Yes, It Really Is That Bad

Romans 1:18-31 is a mess, a sin-filled mess, where Paul describes in graphic detail the true character of man apart from being transformed by Christ.  I suggest you read the entire section of verses but I’m going to talk about them piece by piece.  Let’s look at the first two verses this morning:  “¹⁸ For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, ¹⁹ because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.”  This is the beginning of Paul’s description of the depravity of men. Note that Paul says that the wrath of God is revealed from heaven.  I think this is done in two ways, indirectly through the natural consequences of man’s sin and secondly, in divine judgment that manifests itself in visible actions, though today it’s not possible for us to directly connect the dots.  We see this kind of wrath revealed in the flood and ultimately in the cross of Jesus.  Note also that Paul says that men have “suppressed” the truth.  You can’t suppress something that you don’t know. God has revealed Himself to mankind even in creation (more on this tomorrow).  God has made clear His existence and His moral standard of righteousness.  This is part of what being created in the image of God means.  But man has suppressed it.  Man has ignored it.  Man isn’t ignorant of the righteousness of God, he’s suppressed it.  As we begin this section of Romans 1 may I ask you to ask yourself if you are suppressing something about God that you know to be true? Is there a truth He’s revealed that you’re unwilling to act on because of fear, uncertainty, guilt, etc…?  It is never a good idea for us to suppress the truth, to walk away from God.  We are responsible for the truth that has been revealed to us.  Let’s not suppress it.