A True Knowing – Part 3

Subtitle: Retaining God in Our Knowledge

“And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, (epignōsis) God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting.” (Romans 1:28)

The Greek word for retain is echo and means “to have, i.e. to hold.” It carries the idea of personal possession. It also can mean the strong bond of blood or marriage. These people rejected God, choosing to not hold on to Him any longer. I cannot think of anything sadder.

As is the case with all serious study of the Bible the context must be considered. In the verses leading up to the one above Paul showed the downward spiral of sin that led to them not retaining God in their knowledge. Back in verse 18 Paul says that these people:

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.” The Greek word for suppress there is katechō and it means “to hold back, detain.” Think of riot police who are tasked with holding back a crowd of people. Likewise, these people forcefully hold back God in their lives. They keep Him at a distance.

Paul goes on to say that despite their suppression of the truth that God is clearly seen in nature. “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.” (v.20) It is no wonder people these days are surrounded by digital worlds that shield them from creation – and the Creator. Do yourself and your family a favor and spend time outside. You will see God.

These people also exchanged the truth of God for a lie. “who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.” (v.25) This can apply to the worship of animals or even other humans. We live in a celebrity culture where these people are worshipped. It should not be so. We should only reverence God in that way.

We have the same choices as the people Paul describes. We can either retain God in our knowledge or we can choose to not hold onto Him. We can suppress the truth or we can welcome the person of Truth. Truth can be exchanged for a lie or vice versa. Let us not think we are immune to the things Paul is talking about here.

Let’s flip things for a second and think positive. We have the opportunity to retain God in our knowledge. We can hold on to His truth and not let go. Instead of suppressing the truth we can open the floodgates! Instead of exchanging the truth for a lie we can reject all lies and embrace the Truth!