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The Bad News, continued…
Romans 1:24-32 "Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them."
This week will be picking up from where we left off, starting in verse 1:18. The text discusses the concept of God’s wrath and judgment as presented in Romans 1:18–3:20. It opens with a reflection on the challenges of discussing divine judgment in a tolerant society, emphasizing that acknowledging God’s wrath is essential for understanding the Gospel. Paul argues that recognizing the severity of human sinfulness is crucial for appreciating God’s grace and forgiveness. He asserts that all humanity, both Gentiles and Jews, is guilty before God due to their corrupt nature and sinful actions.
Paul outlines the reasons for God’s wrath, highlighting humanity’s suppression of truth, idolatry, and moral decay. He emphasizes that everyone is without excuse and incapable of self-salvation. The passage illustrates that mere religious activity does not exempt individuals from judgment, as true righteousness comes from the heart, not external adherence to the law.
The text also connects Paul’s teachings with Psalm 14, reinforcing the idea that no one is inherently good. It challenges the modern belief in the innate goodness of humanity and underscores the necessity of recognizing sin’s gravity and God’s holiness. The conclusion stresses that unredeemed humanity stands guilty, with no defense against God’s judgment, and calls for a deeper understanding of sin and divine holiness to foster a more profound appreciation for salvation through Christ.