Study of Romans (2)

Wrath of God

The Book of Romans 1. An Ignorance without Defense (Romans 1:18–20)

Paul, in setting out to prove that the heathen world stands condemned before God, knows he will encounter an argument based on the ignorance of the heathen. He proceeds, therefore, to show that the world’s ignorance of God is inexcusable.

Paul starts out very pointed and strong - “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven” - he does not explain the how just the act “wrath”;

But what does wrath mean - anger, a state of fury or punishment - there has been repeat examples of God’s righteous judgement throughout the Bible;

Yet even with this awareness man still chose to reject God’s truth - man chose to conceal it, suppress it, ignore it, or right out reject it;

Why is it that a man in one sentence may say they are afraid of the darkness while at the same time allow himself to be drawn into darkness - understand Paul had this same struggle so let’s turn to Romans 7:19;

We, self included, my doing things we shouldn’t thinking or hoping not to get caught.

The Book of Romans An Unrighteous Concealment (Verse 18b)

The picture is that of one who “keeps the lid on” something he would rather ignore, all the while busily involving himself in the wicked deeds that would be so unpleasantly exposed as evil if he would just let the truth out. Man does not want to let the truth out.

Knowing God

God made Himself known to man through conscience and creation from the very beginning - yet man has chosen to push away from Him from the very beginning;

Through the creation of the world God has made Himself very well known and revealed;

Things about God are revealed in nature, God gave man the ability to see His revealing, and God did all this in a purposeful fashion - God wanted and still wants to be known;

God has made His presence very well known in everything around us - therefore this should cause man to seek out the Who behind the seen.

Wilful Departure

As we look at v. 21 Paul begins to share the third explanation for their inexcusable actions towards God;

Paul points out first that there was failure to be grateful to God, or glorify Him, when He makes Himself know;

Second Paul points to empty and worthless imaginations, being drawn to darkness and resisting - or even turning form the truth;

Third Paul shares about preference for human knowledge (wisdom) over spiritual understanding which leads to spiritual ignorance;

Fourth Paul shares there is perversion of understanding when it comes to knowing God;

Robert Picirilli in his commentary on The Book of Romans makes this point:

The Book of Romans The Change (Verses 21–23)

Let it be said that the “apostasy” referred to here is universal and that from two points of view. In the first place, this has happened (past tense) in the history of the race in a sort of a once-for-all series of events. Beginning with the original knowledge possessed by Adam, even after the fall, the human race has departed from that knowledge so that many heathen are now in abject spiritual darkness.

The Book of Romans The Change (Verses 21–23)

But from another point of view, the “apostasy” Paul describes here continues to happen (present tense) in an ever-repeating cycle from place to place and time to time. Over and over again the process Paul outlines has repeated itself with individuals or communities or countries or nations. It has been often true that men have known God, but have wilfully departed from the knowledge and chosen perversion in preference.

Consequences

There are always consequences to our actions - yes even once your saved some consequences remain;

By falling into a willful departure from God we will begin to forsake God because of the spiritual darkness that over takes our head and heart - let’s look at Ephesians 4:17-19;

The further away we move from our spiritual awakening the more we will replace God’s image with our desired idolatry.