Paul has just proclaimed in Romans 1:16-17, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, just as it is written: The righteous will live by faith." (Rom 1:16-17, CSB) This is an important passage regarding God's desire to see people follow Him and our need to share the gospel. Understanding the love of God expressed in this passage – God offers the gospel to everyone who believes – then it makes Romans 1:18-32 more understandable.
Everything needed to help guide a study of Romans 1:18-32 is available in the downloadable teaching plans. This session deals with some difficult and challenging passages. Be sure to carefully guide your group to examine the passages, emphasizing the great need for us to share the gospel with everyone. Here are some major discussions that will take place:
Romans 1:18-23
God's Wrath
- Who does Paul blame for God’s wrath being revealed? How does this debunk those who feel God’s actions are somehow unjust or unfair?
- What were the overarching reasons Paul stated for God’s wrath being revealed? -- V. 18 – People suppress the truth. V. 21 – They knew God but didn’t glorify Him as God or show gratitude. V. 22 – They claimed to be wise. V. 23 – They worshipped idols.
- God reveals Himself through His CREATION.
- God reveals Himself through our CONSCIENCE. Humans are created in His image. This is why, when we do something wrong, our conscience will be bothered.
- Midway through this passage, Paul states that people are without excuse because what can be known about God is evident among them because God has shown it to them – CREATION (vs. 19). He also states that they are without excuse because, although they knew God, they did not glorify him as God or show gratitude – CONSCIENCE (vs. 21).
- Do we truly believe that ALL men are without excuse? What about people who have never heard the gospel? What about babies or those without full mental capabilities?
- If we struggle with this truth about no one being without excuse, it can lead to two FALSE conclusions: (1) We should not go and share the gospel because people can remain innocent as long as they have not heard the gospel. This simply is not true. (2) We should not share the gospel with our children so that they never become accountable for the gospel. This isn’t true either.
- The Bible tells us we are all guilty. Paul is going to tell us more about this in our study of Romans. This is why Jesus gave us The Great Commission and Great Commandment. We are to share and show the good news of Jesus to everyone because everyone is guilty; without excuse!
Romans 1:24-32
"God Delivered Then Over"
Paul used the term “God delivered them over” three times. Humanity reached the point where it no longer sought or accepted the truth of God, and God allowed people to suffer the consequences of their decisions. The New American Commentary of Romans describes God’s actions this way: God “ceased to hold the boat as it was dragged by the current of the river.” - Robert H. Mounce (2012). New American Commentary Vol 27: Romans. B&H Publishing Group. Retrieved from https://app.wordsearchbible.com
The downloadable teaching plan walks you through all that takes place when God delivers us over to our own sinful desires. It is a tough, yet relevant passage considering all the issues our culture is currently facing.
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