HotSermons
educate equip enable
Rom 1:18-25 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, (19) because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. (20) 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, (21) because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. (22) Professing to be wise, they became fools, (23) and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man; and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. (24) Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonour their bodies among themselves, (25) who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
The gospel is God's answer to the problem of sin. Here in Romans 1:18-25, Paul establishes the fact that all of humanity is accountable to God. No one can plead ignorance because everyone has wilfully rejected God as the true Master and Creator.
Paul asserts that the knowledge of God is there for all to see. The problem is that people don't want to see.
Verse 18: God manifests His anger against human ungodliness and unrighteousness. In other words, God hates sin.
Verse 18: No, the truth has been knowingly suppressed.
Verse 19-20: Many of God's attributes have been clearly revealed to all humanity by God Himself. More specifically, God's invisible attributes including His eternal power and Godhead, have been revealed in creation. This leaves all humanity without excuse; no one can claim never to have had an opportunity to know God.
Verse 21-25: People generally: (1) Do not glorify God, even though creation demonstrates that He is all-powerful; (2) Are not thankful to God, even though creation demonstrates that He is caring; (3) Allow their thoughts to be futile (this word means powerless or unsuccessful) and their hearts to be darkened, even though God's creation of all things reveals that He has a proprietary claim on everything, including humans; (4) Profess to be wise, even though creation reveals the superior wisdom of an all-knowing God; (5) Worship man-made idols, even though creation reveals the existence of God.
This is not a description of people who are merely blinded by sin (although that is true), but it describes an entire race who are making choices that leave God out, and refuse to submit to His as their rightful ruler. This is an issue of Lordship.
Verse 24: God gives them up to their own uncleanness and lusts. "To give up to" means to put into the hands of. In other words, since humanity has chosen idolatry, futility, darkness and rebellion, in preference to acknowledging who God is and His legitimate claims, God has allowed them to see where that leads by yielding them into the power of sin.
Paul will later on show the remedy to this situation.
Why is God's anger against sin justified? Why do you think He hates sin so much?
Give practical examples of how the various attributes of God are demonstrated in His creation. For example, His wisdom, His power, His love, His humility.
Why do you think people choose to reject the revelation of God in creation?
What are some modern day examples of idolatry?
If you like these Expository Bible Studies, don't forget to check out our Topical Bible Studies too.