lesson two without excuse Romans 1:18 32 Background: Last week, we looked at Paul s initial greeting to the church in Rome and the key verses, Romans 1:16 17. This week, we will begin looking at Paul s argument of how the Gospel of God is the power that brings about salvation. Reflection: What most encouraged or convicted you last week concerning the power of the Gospel or the revelation of God s righteousness through the faith of believers? Wrath The wrath [Greek orge anger, indignation, vengeance, wrath, violent passion, justifiable abhorrence, punishment (11x in Romans)] of God is revealed from Heaven against sinners who suppress the truth, reject God and His wisdom, pursue lust and degrading passions, and heartily approve sin in others (Romans 1:18 32). God loves His creation and creatures, yet is angered by the devastating impact of sin and the pain, destruction, and death that sin causes (Romans 8:18 23). God is holy, and sin and pride are an offense to His holiness. God is willing to demonstrate His wrath and to make His power known, yet He is presently patiently enduring sin and sinners [vessels of wrath destined for destruction] in order to make known the riches of His glory and mercy upon those who will believe [vessels of mercy destined for glory] (Romans 9:22 26; 2 Peter 3:7 9). Ultimately, the cup of God s wrath will be full, and divine wrath and judgment will be poured out on sinners, nations, tribes, and all who oppose Him and oppress His people (Romans 2:5, 8; Revelation 11:18). God s past wrath was expressed against Israel s disobedience in the wilderness, in the Babylonian exile, and in their worldwide dispersion in AD 70 (Deuteronomy 9:19; Lamentations 4:11; Isaiah 42:25; Hebrews 3:11; 4:3). God s present anger is expressed against Israel for killing the Lord Jesus and the prophets and for persecuting the early church (Romans 9:22; 1 Thessalonians 2:14 16). Yet God is preserving a remnant and will revenge and restore Israel, reserving His wrath for His enemies (Romans 9:27; 11:5, 25 32; Nahum 1:2). Other expressions of wrath in the Bible include: The wrath of human government administering justice as a minister of God (Romans 13:4 5) The wrath of the Law is expressed in violations and consequences (Romans 4:15) The wrath of the Gentiles toward the Jews during Israel s worldwide dispersion (Luke 21:20 24) The wrath of the nations in opposition to God during the Tribulation (Revelation 11:18) The wrath of Satan, after his expulsion from Heaven, in persecuting Israel and believers on earth during the Tribulation (Revelation 12:12 17) The wrath of the Lamb in judgment against the nations (Revelation 6:15 17) The wrath of God in judgment upon those who worship the Antichrist (Revelation 14:10, 19; 15:1, 7) God s present wrath abides on those who disobey the Lord Jesus in His Gospel (John 3:36). continued on next page... 21
We were all by nature children of wrath, yet now believers are exhorted to reflect Christ by putting away anger, wrath, malice, and abusive speech (Ephesians 2:3; 4:31; Colossians 3:8). Be slow to anger, for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God (James 1:19 20). Be angry and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger (Ephesians 4:26 27). Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God (Romans 12:19). Pray for God s mercy in the time of His anger (Psalm 6:1 2). Remember that a gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger (Proverbs 15:1). Believers should rejoice in God s promise that they shall be saved from wrath through Him (Romans 5:9; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 5:9). The unsaved should heed God s warning to flee the wrath to come (Matthew 3:7; 1 Thessalonians 2:16). Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. Romans 5:9, NASB 22
days one and two read Romans 1:18 32 Rather than diving right into an exposition of the Gospel of God, Paul presents a side discussion in Romans 1:18 3:20. In this section, he lays out the foundation for his discussion of the Gospel by showing the universal nature of sin. All of humanity have sinned and therefore need the righteousness of God revealed through the Gospel. The purpose of this section is to shine a spotlight on the very nature of sin that all humanity shares. The glory of the Gospel shines brightest against the backdrop of humanity s depravity. And we do not and cannot realize our desperate need for the grace and righteousness of God revealed through the Gospel until we first realize the sin nature revealed in our own flesh. 1. Re-read the Word Box on Wrath at the beginning of this lesson. What was significant to you? You may want to refer back to this several times while doing this lesson. Digging Deeper: Read the following verses concerning God s wrath (to get the context, you may need to read a few verses before and after). Summarize what you learn. How does this help you understand the wrath referred to in 1:18? Matthew 3:7 Luke 21:23 Romans 2:5, 8 9 Romans 9:22 Romans 12:19 Romans 13:4 Ephesians 5:6 Colossians 3:6 1 Thessalonians 1:10 1 Thessalonians 2:16 1 Thessalonians 5:9 Hebrews 3:11 Hebrews 4:3 Revelation 6:16 17 Revelation 11:18, 14:10 Revelation 16:19, 19:15 2. Read Romans 1:17 23. In these verses, Paul explains that both God s righteousness and His wrath are revealed. Compare and contrast the descriptions of those who receive the revelation of His righteousness and those who receive the revelation of His wrath. 3. In your own words, explain how God s divine attributes are clearly seen through His creation and how all men are without excuse before God. 23
