Some people have a really filthy mind, know what I mean? The phrase “reprobate mind” is found in Romans 1:28 in reference to those whom God has rejected as godless and wicked. They “suppress the truth by their wickedness,” and it is upon these people that the wrath of God rests (Romans 1:18). The Greek word translated “reprobate” in the New Testament is adokimos, which means literally “unapproved, that is, rejected; by implication, worthless (literally or morally).”
Paul describes two men named Jannes and Jambres as those who “resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith” (2 Timothy 3:8). Here the reprobation is regarding the resistance to the truth because of corrupt minds. In Titus, Paul also refers to those whose works are reprobate: “They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate” (Titus 1:16). Therefore, the reprobate mind is one that is corrupt and worthless.
As we can see in the verses above, people who have a “filthy” mind have some knowledge of God, but they could care less about thinking OR doing that which is right and proper. Reprobates are those whom God has rejected and has left to their own wicked ways.
Can a Christian have a reprobate mind? Someone who has sincerely accepted Jesus Christ by faith will not have this mindset because the old person with a reprobate mind has been recreated into a new creation: “The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Do you know someone with a “reprobate” mindset? Pray for them! They need the power and presence of God in their life. Don’t encourage or endorse their behavior. Sometimes, they smugly think they are amusing. They are not, far from it. As the old saying goes; “Love the sinner, hate the sin!” Limit the time you spend with them because “bad company corrupts good character!” We don’t help others by becoming part of their moral or spiritual dilemmas.