The
Main Problem
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In Romans 1:17, Paul writes "For in the gospel a righteousness from God is
revealed." This is the good news. However, in the next verse he writes, "The
wrath (anger) of God is being revealed" (1:18). Read Romans 1:18-23. 1.
Why is the wrath of God being revealed? What is the main problem? (1:21)
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Failure to honor and thank God leads to futile thinking and foolish, darkened
hearts (1:21). People have exchanged God for other things. Paul mentions idols
in the form of man and other creatures (1:23), but the principle extends to anything
that displaces the true God.
2. In our world today, what types of things have displaced the true God? What
do people "worship?" What are people devoted to? What do people rely
on, or trust in?
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The Bible says that people (all people) are "without excuse" (1:20).
Every single person is accountable to God for his or her attitude toward Him.
3. Why are all people "without excuse?" (1:19-21)
The
Bad Consequences
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Read Romans 1:24-32. The words "exchanged" and "God gave
them over to" are repeated. People "exchanged:" worship of the
true for the worship of idols (1:23); the truth of God for a lie (1:25); and natural
relations for unnatural ones (1:27). God "gave them over to:" sexual
impurity (1:24); shameful passions (1:26); and a depraved mind (1:28). 4.
What does it mean that God "gave them over" to these things?
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The "wrath of God is being revealed" by God's "giving them over"
to the degrading cycle of sin. Furthermore, this sin leads to death. This is "bad
news." But there's "good news" ahead! Reflection/Application
†
If you are not a believer, deeply consider the things the Bible calls "general
revelation." Consider the beauty, wonder and design of nature. Consider your
moral consciousness. Consider the deepest desires of your heart (e.g., meaning,
purpose, peace and joy). Critically examine the factors affecting your unbelief
and be willing to respond to God's revelation.
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As a Christian, verses 18-32 should motivate you to spread the good news. Are
you doing it? You
Too!
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In Romans 1:18-32, Paul speaks of "they." As chapter 2 begins, Paul
switches to "you" (2:1). "They" refers primary to Gentiles
(non-Jews) - those who had received "general revelation." "You"
(in chapter 2) refers primarily to the Jews who had received "special revelation."
The Jews had "the law" to instruct their lives. "You" can
also apply to the "moral Gentile."
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When Jews and so-called moral people read 1:18-32, they would probably say, "Yes,
those pagans have no excuse. They deserve God's judgment!" However, what
does Paul say? "You…have
no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for [when] you judge the other,
you are condemning yourself, because you…do the same things" (2:1).
"All
who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin
under the law will be judged by the law" (2:12, NIV).
"For
merely listening to the law doesn't make us right with God. It is obeying the
law that makes us right in his sight. Even Gentiles, who do not have God's written
law, show that they know his law when they instinctively obey it, even without
having heard it. They demonstrate that God's law is written in their hearts, for
their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing
right" (2:13-15, NLT).
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Romans 2 obviously applies to self-righteous, hypocritical people. What about
people who "obey the law?" Can people do enough "good things"
to avoid God's judgment? As we will see, the answer is no. That is bad news. However,
there is good news ahead in Romans!
Reflection/Application
†
As "Christians," read Romans 2 and consider how the principles might
apply to you. Reflect on your attitudes toward others, your example, and the basis
of your relationship with God.
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