Romans 1 - 1.2.26
Scripture: Romans 1:18-20
18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.
Observation
Paul is writing to the Romans about the works of Jesus Christ. The Good News of Jesus is more than facts to be believed; it is also a life to be lived – a life of righteousness, justified freely by God’s Grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
Paul is giving us the bad news before he gives us the Good News. We are all under the wrath of God because of sin and he explains it in two words.
Ungodliness – refers to a lack of reverence or obedience to God, a lack of worship. Encompassing impiety, wickedness, and sinful behavior that goes against commands, often characterized by irreligion, worldliness, or actively opposing God’s nature and will. It’s essentially living apart from God, characterized by sin and a rejection of divine principles, leading to spiritual separation and potential judgement. (Google)
Unrighteousness – means violating God’s moral standards, encompassing injustice, wickedness, dishonesty, and deliberate opposition to divine law, separating people from God’s holy character. (Google)
Application
In this world that we live in there is so much ungodliness and unrighteousness. In these scriptures Paul states, there is no excuse for not knowing God. His invisible qualities are clearly seen. He keeps the earth moving on its axis. He keeps the sun and the moon at their proper distance so we don’t burn up. He wakes us up every morning with breath in our lungs. I just got back from a vacation on Kauai, HI. God’s handiwork is all over that island. The majesty and beauty of that island is so incredible that you cannot deny God’s hand on it. The magnificent shoreline and how the waves and water keep their boundaries. It rains everyday so that the land is green and lush. God is so evident there and in our everyday lives here where we live.
People are under God’s wrath for rejecting God and living in sin but He gave us His son Jesus Christ to bridge the gap. If we repent of our sins and ask Jesus to come live in our hearts…everything changes. THE GOOD NEWS!
Prayer
Dear Lord,
Thank You for giving us your son so we don’t have to experience your wrath. Thank You for making a way for us to be in right relationship with you. Thank you for being so present on this earth, that we can see your hand all around us. Thank you for loving us so much that you would let us enjoy your magnificent handiwork. You are a Great and Marvelous God and worthy to be praised by all mankind. Give us boldness to share your Good News with everyone we encounter. We worship and adore you!
- Michelle Craig
