool with the word please, and the fact that we cannot please all of the people all of the time would still be true.

Some of us try to please everyone all the time. This is a very difficult road to walk and no matter how hard we try, we are going to fall off it eventually. So if we can't please everyone all the time, then we need to choose who we want to please.

In Paul's day a number of believers tried to please their fellow believers by a show of religion - outward appearances. They kept the law, they were circumcised, dressed appropriately, and kept the Sabbath. This may well have kept a good number of people happy but a show of religion is not what God wants.

Paul explained, "A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man's praise is not from men, but from God." (Rom 2:28-29)

If we cannot please everyone and receive praise from men, let us make it our aim to please God and be praised by him.

1:25  In saying that they ‘changed …’ we have to conclude that Paul is speaking of the ways in which the Jews – those to whom the law of Moses had been given – are the subject being spoken of.

1:13    Paul had been told that he would testify at Rome – Acts 23:11 – probably revealed after the writing of the letter to the Romans – we should conclude that Paul had made a number of attempts to go to Rome to preach but all his personal attempts had been thwarted.

1:18-21           Paul highlights here the great responsibility which rests on the Jews to whom the Scriptures were given. Whereas they thought of themselves as the teachers they needed to know that if they relied on the law of Moses then they were in need of instruction themselves.

LIVE UP TO THE CALLING

Paul may have been "a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God," (Rom 1:1) but to a greater or lesser extent we all are. We are certainly servants of Jesus Christ. After all, it was Jesus that said, "You are my friends if you do what I command." (John 15:14) So as his friends, we are also his servants, but more than a servant. We are his servants because we do what he asks us to do.

Paul was called to be an apostle. We may not own the title of being an apostle, but we are still sent out, as an apostle was sent out, to preach the word in all the world. The command for us to preach was a command of Jesus, so if we are obeying him and have been sent into all the world to preach, we are both a servant and an apostle.

Paul was set apart for the gospel of God. If we have been called by God and have accepted that call, we too have been set apart for a purpose from God. Like Paul, it may be to preach the gospel, it may be to encourage others, to help the poor, or to strengthen any particular facet of our life in Christ.

God has a plan for our life as he had for Paul's. Paul lived up to his calling. His every action showed it. He was a servant, an apostle, and called to preach the gospel. Does our life show our calling from God?

Rom 2:14-16

“For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus....” (ESV).

Conscience is part of the human psyche that will produce either feelings of guilt when we violate our value systems, or produce feelings of well-being when our actions conform to our value systems.  Philosophers, religious leaders, psychologists and a host of others have tried to determine the source of such emotions, and many arrive at different answers.

Conscience is the Greek word, suneidesis, # <4893>, and means “... co-perception, i.e. moral consciousness:-conscience” - in other words, “moral awareness.” A common metaphor used to describe conscience is the “voice within,” or “inner light.” God has designed us with an amazing warning system to help us in avoiding the wrong choices. Its purpose is not to judge us or anyone else.

Our conscience responds to its input, and input is output (cf. Psa 119:11). We are responsible for our input, and if our output is not in conformity with our input, our conscience warns us that what we are doing is wrong. Conscience engages thinking and feeling – the mind and the heart with values and convictions shaped and moulded by God’s Word to bring us in harmony with the Divine will. We can say yes or no to our conscience, and no matter what we think about our own behaviour, God has set a day when He will judge “the secrets of men by Christ Jesus” (cf. Acts 17:31).

Humanity’s good is not good enough. The Jews were busy justifying their own righteousness by wrongly relying on the Law, and the Gentiles sometimes managed to meet God’s requirements as evaluated by their own conscience, but they too fell short.

Please read my notes on 1John:20, June 17^th on the conscience. Thank you.

2:13   Israel were called upon to keep the law. If they did it was their “righteousness” – Deut 6:24-25. However all the law had to be kept all the time – Deut 30:14

2:11     In saying that there is no respect of persons with God Paul is quoting Deut 10:17

2:7     “patient continuance” is not a natural characteristic of humankind. However it is a requirement of all those who would please God. Scripture abounds with examples of men and women who were patient – and who were frustrated because they had to wait. These examples are preserved to encourage us in our walk towards God’s kingdom.

Rom 2:29

“But he is a Jew, (Yahudah) which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.”

