In this sermon, we examine Paul's description of the immoral pagan in Romans 1:18-32. This passage reveals God's wrath against human wickedness and godlessness, emphasizing the universal need for salvation. Paul makes it clear that even those who appear to have no knowledge of God are without excuse, as God's qualities are evident in creation.
Today, we explore Romans 1:18-32, where Paul addresses the immoral pagan, emphasizing the universality of sin and the need for salvation through the gospel.
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The Reason for God's Wrath: God's wrath is revealed from heaven against all godlessness and wickedness of people who suppress the truth by their wickedness. Despite knowing God through His creation, people neither glorify Him nor give thanks to Him. Their thinking becomes futile, and their hearts are darkened. They exchange the glory of the immortal God for images of created beings, leading to idolatry and further sin.
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The Result of God's Wrath: God's response to human sinfulness is to "give them over" to their sinful desires. This phrase appears three times in the passage, indicating different stages of God's judgment:
- Sexual Impurity: People are given over to sexual impurity, degrading their bodies with one another.
- Shameful Lusts: God gives them over to shameful lusts, including unnatural relations between men and women.
- Depraved Mind: Finally, God gives them over to a depraved mind, leading to a litany of sins including greed, envy, murder, deceit, and malice. This depravity affects every aspect of their lives and society.
Paul stresses that these behaviors are evidence of God’s judgment, allowing people to follow their sinful inclinations to their own detriment. The passage serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of rejecting God and highlights the desperate need for the gospel.
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Universal Knowledge of God: Paul argues that no one is without excuse because God's eternal power and divine nature are clearly seen in creation. This innate knowledge of God leaves humanity without a defense for their godlessness and wickedness.
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Application for Today: This message is particularly relevant in contemporary society, where many live as though God is irrelevant. The resulting moral decay is evident in various societal issues, including sexual immorality and general wickedness. Paul's words challenge us to recognize the severity of sin and the urgency of sharing the gospel.
Despite the grim depiction of humanity's state, there is hope. The gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. We must not despair but instead be motivated to share the good news, knowing that God’s grace abounds even where sin is rampant.
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