[Rom 1:17-32 AMP] 17 “For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed, both springing from faith and leading to faith [disclosed in a way that awakens more faith]. As it is written and forever remains written, "THE JUST and UPRIGHT SHALL LIVE BY FAITH." 18 For [God does not overlook sin and] the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who in their wickedness suppress and stifle the truth, 19 because that which is known about God is evident within them [in their inner consciousness], for God made it evident to them. 20 For ever since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through His workmanship [all His creation, the wonderful things that He has made], so that they [who fail to believe and trust in Him] are without excuse and without defense. 21 For even though they knew God [as the Creator], they did not honor Him as God or give thanks [for His wondrous creation]. On the contrary, they became worthless in their thinking [godless, with pointless reasonings, and silly speculations], and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory and majesty and excellence of the immortal God for an image [worthless idols] in the shape of mortal man and birds and four-footed animals and reptiles. 24 Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their own hearts to [sexual] impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them [abandoning them to the degrading power of sin], 25 because [by choice] they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. 26 For this reason God gave them over to degrading and vile passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural [a function contrary to nature], 27 and in the same way also the men turned away from the natural function of the woman and were consumed with their desire toward one another, men with men committing shameful acts and in return receiving in their own bodies the inevitable and appropriate penalty for their wrongdoing. 28 And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God or consider Him worth knowing [as their Creator], God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do things which are improper and repulsive, 29 until they were filled (permeated, saturated) with every kind of unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice and mean-spiritedness. They are gossips [spreading rumors], 30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors [of new forms] of evil, disobedient and disrespectful to parents, 31 without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful [without pity]. 32 Although they know God's righteous decree and His judgment, that those who do such things deserve death, yet they not only do them, but they even [enthusiastically] approve and tolerate others who practice them..”
The Gospel of God is Good News (Romans 1:1–17). God is good and His message is totally good too! It is promised in the Old Testament and centered in Jesus Christ. He came to earth a Jew, died, and arose again; and He saves all who will trust in Him. He alone purchased salvation, and this message must be preached to the whole world. Why? Because the gospel alone is “the power of God to salvation” (v. 16, italics added).
Paul was gripped by the gospel; his whole life was controlled by it. Called to be an apostle (v. 1), he felt himself a debtor to the whole world (v. 14). Through His church, God is calling people to Jesus Christ (vv. 5–7). Has the gospel gripped you?
The Wrath of God is Not what We Want for Anyone (Romans 1:18–32). Paul’s main theme in this book is the righteousness of God, but he presents it on black velvet so to speak. Yes, like a clean diamond against the dark background of the judgment of God, which is going on right now. (He is just in all His ways). Men know God from creation and inner conscience (vv. 19–20) but people refuse to honor Him as God. They live for the creature, not the Creator, and make themselves into gods (v. 25; Gen. 3:4–5). So, God gave them up (vv. 24, 26, 28) and let them suffer the consequences. The greatest judgment God can inflict on us is to let us have our own way.
But the same God who delivered up sinners to judgment delivered up His own Son for lost sinners (8:32)! That is the gospel. Do you believe it? Are you sharing it?
God's wrath revealed against, number one, the ungodliness; and secondly, the unrighteousness. What is the difference between ungodliness and unrighteousness? You remember when Moses came down from Mount Sinai, he had the two tables of stone with the Ten Commandments. On the first table of stone, the first four commandments dealt with man's relationship with God.
"Thou shalt have no other gods before Me. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain. Thou shalt not make any graven images or likeness of gods. Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy."
Now, to violate one of these first four commands constituted a wrong relationship with God, which is ungodliness. The second table of stone dealt with man's relationship with fellow man. To violate one of the laws on the second table of stone is not living the right kind of life that you should be living with your neighbor, and thus, it constitutes unrighteousness, a wrong relationship with my neighbor, unrighteousness. The wrath of God is to be revealed against the ungodliness and the unrighteousness of men who hold the truth of God, but they hold it in unrighteousness.
Having and knowing is not enough. James said, "Be ye doers of the Word, not hearers only, deceiving yourselves" (James 1:22). A lot of people today are deceiving themselves, because they have heard the Word, they know the Word, they know what God commands, they hold the truth of God, but unfortunately they hold it in unrighteousness.
"Because that which may be known of God is manifested in them; for God hath shown it unto them.." (Rom 1:19).
