"God's Wrath" (Part 1)

God has revealed His righteous because God has revealed His wrath against mankind's rejection of the truth of God revealed in creation and mankind's subsequent sin.

Let’s not forget about God’s wrath.

With all the emphasis on God’s love.

God’s wrath is just as real and just as important - without wrath, no love.

The righteousness of God is revealed (v. 17)

Why?

How do people suppress the truth?

Why are people without excuse?

Why is the righteousness of God revealed? (v. 18)

The answer is stated by Paul in verse 18 then elaborated upon by Paul all the way through verse 32.

For part 1 we’re just going through verse 23. For part 2 we will continue through the end, verse 32.

The wrath of God is revealed.

This is how God feels about something and how He responds to something.

God’s wrath is different than our usual wrath in reason (correct) and response (controlled/appropriate).

What is His reason?

“Ungodliness” - what they are (wickedness), against/anti-God

“Unrighteousness” - what they do (wrongfulness), sin

“Of men” - in general because this is what mankind is in general.

God has a reason - He hates sin and must respond appropriately (Ephesians 5:6).

Ephesians 5:6 ESV

Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.

What is His response?

“Revealed” - unveil, uncover, make manifest or clear (present tense, though it is used of future judgement)

This revealing is stated in verses 24, 26, and 28.

Notice Paul goes on about what mankind is ultimately doing...

“Suppress” - to hold fast/down, withhold, to have/restrain, to hold down, to keep within limits

To see/know the truth, but to reject/deny truth - about God.

How do people know the truth? (answered in vv. 19-20)

How do people deny the truth? (answered in vv. 21-23)

How do people know the truth? (vv. 19-20)

Truth - about God (“know about God” v. 19).

How would you summarize these 2 verses?

It is plain to see in the visible world.

The truth about God they can see...

“Eternal power” - His ability that He has always had, what He could always do

“Divine nature” - the quality of being God, not human or of this world, who He is

How is this seen?

“Since the creation of the world”

“In the things that have been made” (Psalm 19:1)

Psalm 19:1 ESV

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.

It is plain/evident to/within them = they know

How do people deny the truth? (vv. 21-23)

“Knew God” - not as this is used of having a relationship with God...

But, in context, as referred to in verse 19.

They do not honor God.

“Honor” - glorify, reverence, respect, treat as worthy, appropriately acknowledge

So, what they think (“thinking” - speculating, reasoning) and what the believe (“heart”) is all messed up.

“Futile” - vain, misguided

“Foolish” & “darkened” - deceived

They think they are wise, but…(Psalm 14:1)

Psalm 14:1 ESV

The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good.

They have to come up with an alternative - idolatry (v. 23).

Why? Because the creation/world is too obvious - powerful and divine/supernatural

So they have to worship/exalt it, since they reject the Creator.

Evolution, myths, legends, religions, false gods, etc.

The world is living in a state of denial.

Next time: Part 2 - How is God’s wrath revealed? (vv. 24-32)

What does this have to do with us?

If we know better, then we should live better.

We’re not in denial, but do we live like it? (v. 5, 16)

This should be a foundational part of our worldview.

“Or give thanks” (v. 21)

Benediction: Romans 11:33–36 “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.”