They Are Without Excuse
Today’s Text:
Romans 1:18–32 (WEB) — 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 that which is known of God is revealed in them, for God revealed it to them. 20 For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity, that they may be without excuse. 21Because knowing God, they didn’t glorify him as God, and didn’t give thanks, but became vain in their reasoning, and their senseless heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 and traded the glory of the incorruptible God for the likeness of an image of corruptible man, and of birds, four-footed animals, and creeping things. 24 Therefore God also gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to uncleanness, that their bodies should be dishonored among themselves; 25 who 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 up to vile passions. For their women changed the natural function into that which is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural function of the woman, burned in their lust toward one another, men doing what is inappropriate with men, and receiving in themselves the due penalty of their error. 28 Even as they refused to have God in their knowledge, God gave them up to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, malice; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil habits, secret slanderers, 30 backbiters, hateful to God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but also approve of those who practice them.
1. What is happening in this passage?
A description of those who know of God’s will but reject it to worship the flesh instead. They become depraved and are given up to evil. The wrath of God is coming for all who suppress the truth by giving in to wicked flesh.
2. What is God revealing about humanity?
When we reject what we know to be true about God, there is no limit to our depravity—and God will allow it, and we are given up to lust and every evil, bringing on God’s wrath.
3. What is God revealing about Himself?
God is Truth and can’t be ignored without deadly consequences. When we reject Him, He gives us what we desire: depravity and judgment. But God’s Truth is abundantly obvious and can’t be ignored by any honest soul.
4. How should our lives change?
Worship God, not flesh; it isn’t worth it. Acknowledge the Truth and give yourself over totally not to lusts, but to God! Don’t suppress the Truth—embrace it.
