Emptiness in outcome (ματαιόω)
In Romans 1:21 the reasoning of those who reject God is described as having an emptiness in outcome (ματαιόω). Because they were not thankful, nor desired to express a proper opinion of God, their foolish hearts were darkened. They professed themselves to be wise, but in reality are foolish.
Today we still see this same emptiness in outcome from the reasoning of those who reject God, for His wrath is upon all who are ungodly and unrighteous, suppressing the truth in unrighteousness (Romans 1:18).
The Lord knows the reasonings of the wise of this world, that they have an emptiness in outcome. The wisdom of this world is foolishness to God. He catches them in their own craftiness as they think themselves to be wise; therefore, no one should boast in men (1 Corinthians 3:20).
When Paul and Barnabas brought the gospel to Lystra, the people's response to Paul healing a man was very disturbing, for they—thinking them to be gods—sought to offer sacrifices to them. But Paul rebuked them for this, stating that they were merely men with the same nature, and were preaching that they turn from this emptiness of outcome unto the living God (Acts 14:15).
The importance of the resurrection of Christ in salvation cannot be overstated. All false gospels either diminish this fact or leave it out altogether. Messages such as “Accept Jesus into your heart,” “Make Jesus the Lord of your life,” and the sinner’s prayer all ignore both His death for sins and His resurrection. Yet, if Christ is not raised, then our faith has an emptiness of outcome (1 Corinthians 15:17). However, the reality is that Christ has indeed been raised and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep (1 Corinthians 15:20).
As those who belong to God, we are to avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law, for they are unprofitable and empty in outcome for the grace believer (Titus 3:9). Those who are divisive we are to reject—after admonishing them a second time—for they are warped and sinning, being self-condemned (Titus 3:10–11).
The tongue requires maturity to control. If anyone thinks himself to be religious, but does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his own heart, and his religion has an emptiness of outcome (James 1:26).
We have not been redeemed with corruptible things like silver or gold from our empty conduct, but with the precious blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:18). Therefore, as obedient children, not conforming to our former cravings, let us be holy as He is holy, for we now belong to God.
Even the earth has a hope of redemption when the sons of God are manifested. For it was subjected to emptiness of outcomes (futility) because of Adam’s sin. Now the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs as it awaits its deliverance (Romans 8:20–22).
The Israelites suffered at the hands of false prophets, just as the Church is now infiltrated by false teachers. They secretly bring in destructive heresies, denying the Lord. They attribute lies to the way of the truth, and many will follow their destructive ways. These are men and women who speak great swelling words of emptiness, alluring through the strong desires of the flesh and licentiousness—promising worldly wealth and basing one's relationship with God on material possessions. Through these empty words, they draw in those who have escaped from those who live in error, promising liberty while they themselves are enslaved to corruption (2 Peter 2:18).
Now that we have been saved, let us no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles, in the emptiness of their minds, having their thoughts darkened, being alienated from the life of God through their own ignorance and the blindness of their heart (Ephesians 4:17). We have not so learned Christ, for we are to put off our former conduct and be renewed in the spirit of our minds, putting on the new man, who is created in righteousness and the piety of the truth (Ephesians 4:20–24).