Romans 1:18-25 "They Could See God, but Worshiped Idols"

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 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. 21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.

24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, 25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.

Video Notes:

The righteousness of God is revealed both in the salvation of those who believe the Gospel and His wrath in the condemnation of those who reject God and His saving Gospel. Just as a ruler is doing right by rewarding those who do what is good and punishing those who do wrong.
There are many questions people ask which question God’s righteousness in punishing those who reject Him. (What about those who haven’t heard of Jesus? What about people raised in other religions? What if people just don’t realize? Etc.) Paul answers those questions.
For what can be known about God is plain to them… So they are without excuse.
God is revealed in creation and in our hearts (consciences), but people reject God in this natural revelation. The actively suppress what God has revealed in order to ignore it.
God’s invisible qualities are clearly perceived, eternal power and divinity.
Series of exchanges and God giving them up to their choices. This creates a downward spiral.
By not recognizing or being grateful to God for creation and a sense of morality, people have not only rejected God, but darkened their own hearts and made themselves foolish. They dull themselves, while thinking they are wise.
So, God gives them over to their foolishness. Sometimes you need to let people hit rock bottom.
The antithesis of this is the joyous exchange of Jesus for us.

Romans 1:18-25 "They Could See God, but Worshiped Idols"

Video Notes:

Faith Lutheran Church in Wesley Chapel, FL serving Lutz, Zephyrhills, Land O’ Lakes, and New Tampa, FL