WRATH OF GOD
Romans 1:18-20
This is the 4th sermon of the series, “Romans: The Gospel Blueprint.”
Paul expressed his sense of indebtedness to his responsibility to preach the gospel: “I am under obligation.” He also expressed his desire, “I am eager to preach.” Then he expressed his confidence, “I am not ashamed of the gospel.” The reason for not being ashamed is that the gospel is the power of God to salvation. The reason behind this is that the righteousness of God is by faith from then until now, as he supports this by quoting Habakkuk 2:4: “The righteous shall live by faith.”[1] The apostle writes a chain of reasons to explain. Each reason explains the previous statement. Grammatically, they are called subordinate clauses.[2] He proceeds by giving the reason for the previous statements, which includes the wrath of God against all ungodliness.
God’s Wrath vs. Ungodliness
Paul makes it clear that God’s wrath is against all ungodliness and unrighteousness. Ungodliness and unrighteousness are obviously sin and wickedness, but what is God’s wrath? The apostle portrays God’s wrath as God’s judgment; it is the consequence of sin.[3]
Romans 1:18, ESV: For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.
The apostle stated that unrighteousness suppresses the truth. Humanity suppressed the truth about God with the lie about the Creator.[4] Such will be made clear in Paul’s subsequent explanations. It seems that the rhetoric is against the Gentiles who worship idols, but the word “men” or anthropoõs suggest it is for all. Many suppress the truth about God, and they use many ways to do so. God’s wrath is against them.
God Reveals
Paul asserts that God has shown Himself to mankind. God has shown enough for men and women to worship Him.[5] But the fallen man finds ways to suppress this truth. They would worship lesser forms, and in today’s world, some deny His very existence.
Romans 1:19: For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them.
The apostle is not saying that all the deep mysteries of God are revealed to humankind, but that God has put within them a sense of God’s existence.[6] However, men and women have suppressed the truth.
No Excuse
Paul explains that God’s eternal power and divine nature are revealed in creation. This should be clearly understood by mankind. Therefore, God is just to hold them accountable for failing to worship the Creator. Instead, they suppressed this truth.
Romans 1:20: For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.
Note the play of words of the apostle: the invisible is perceived. Or, through the visible creation, people should understand the invisible power and nature of God. People who do not worship Him are without excuse.
Application
1. We should not be ashamed of the gospel because it is God’s power to save through faith. Furthermore, the wrath of God is revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness.
2. Let us explain to others that God’s wrath, His fierce judgment, has already passed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness. The full weight and consequence may be delayed, but it is already set to all who do not worship Him.
3. Let us not suppress the truth that God is real and He is the Creator of the universe. The visible creation speaks of the reality of the sovereign God. Let us explain to believers and unbelievers alike that there is no excuse not to worship God.
[1] Gerald L. Bray and Thomas C. Oden, Romans, 2nd ed. (IVP Academic, 2014), 30.
[2] Paul J. Achtemeier, Romans (Westminster John Knox Press, 2010), 35.
[3] Beverly Roberts Gaventa, Romans (Westminster John Knox Press, 2024), 58.
[4] Gaventa, Romans, 59.
[5] Frank S. Thielman, Romans, ed. Clinton E. Arnold, Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Zondervan Academic, 2018), Chapter 3.
[6] Thielman, Romans, Chapter 3.
Poem
WRATH AND JUDGMENT by Ed Pilapil Jr. The wrath of God, what does it mean? A judgment against all who sin Those who practice ungodliness It also means unrighteousness The judgment of God is revealed Those who suppress what they perceive Why then suppress the truth they see Creation with such clarity Creation has a Creator Humankind knows this to the core We see the LORD’s divine nature In creation, that is for sure If you suppress the truth, beware For eternity, you will stare The wrath of God with clarity Expect it for eternity
Study Guide
1. What is the wrath of God revealed against? (Ro 1:18)
2. What did God show mankind? (Ro 1:19-20)
3. Who is without excuse and why? (Ro 1:18,20)
