Romans 1:18-32
May Memory Verse: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 NIV
Read: Romans 1:18-32
Our passage today might be titled “The effects of unrighteousness.” The key word to the book of Romans is “Righteousness.” This is an incredibly important term.
One of the implied questions of Romans is, “What makes a person righteous?” While Jews and Gentiles fought over the answer to that question, Paul took his audience back to the beginning. Paul needed to address the conflict within these two groups, however, with verse 18 he started before the Jews received the Law. He started before God broke the silence to a pagan man in a pagan land and told him to go to an unknown land. Paul started at sin’s beginning, immediately after the forbidden fruit had been swallowed and sin plunged Creation into disorder.
Paul needed these groups to understand the no one is righteous—not Jews, not gentiles—no one. Paul builds to this thesis by showing the inability of Jews and Gentiles to achieve righteousness.
In our passage, we see how people “suppress the truth in unrighteousness.” They understand they’re wrong, yet they pursue unrighteousness anyway. Paul states that God made Himself evident to them—His mighty hand is seen clearly in Creation (Romans 1:20). In verse 22, “Professing to be wise they became fools;” what an incredible commentary on what we’re seeing right now in the world.
As humanity pursued the idols of their hearts, God gave them over. Humanity exchanged the truth of God for a lie (25). This critical exchange led, and continues to lead, humanity into deeper levels of ignorance and sin. God’s existence and power have been clearly made known (20), but humanity does not acknowledge Him (28) and thus, suffer the consequences that we read and hear in news headlines (29–31). People cry out for justice because as Image Bearers of God they know what justice is; yet they do not practice righteousness and give approval to those who practice unrighteousness (32).
I am thankful that Center Point accepts all people listed from verse 26 and following. We take them as they are, but live on mission to see them take steps toward being a disciple of Jesus.
By: Tyler Short
Read: Romans 1:18-32
Our passage today might be titled “The effects of unrighteousness.” The key word to the book of Romans is “Righteousness.” This is an incredibly important term.
One of the implied questions of Romans is, “What makes a person righteous?” While Jews and Gentiles fought over the answer to that question, Paul took his audience back to the beginning. Paul needed to address the conflict within these two groups, however, with verse 18 he started before the Jews received the Law. He started before God broke the silence to a pagan man in a pagan land and told him to go to an unknown land. Paul started at sin’s beginning, immediately after the forbidden fruit had been swallowed and sin plunged Creation into disorder.
Paul needed these groups to understand the no one is righteous—not Jews, not gentiles—no one. Paul builds to this thesis by showing the inability of Jews and Gentiles to achieve righteousness.
In our passage, we see how people “suppress the truth in unrighteousness.” They understand they’re wrong, yet they pursue unrighteousness anyway. Paul states that God made Himself evident to them—His mighty hand is seen clearly in Creation (Romans 1:20). In verse 22, “Professing to be wise they became fools;” what an incredible commentary on what we’re seeing right now in the world.
As humanity pursued the idols of their hearts, God gave them over. Humanity exchanged the truth of God for a lie (25). This critical exchange led, and continues to lead, humanity into deeper levels of ignorance and sin. God’s existence and power have been clearly made known (20), but humanity does not acknowledge Him (28) and thus, suffer the consequences that we read and hear in news headlines (29–31). People cry out for justice because as Image Bearers of God they know what justice is; yet they do not practice righteousness and give approval to those who practice unrighteousness (32).
I am thankful that Center Point accepts all people listed from verse 26 and following. We take them as they are, but live on mission to see them take steps toward being a disciple of Jesus.
By: Tyler Short
3 Comments
What we worship may be more sophisticated then in Biblical times, but our hearts have not changed at all. I look around today at some of the things that humans have done in the name of advancing science and can't help but see human arrogance and pride. Trying to "improve" on what God has created, instead of working in accordance with and respect for and awe of God's creation. If you really pay attention you can see the frightening results of this arrogance. I'm so grateful we serve a God who has new mercies every day.
Lord Jesus! By your blood, you made us righteous. Help us to live this way! Help us to do good, help us to be grateful, help us to be kind, be truthful, love you, serve others, be obedient, faithful, and tender hearted in Jesus name!
I love this passage so much. I have a very strong desire for justice (maybe why I enjoy court shows so much haha) and this passage is very black and white. Paul doesn't sugar coat anything and it's what we need to hear. And thank you for your commentary Tyler, really great