The Bible tells us that everyone on earth died except for Noah and his family and all mankind are descended from his three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Ham was the ancestor of the dark-skinned peoples of Africa, Shem of the Hebrews and their various cognates, and Japheth the ancestor of the Medes, Persians, Greeks, and other peoples like the Turks.
The word Hebrew first appears in Gen 14:13 and derived from Heber (Eber), one of Abraham’s ancestors (Gen 11:11-27). The name Israel was given to Isaac’s son, Jacob, forming the nation of Israel. Ishmael, Abraham’s first-born son from an Egyptian woman, Hagar, was disinherited and made the father of the Arab nations.
The Israelites were the descendants of the 12 sons of Israel becoming the twelve tribes of Israel. Approximately in 730 B.C., Shalmaneser, King of Assyria, invaded Israel (2Kin 18:11-13). In verse 13, we read that seven years later the Assyrian army came up against Judah and took them. Only Jerusalem remained under the control of King Hezekiah. Then, in approximately 596 B.C., Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, came and besieged Jerusalem and took the inhabitants, into what is referred to as the Babylonian Captivity.
The majority was placed in the area of the Caucasus Mountains North of their Homeland and became known as the Caucasians. They eventually scattered throughout the ends of the earth as God said they would be if they disobeyed Him (cf. Isa 41:9).
History records that these Israelites and Judahites left the area of the Caucasus Mountains and migrated to various countries in Europe, the British Isles, and Ireland. In the 11^th century they also settled in lands surrounding the Mediterranean, especially Spain, and took on various names. By mid 17^th century, the principle tribes migrated to the United States. Historians say that the tribe of Manasseh settled in the United States and Ephraim in the U.K. Jacob’s name, Israel, was passed on to the House of Joseph, namely his children Manasseh and Ephraim. To them was the birthright given and not to Judah (1Chron 5:1,2) – two great nations, gentilized, paganized, and apostazied, but will be made great again.
Scripture deals with the Hebrews, Israelites, and Judahites, so where does the word Jew come from? The word Jew is first found in 2Kin 16:6; 25:25. It is incorrectly translated as Jew throughout Scripture, and ought to read Judahites - the people of the tribe of Judah only. Yahudah, whose name means praise, was the fourth son of Leah by Jacob (Gen 29:35). Instead of being referred to as Israelites as they were before their split from the 10 tribes, Judah and Benjamin were now incorrectly given the name of Jews – claimed as an abbreviated form for Judah. The word Jew is not found in the Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek ancient texts. This translation comes from the Latin word Judaeus, as translated from the Hebrew word Yahudah, and from the Greek word, Ioudaios, and from the Aramaic word, Yahudain. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jew_(word)/
The problem is that Jew is not a race, but a creed. Someone who is a Baptist, it is not a race; it is that person’s religion. Furthermore, up until the 16^th century, the letter “J” was not used, but the “Y” so that Judah is actually Yahudah! Y was incorrectly changed to J in our English Bibles and erroneously formed the word Jew! Likewise, every J found in the Bible (e.g. Jesus is not Jesus, but Yahshua).

Today, we have two groups of Jews who are politically, socially, and racially divided. The one group is the Ashkenazi-Khazar Jews, who comprise approximately 90% of all the worlds Jews, the other the Sephardic Jews (Sephardim) who live in the Iberian Peninsula (Spain, Portugal) or descended from them. The Ashkenazi descended from Noah’s son, Japheth, not Shem. They are not Semites (cf. Gen 10:2,3; 1Chron 1:6).
Around the 8^th century, one of the surrounding nations, Khazaria, highly pagan, decided to adopt a more advanced monotheistic religion when their kingdom fell, and adopted Judaism in 740 A.D. while still embracing many of their pagan practices. These Ashkenazim Jews, who claim they are Jews but are not, are descendants of the ancient Central European nation of Khazaria! “The Medieval Hebrew name for northern Europe and Germany, Ashkenaz was centered on the Rhineland and the Palatinate (notably Worms and Speyer), in what is now the westernmost part of Germany” They speak Yiddish, not the pure Hebrew language as we know it, and they comprise the majority of the Jews today! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yiddish/
DNA tests conducted by several different research scientists confirm this. https://socioecohistory.wordpress.com/2013/03/16/new-dna-research-confirms-that-modern-khazarian-jews-are-not-the-descendants-of-ancient-isrealites-or-the-seed-of-abraham//
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Invention_of_the_Jewish_People/
The following wrote on the Ashkenazi Jews and of DNA evidence that verifies they are not descended from the Biblical Yahudahites:
“Professor of Medieval Jewish History, A.N. Poliak at Tel Aviv University identifies the Ashkenazi Jews in his book Khazaria (1944, 1951).
American Historian Professor Dunlop of Columbia University in his article on the Khazars in the Encyclopaedia Judaica (1971).
Noam Chomsky in his book, Fateful Triangle.
Arthur Koestler in his masterpiece, The Thirteenth Tribe.
Professor Heinrich H. Graetz in his History of the Jews, p. 141 (1891-98).
Soviet archaeologist, M. I. Artamonov, in Istoria Khazar.
Benjamin Freedman in Facts are Facts.
Chief Rabbi of the United States, the late Steven S. Wise, affirmed that barely any so-called Jew is an Israelite let alone Semitic.
While we read and hear of vehement anti-Semitic accusations leveled against those not of the Semitic race (Shem), the fact is that several scientists conducting their own research have all come to the same conclusion. Even more importantly, Scripture cannot be denied.
These Jews have no relationship to the Hebrew or the Greek word translated Jew, as used in both the Old and New Covenants in Scripture. The word is associated in terms of their religion and has nothing to do with their ethnicity or race. While the word, Jew, has become synonymous with the Israelites and the tribe of Judah, Scripturally speaking, Yisraelites, they are not from the tribe of Yahudah, nor are they from the tribe of Yisrael. They believe they are Jews (Judahites), but are not real Jews (Judahites). The fact is that the word Judahite did not apply to the Northern Kingdom at all and it never has. We read in Encyclopedia Judaica, Vol 10, p. 21, “From the division of Israel and Judah, the term Yehudi applied to all the residents of the Southern Kingdom, irrespective of tribal status.”
However, included among them are true Israelites and Judahites, and only Yahweh knows who they really are. Yahweh who scattered them will also gather them, and it is for the sake of this remnant that Yahweh created the nation of Israel in 1948. Yahweh is keeping His covenanted promise to Abraham and to his seed, which includes us who have embraced the faith of Abraham and embraced His son, Yahshua the Messiah (cf. Gen 12:3 cp. Gal 3:29).

1:32        Doubtless most of us at one time or another, despair of our potential salvation. This despair can be triggered by our repeated sinfulness following sinful traits over and over again. This verse might even come to mind as we think of ourselves and wonder “do I take pleasure in sin?” I think it is probable in most cases that we do not. This verse speaks of those who make a habit of sinning with no regard to the consequences.

1:26  When Paul write of God giving them up he is quoting Psa 81:12. The context of the Psalm indicates that eventually, after much work on His part, there comes a time when God sees no possibility of repentance and so leaves people to their own devices. 

Rom 1:3

“Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh.”