There is within my own conscience of what is right and wrong. Universally there is within the consciousness of man that which I know to be right, that which I know to be wrong. It is manifest within me. God has just sort of inscribed it into my heart and mind and my conscience, and I know what is right, I know what is wrong. That which may be known of God is manifest in them. God has shown it unto them.
"For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen.." (Rom 1:20)
"..neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools" (Rom 1:21-22).
who try to argue against it, not just so we can know intellectually why we believe what we believe, but most of all, so we can experience the joyful, peaceful, abundant life that comes from truly knowing Jesus and following His ways. Because when we live in the way God designed for human beings to live, we can experience life as it was meant to be lived, a life of peace, kindness, gentleness, love, and all the other Fruit of the Spirit. Not only does this make our own lives better, but it is also a draw for those of the world who are seeking what they understand as happiness. Human beings all seek happiness, but they look for it in all the wrong places; their pursuit through the things of this world leaves them empty, anxious and depressed. When people see believers living this kind of abundant life in communities that reflect Christ’s love, joy, peace, and so on, they will be drawn to our church communities and ultimately to Christ Himself.
In today's lesson, we’ll learn why knowing sound doctrine creates a firm foundation on which we can build our lives. Jesus said that because His words are true, right and good, following what He taught is like building our lives on a stable rock, a firm foundation. But following the lies the culture teaches is like building our lives on sand – when hard times come, it falls down like a house of cards. Too many people are building their lives on the lies of the world without even realizing it because they haven’t really studied God’s Word. Learning sound doctrine gives us the discernment to tell the truth from the lies of the world.
Q: From the Word what is the Second Essential Truth of our historic faith?
It's this: We affirm the existence of a triune God, or one God in who exists in three personally distinct persons. Yes, He's three distinguishable personages -- one God in three distinct persons -- three distinguishable personages. (In other words, I'm saying there is a beautiful plurality in the divine unity. With God, there's a three-in-oneness so to speak. Not three Gods, yet each of these Persons is fully God)—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
This God is self-existent, eternal, unchanging, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, holy, righteous, and loving.
He's more than amazing! God created the universe from nothing and He rules over His creation sovereignly including both human and angelic beings.
(Note: Though the term “Trinity” does not appear in the Bible this word does indeed belong to that class of terms which are biblical in the sense of expressing clear Scriptural teaching. The word Bible is not in the Bible either.).
"In essentials unity, in nonessentials liberty, and in all things charity." ~ Rupertus Meldenius in AD 1627 (Augustine use to quote him)God exists and we can know Him in a meaningful way. This Doctrine of the Trinity - It's an essential among all the Essentials. It's a Cardinal Doctrine. The second essential doctrine affirmed in Scripture is the existence of a triune God—that's one God in three distinct persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
- What Are Some Of The Attributes Of This God Who Exists? He is:
- Self-existent: God exists independently, He needs nothing and is not contingent upon anything else.
- Eternal: God has no beginning or end; He exists outside of the time continuum.
- Unchanging: God's nature and character remain constant.
- Omnipotent: God is all-powerful and He can accomplish anything He wills. None anywhere are more powerful than God.
- Omniscient: God possesses complete knowledge of all things.
- Omnipresent: God is present everywhere at all times. He goes where you go, He sees, He hears and He knows you. He is not mad at you (cuz of the cross), but he loves you so much He just can't take his eyes off of you.
- Holy: God is 100% morally perfect and separate from sin.
- Righteous: God consistently acts in accordance with His moral law.
- Loving: God's nature is fundamentally loving and compassionate.
- Creation and Sovereignty:
- God created the universe ex nihilo (from nothing) and exercises sovereign rule over all creation, including both human and angelic beings.
- The Members of the Godhead Fufull their Unique Roles.
