Your February 18th Expository Sermon

Confronting the Reality of God's Wrath and Human Sin -- Romans 1:18-32

Sermon Outline: [NOTE to Paid subscribers — scroll down for the full manuscript sermon].

Confronting the Reality of God's Wrath and Human Sin – Romans 1:18-32

Introduction: As we dig deeper into Romans 1, verses 18-32 present a stark yet essential truth. Here, Paul unveils the reality of God's wrath against human sinfulness. This passage, often challenging to confront, is crucial for understanding the depth of our need for salvation and the seriousness with which God views sin.

I. The Revelation of God's Wrath (Romans 1:18)

• Divine Displeasure Revealed: Paul begins with the sobering truth that God's wrath is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men. This wrath is not capricious but a righteous response to moral corruption and the suppression of truth.

II. Suppression of Truth and Consequences (Romans 1:19-20)

• Inherent Knowledge of God: Despite having an inherent knowledge of God, people suppress the truth. Paul argues that what can be known about God is plain to them, as God has shown it to them.

• Creation's Testimony: The invisible attributes, eternal power, and divine nature of God are clearly perceived in the things that have been made. This leaves humanity without excuse for their disbelief and ingratitude.

III. The Folly of Idolatry (Romans 1:21-23)

• Decline into Idolatry: Although they knew God, they did not honor Him or give thanks. Their thinking became futile, and their hearts darkened. This decline is marked by exchanging the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and creatures.

IV. Destructive Consequences of Rejecting God (Romans 1:24-27)

• God's Response to Rebellion: In response to this rebellion, God gives them up to the lusts of their hearts and dishonorable passions. This includes the degrading of their bodies and the exchange of natural relations for those contrary to nature.

• Perversion and Penalty: The text starkly describes the consequences of abandoning God's design for sexuality, resulting in dishonor and a due penalty for their error.

V. A Catalog of Human Sinfulness (Romans 1:28-32)

• Debased Mind and Actions: As they did not see fit to acknowledge God, He gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. This is followed by a litany of vices that characterize a life opposed to God's will.

• Knowing Judgment, Yet Persisting in Sin: They not only practice such things but give approval to those who practice them, fully aware of God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death.

Conclusion: Romans 1:18-32 confronts us with the harsh reality of human sinfulness and the consequential wrath of God. This passage is a vivid reminder of the world's state apart from Christ and the grave consequences of rejecting the Creator. As we reflect on these truths, let us be driven not to despair but to a deeper appreciation of the salvation we have in Jesus Christ. It compels us to live in a manner worthy of the gospel, extending the hope and love of Christ to a world deeply ensnared in sin and yearning for redemption. Amen.

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