Scripture References: Romans 1:16-32 (Main); Psalm 2; John 3:16-21, 36; Ephesians 2:1-5; Exodus 34:6-7; 2 Peter 3:8-10
Intro: Continuing our "And 5,6,7,8" series through Romans, this sermon tackles the challenging passage of Romans 1:18-32, focusing on the revelation of God's wrath. While Paul begins with the glorious Good News (v. 16-17), he immediately follows with this difficult truth. Understanding the bad news of God's just wrath is necessary to fully appreciate the profound Good News of His grace and salvation in Jesus.
Key Points:
- The Gospel & Righteousness from God (v. 16-17): Paul is unashamed of the Gospel (Good News about Jesus). It is God's power for salvation for all who believe, revealing a righteousness from God, received by faith.
- The Revelation of Wrath (v. 18-20): Immediately after, Paul states God's wrath is also revealed from heaven. It's revealed against human ungodliness and unrighteousness, specifically the act of suppressing the truth. God's eternal power and divine nature are clearly perceived through creation, leaving humanity "without excuse."
- The Root Cause: Rejection and Idolatry (v. 21-23): Though humans knew God (through general revelation), they refused to honor or thank Him. This led to futile thinking, darkened hearts, and foolishly exchanging the Creator's glory for created images.
- The Consequence: God "Gave Them Up" (v. 24, 26, 28): This repeated phrase describes God's passive wrath. As humanity persisted in rejecting truth and embracing idolatry, God withdrew aspects of His restraining grace, giving them over to the natural consequences of their choices: impurity, dishonorable passions, and a debased mind leading to widespread sin (v. 29-32).
- Understanding God's Wrath:
- Necessary Context for Gospel: Without grasping the deserved wrath, the Cross seems unnecessary (bonfire vs. burning house rescue analogy).
- Just, Not Capricious: God's wrath isn't like volatile human anger. It's His settled, righteous, just opposition to objective evil (J.I. Packer). Humanity stands without excuse.
- Consistent Character (OT & NT): The God of wrath is the same God of love throughout Scripture. Don't pit Jesus against the Father.
- Compatible with Love: God's wrath against evil stems from His love for righteousness and justice. Indifference to evil is unloving.
- Slow to Anger: God is patient, desiring repentance (Ex 34:6, 2 Pet 3:9), not wanting any to perish.
- The Fear of the Lord is Refuge (Psalm 2): A right understanding of God's holy opposition to sin doesn't drive us away but motivates us to run to Him for refuge in Christ.
Conclusion: Romans 1 presents the sobering reality of God's just wrath against human sin, rooted in our suppression of truth and idolatry. Understanding this necessary "bad news"—that we stand accountable before a holy God—is crucial for appreciating the depth, power, and sheer grace of the "Good News" of salvation offered freely through Jesus Christ.
Call to Action: Don't avoid or minimize the biblical teaching on God's wrath. See it as His righteous response to sin. Allow this understanding to fuel gratitude for the cross, where Christ absorbed that wrath for us. Flee from wrath by taking refuge in Jesus through repentance and faith.
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