- There are various Bible passages to study that highlight the distinct roles and complete unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- The three Persons of the triune Godhead voluntarily submit to each other (not merely showing respect, but) respecting the roles They each perform in creation and salvation. So, the Father sent the Son into the world (1 John 4:10). These roles are never reversed in the Bible: the Son never sends the Father. Likewise, the Holy Spirit is sent by Jesus and He “proceeds from the Father” to testify of Christ (John 14:26; 15:26). The Father, Son and Spirit are holy and the Spirit points to the Son. Jesus perfectly submitted the Father and the Father's good will (Luke 22:42; Hebrews 10:7). We'd each do wisely by faith to do the same. Your salvation and mine is based on the Father’s great power and great love (John 3:16; 10:29), the Son’s death on the cross and physical resurrection (1 John 2:2; Ephesians 2:6), and the Holy Spirit’s regeneration and seal upon us (Ephesians 4:30; Titus 3:5). Notice how the different tasks that the Father, the Son, and the Spirit perform are the result of the eternal relationship that exists among the three Persons of the one Trinity (God).
- The issue of subordination within the Trinity is nuanced, and the distinction between ontological and economic subordination is fine indeed. Theologians within Christian orthodoxy continue to debate the limits of subordination and its relation to the Incarnation of Christ. Such discussions are profitable as we study the Scriptures and think through the truth about the nature of God.
- Apologist Norman Geisler says, "While essence is what you are, a person is who you are. So God is one 'what' but three 'whos.' The divine essence is thus not something that exists 'above' or 'separate from' the three Persons, but the divine essence is the being of the three Persons."
- The letter of Romans was inspired by the Holy Spirit -- it was written flawlessly by the Apostle Paul to the church in Rome.
- It introduces key themes, particularly the gospel and the righteousness of God.
I. The Gospel of God (Verses 1–17)
- Which is a Good News Announcement
- God has good news for you, there is no news better for you. I think we each need to hear the bad news too, in order to appreciate the good news and make our reservations in advance.
- His good message is rooted in the Old Testament and focuses on Jesus Christ -- on His death, burial and physical resserection at Calvary.
- Life of Jesus
- Jesus, a sinless Jew, came to Earth, he died, and was He resurrected -- over 500 eyewitnesses saw him.
- He alone (the Jesus of the Bible) provides salvation to all who place their faith in Him.
- Universal Mission
- We believers are to spread our Christian faith. The gospel must be shared globally as the Lord leads each one of us.
- The Gospel message is described as “the power of God to salvation” (v. 16).
- Paul’s Commitment
- Paul was deeply impacted by the gospel, which shapes his entire life.
- As an apostle (v. 1), he feels indebted to share this message with everyone (v. 14).
- God’s Call
- Through the church, God invites people to come to Jesus (vv. 5–7).
- Reflective Question: Has the gospel influenced your life?
II. The Wrath of God (Verses 18–32)
- Theme of Righteousness
- Paul’s primary focus is the Lord and His pure righteousness.
- This is contrasted with God’s judgment currently affecting humanity.
- Human Rejection of God
- People are aware of God through creation and their conscience (vv. 19–20).
- Despite this awareness, they fail to honor God and instead worship created things (v. 25).
- Consequences of Rebellion
- God allows people to follow their own sinful desires (vv. 24, 26, 28).
- This abandonment is viewed as a significant form of divine judgment.
- The Nature of Judgment
- The worst punishment from God is granting individuals their freedom to pursue sin.
- The Gospel's Power
- Despite judgment, God provided His Son for the sake of sinners (8:32).
- Reflective Questions: Do you accept this truth? Are you sharing it with others?
What's not to love about Romans 1? Zip!
