Without Excuse

Introduction

ILLUSTRATION

It is true that not everyone has a full knowledge of the Gospel message. This raises the question of what we will be held accountable to. Most agree that it doesn't seem fair that God would hold us accountable for matters of which we are ignorant. First, it goes WITHOUT saying that God is always just and fair. But I don't think it's accurate to suggest that God will only hold us accountable for what we do know. It would be more accurate to say that He holds us accountable for what we could have known. For there is often much we could know, if only we cared!

For example: Try telling the kind folks at the DMV that you don't think it's fair that you failed the test because you didn't study beforehand. See how far that gets you. Likewise, there are many people who could know the truth if they cared to search it out. The fact that they don't care enough isn't much of an EXCUSE at the DMV or before God.

APPLICATION

God not only holds us accountable for what we know, He also holds us accountable for what we could have known, if only we cared. Not knowing is inexcusable when it’s willful ignorance.

Romans 1:18–25 ESV

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. 24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, 25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.

1. God’s wrath falls upon all unrighteousness. (1:18)

Romans 1:18 ESV

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.

What is unrighteousness?

It is the act of defying God. It is any action that breaks the commandments of God.

Examples:

• Disobeying a parent.

• Lying

• Stealing

• Not giving God our full attention

• Not worshiping the Lord with other church members

• Sex outside of marriage.

Ultimately, unrighteousness is the act of defying, rebelling against God and his laws.

What is God’s wrath?

“God’s present wrath anticipates his final withdrawal from those who do not respond to his love.”[1]

2. God has revealed himself to all the unrighteous. (1:19-20)

Romans 1:19–20 ESV

19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.

How has God revealed himself?

A. God’s invisible attributes reveal him.

I. Eternal Power of God

II. Divine Nature of God

III. Power of Creation of God

Why are they without excuse?

A. Because God has revealed himself through creation, everyone who rejects God is held accountable.

3. God surrendered the unrighteous to their sickness. (1:21-25)

Romans 1:21–25 ESV

21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. 24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, 25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.

A. The people knew God but rejected him. (21)

B. Because they rejected God, they became fools. (21-22)

C. Because they rejected God, they worshipped idols. (23)

D. Because they rejected God, they were filled with immorality. (24)

E. Because they rejected God, they believed a lie. (25)

F. Because they rejected God, they are filled with darkness. (21-25)

Conclusion

Closing Illustration: John Piper Ask Pastor John in response to a listener struggling with knowing if God is real. Says:

So the answer to Chris’s question is that his experience and the experience of atheists is real. Darkness is real. Blindness is real. And the Bible is true. He knows God. All atheists know God. And the most wonderful thing is God overcomes the suppressing darkness by his power. “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6).

If we are struggling with the question of if God is real, does God really exist. We can begin with asking God to reveal himself to us because deep down. We know that God really does exist. We have simply surpassed the truth in our hearts.

[1] Robert H. Mounce, Romans, vol. 27, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1995), 77.