4. Read Romans 1:17 18. For some, the ideas of a loving and righteous God and a God who pours out wrath on anyone are diametrically opposed. How would you explain how God s divine attributes (i.e., love, justice, and mercy) go together and cannot be separated? 5. Sharing: Notice that God reveals His righteousness and His provision for salvation (Romans 1:16 17) before He reveals His wrath (Romans 1:18). Explain what that truth means to you personally. 6. How have you seen the truth of God suppressed both in and out of the church setting? 7. Read Romans 1:21 23, 25. How would you explain the temptation of man to worship creation rather than the Creator? 8. Read Jeremiah 10:1 18. Contrast the folly of idol worship with the glory of the living God. 9. Sharing: What are some things or people that you have allowed to be idols in your own life by placing them above God in your thoughts, actions, affections, or desires? Based on what you read in Jeremiah 10:1 18, why is it foolish to turn to these false gods over the true and living God? 10. Any discussion of the wrath of God that will be poured out on sinners should drive us to our knees in prayer for those who have not accepted the Good News of the Gospel of Christ. Think of three people you know who do not yet know God. Commit to praying for their salvation this week. Read through appendix F on the Gospel for ways to share your faith. 24
day three read Romans 1:18 32 1. Three times in this passage, Paul describes exchanges leading to severe consequences. He explains that God gave the people over because of sin and that they experienced a resulting consequence. Fill in the details in the table below. They exchanged for God gave them over to Consequence 2. Ephesians 4:17 32 is a parallel passage. Read through this passage and contrast the former way of life (vv. 17 19) with life in Christ (vv. 21 32). 3. Romans 1:24, 26, and 28 states that God gave them over. Read also James 1:13 15. Based on these passages, how would you explain what this means (and what it doesn t mean) with respect to temptation and sin? 4. Sharing: Think of a time when God, a parent, a teacher, or some other authority allowed you (i.e., handed you over) to do exactly what you wanted, usually against his or her better judgment. What were the results? What did you learn from the experience? 25
days four and five read Romans 1:18 32 1. Paul finishes this section with a more extensive list of sinful behaviors in which the people were involved. List what you find in verses 28 31. 2. Paul presents a similar works of the flesh list in Galatians 5. Read Galatians 5:19 23. Contrast the fruit of the flesh (verses 19 21) with the fruit of the Spirit (verses 22 23). 3. The word translated as depraved in Romans 1:28 can also be translated as unqualified, worthless, or base. Read the following verses and note what you find concerning the meaning of this word. How does this help you understand a broader meaning of the verse? 1 Corinthians 9:27 2 Corinthians 13:5 7 2 Timothy 3:8 Titus 1:16 Hebrews 6:8 4. How do you see these characteristics exhibited and even increasing in our society? 5. Sharing: Paul s purpose in presenting these lists is not condemnation leading to shame but conviction leading to repentance. Remember that this discussion, Romans 1:18 3:20, is bookended by a discussion of the Gospel of Christ, which is the power for salvation. How does that affect the way in which you read this passage and your attitude toward those represented here? 26
6. Sharing: You may have seen yourself reflected in one or more areas of these descriptions of the unrighteous. Read 1 Corinthians 6:9 11. Remembering how you were before you came to Christ, express what it means to you that you have been washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of Jesus. If you have not yet come to Christ, express what it would mean to be freed from those things in your life. 7. Read Romans 1:32b. How do you see this reflected in our world today? 8. What has most encouraged or convicted you while studying this lesson? personal response to God It is often tempting when studying passages that deal with sin to ignore the Holy Spirit s tugging on our own hearts and instead focus our thoughts on everyone else we know who fits the description. But in a way, that is exchanging the truth of God for a lie that we want to believe about ourselves. Take some time to pray and meditate over these verses, asking the Holy Spirit to shine a light on any area of rebellion or sin that still resides in your heart. But do not stop there. That only provides an opportunity for the enemy to attack you with shame. Repent and thank God that you have been washed, sanctified, and justified by the blood of Christ. 27