In his letter to the Roman church, the Apostle Paul conveys the powerful message of the gospel, which is good news from God. This good news, foretold in the Old Testament, centers on Jesus Christ, who, as a Jewish man, came to Earth, died, and rose again to save anyone who believes in Him. Paul emphasizes that this salvation, purchased solely by Jesus, must be proclaimed to everyone around the globe because it is the only means by which people can attain salvation (v. 16).Paul's life is consumed by this gospel; he feels a profound responsibility to share it with the entire world (v. 14). Through the church, God is actively reaching out to people, inviting them to accept Jesus (vv. 5–7). Have you allowed the gospel to transform your life?Shifting focus, Paul discusses the wrath of God, which highlights the righteousness of God against the backdrop of current judgment. Humanity knows God through nature and their inner moral compass (vv. 19–20) but chooses to ignore and dishonor Him. Instead of worshipping the Creator, people often idolize created things, essentially making themselves into gods (v. 25). As a result, God gives them over to their desires (vv. 24, 26, 28), allowing them to face the consequences of their choices. The most severe judgment is when God permits people to pursue their own sinful inclinations.Yet, the same God who allows judgment also sacrificed His Son for the salvation of those who are lost (8:32). This is the essence of the gospel. Do you believe this truth? Are you spreading it to others?I. Salutation (Romans 1:1–7)
In the opening of his letter, the Apostle Paul follows the customary practice of his time by starting with his name. He identifies himself as both a servant and an apostle, emphasizing that his calling comes from God's grace (v. 5) and that he has been set apart for the ministry of the gospel. Paul refers to the gospel in various ways: as “the Gospel of God” (v. 1), “the Gospel of His Son” (v. 9), and “the Gospel of Christ” (v. 16). He clarifies that this message is not a new invention but is rooted in the Old Testament, which foretold the coming of Christ, His death, and resurrection. This connection to the Old Testament is significant for the Jewish believers in Rome.The gospel centers on Christ, who is a Jew by lineage (v. 3) and is declared the Son of God through His resurrection (v. 4). This duality affirms both His humanity and divinity, establishing Him as the sole mediator between God and humanity. The purpose of this gospel, which cost Christ His life, is to lead all nations to obedience through faith (v. 5). True faith in Christ naturally results in obedience.In verses 6–7, Paul addresses his audience, the saints in Rome, who are also “called” by Christ—not as apostles, but as believers. A saint is defined as a living believer in Jesus, transformed by God from a sinner into a saint. Despite living in a morally corrupt city, the Romans are referred to as “beloved of God,” a title that reflects the same love God has for His Son (Matt. 3:17; John 17:23). In this salutation, Paul identifies himself as the writer, the recipients as the saints in Rome, and the central theme as Christ and the gospel of salvation.II. Explanation (Romans 1:8–17)
Paul provides a two-part explanation of his letter: first, why he is writing (vv. 8–15), and second, what he is writing about (vv. 16–17). He expresses a long-standing desire to visit the Roman believers, whose faith has become well-known throughout the empire (v. 8). Paul has three main reasons for wanting to visit them: to strengthen their faith (v. 11), to receive encouragement from them (v. 12), and to bear fruit by leading more Gentiles to Christ (v. 13). He notes that he had been prevented from visiting sooner, not by opposition from Satan (as mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 2:18), but due to his commitments in other ministry areas (Rom. 15:19–23).Paul’s motivations are clear in verses 14–16: he feels a sense of obligation to share the gospel, is eager to do so, and is unashamed of the message. His example serves as a model for believers today.In verses 16–17, Paul articulates the letter's central theme: the gospel reveals the righteousness of God, which is based on faith rather than works and is available to everyone, not just the Jews. He explains how God can be both just and the one who justifies sinners, quoting Habakkuk 2:4: “The just shall live by faith.”III. Condemnation (Romans 1:18–32)
The first major section of Romans addresses the topic of sin (1:18–3:20). In the concluding verses of chapter 1, Paul outlines how Gentiles fell into moral darkness and how God's wrath is revealed against them. He describes a downward progression in their history:A. Knowledge of God (Romans 1:18–20)
Gentiles possess a dual revelation of God: through their conscience (“in them”) and through creation (“unto them”) (v. 19). Humanity did not start in ignorance; rather, they began with a clear understanding of God's power and wisdom but chose to reject it. Thus, those who have never heard the gospel are still without excuse.B. Failure to Honor God (Romans 1:21–23)
Instead of glorifying God, people succumbed to futile thinking and foolish reasoning, leading to ingratitude and ignorance. Paul criticizes those who elevate human philosophies over divine truth, labeling them as “empty imaginations” and “times of ignorance” (Acts 17:30). This rejection of truth leads to idolatry, where people worship created things instead of the Creator.C. Exchanging the Truth (Romans 1:24–25)
Paul notes that people “exchanged” the truth of God for lies, choosing to worship the creature rather than the Creator. This exchange signifies a deliberate rejection of God's truth, which leads to spiritual bondage.D. Rejection of Knowledge (Romans 1:26–32)
Having started with a clear understanding of God, these individuals ultimately reached a point where they no longer desired to know Him. Paul highlights the tragic consequences of this decline, contrasting the biblical view of humanity's origin with the evolutionary perspective. He asserts that humanity began as God's highest creation but has degraded itself.In Romans 1 Paul outlines three judgments from God:- God gave them up to impurity and idolatry (vv. 24–25).
- God allowed them to pursue shameful passions (vv. 26–27).
