God’s Wrath Is Revealed Against Humanity’s Unrighteousness (Romans 1:18-32)

"The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness…Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles." Romans 1:18, 22-23 (NIV)

Context

In today’s video, we discuss 3 possible identities for the group Paul refers to in Romans 1:18-32.

Additionally, as you read today’s passage, it will be helpful to know that in Paul’s view:

• God’s wrath is currently being revealed against humanity’s wickedness (Romans 1:18) and one day will be ultimately revealed—at the Final Judgment (Romans 2:5; 5:9).
• As the wholly just judge of the earth, God’s wrath is His righteous verdict against sin (Romans 3:5-6).
• God’s wrath is not explosive nor unreasonable (Exodus 34:6-7), but is rather His “settled opposition to the cancer of sin…which is eating out the insides of the human race He loves with His whole being” (Becky Pippert quoted by Tim Keller in The Reason for God).

Observation

As you read Romans 1:18-32 for yourself, take careful notice of:

• The 3 examples that illustrate humanity’s exchange of God’s gifts for something else (in Romans 1:23; 25; 26-27)
• The 3 things to which Paul says God has given (or handed over) humanity (in Romans 1:24; 26; 28)
• What Paul includes in the list of things which “ought not to be done” (in Romans 1:28-32)

Interpretation

Whether you think Paul is here addressing Gentiles, Jews, or humanity in general, this much is clear: God’s wrath is already revealed against humanity’s wickedness through God’s “giving them up” and “handing them over” to it.

In his presentation of the gospel, why would Paul focus on God’s wrath before he focuses on the righteousness that is available by faith (which he will explain in Romans 3:21-31)? How would knowing how Paul views God’s wrath (as discussed in “context”) help the readers understand the message of Romans 1:18-32?

Consider the tension between the Jewish and Gentile believers at the church in Rome. Which things that “ought not to be done” are being done in this church? How do you think the first readers might have felt as they read this part?

Application

What comes to mind when you think about the wrath of God? What feelings arise?

How does today’s reading challenge the “renewal of your mind” regarding your initial thoughts and feelings about God’s wrath?

How do you think this renewal might impact the way you respond to God when His Spirit convicts you of sin?

In what specific ways can you grow in holding both a Biblical view of the wrath of God, along with a Biblical view of His love, grace, and mercy?