- God abandoned them to a depraved mind (vv. 28ff).
Be careful what you want, you might get it. Please want what is good, and is good for other people.
"A depraved mind is a mind that doesn't function right. Sometimes it's translated as 'reprobate mind' but the Greek word means non-functioning. What's that? That's when you're a man and you think you're a woman, it's a kind of insanity. And it's an insanity that is such a type of insanity, that it begs the issue of reason to even think people would do this. The reason people are doing it is because they are under Divine Judgment. God (though he loves and has warned all of us) has let people have a reprobate mind. So when you see all of this transgender activity and when you see leaders of this Land seeking to make laws to protect the transgender identity and you know why, it is absolute, total and utter Insanity. You know, these people have (developed in the wrong direction and) reached the reprobate mind. These people can't think reasonably which means there's no way back to sanity." ~ John MacArthur
I am for people and pray for them, and not against people. Yes, no matter your background or status I am for you succeeding on every level in life. I am NOT here to guilt anyone, to reform any sinner, to point out your flaws, or to convict anyone, or to make anyone feel bad. The Holy Spirit convicts sinners like me. I can't save or change anyone. Can God still save anyone who is still sucking air here? Yes, will they want to be? He can indeed if they each repent and believe in His gospel message. Will they want to be forgiven? Will you? Come to Jesus as you are willing for Him to change you and your desires, or come back to Him. I say, "Owe nothing to anyone except to love and seek the best for one another; for he who 0unselfishly loves his neighbor has fulfilled the essence of the law relating to one’s fellowman." Romans 13:8 ampChristians loving others with Christ's love people is wonderful -- it is the fulfillment of the law. Choose to be a good witness for Him (with Him leading you). Treating others as you would want to be treated ..minus any spiritual compromise.. is the way to fulfill the law. We are to walk in love as Jesus did.
Once sinners like me know they are right with, in harmony with, and one with Christ, they will naturally live according to His divine law (in the Word), which is the law of love. God changed "my want to.""..for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose." Phil. 2:13 niv"For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him." nlt
Acts of Christlike love are not harmful for anyone. Acts of love are not harmful and loving others the way Christ did is in their best interest.
Spiritual Debts are gone because of Calvary’s bloody cross and an empty tomb. The Trinity accomplished this for us. God’s people (spiritually reborn Christians) are free from all debt of sin, but they are debtors to witness to a lost world (Rom. 1:14), to obey the Holy Spirit (8:13), to love all people (13:8), to encourage their weaker brothers and sisters (15:1), and to help the people of Israel (15:25–27). Are you paying your spiritual debts?
(Father, Son and Spirit, they are God, but there are three distinct persons in the godhead with different roles to fulfill. Again, there is only one God, but He exists as three co-equal, co-eternal Persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. This is different from the teaching of three individual gods because of the interdependency and unity of the three Persons of the Trinity. There is one God who exists as three individual Persons sharing the same essence or nature. Thus, the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Spirit is God; however, the Father is not the same person as the Son, nor is the Son the same person as the Holy Spirit. This is sometimes complicated by the fact that God the Father is often simply called “God” in the New Testament).
THINK: How have you grown in your understanding of God’s Word over the years of walking close with Jesus? What things have helped in your study of His Word? Certain types of studies, specific people, listening to certain sermons or podcasts, reading particular books, or something else? How can you trust that what you are learning is the truth? How can discussing truth with other people help you to learn and grow? Which people have been most helpful in your study of God’s Word and why? Which spiritual disciplines have helped you grow the most and why? What other things have helped in your understanding of God’s Word?PRAY: ..earnestly for God to grow your understanding of His Word. Pray for the wisdom to apply His truth to your everyday life. Ask God to help you hear His voice and follow it. Pray that the Spirit would fill you with His presence and guide you on the path to following Him as your shepherd, Lord and king. Pray that your life would be a light to the world around you. Pray that our church community would stay faithful to His Word in the midst of a relativistic culture.ACT: Refresh your mind and heart with the truths we are studying. Which of these truths would you like to deepen your knowledge in? Commit to a plan to growth in this area. Prayerfully utilize tools for the purpose of wise application such as: The Unshakable Truth by Josh and Sean McDowell, the works of Pastor Jeremiah Johnston (two sound men), investing in trusted apologetics or systematic theology books.