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Man's Rejection Of God Series
Contributed by James May on Feb 20, 2002 (message contributor)
Summary: An exposition of Romans 1:18-25
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Due to the large amount of sermons and topics that appear on this site I feel it is necessary to post this disclaimer on all sermons posted. These sermons are original to the author and the leading of the Holy Spirit. While ideas and illustrations are often gleaned from many sources including those at Sermoncentral.com, any similarities and wording including sermon title, that may appear to be the same as any other sermon are purely coincidental. In instances where other minister’s wording is used, due recognition will be given. These sermons are not copyrighted and may be used or preached freely. May God richly bless you as you read these words. It is my sincere desire that all who read them may be enriched. All scriptures quoted in these sermons are copied and quoted from the Authorized King James Version of the Holy Bible.
Parts of this study are based upon a commentary written by Dr. Dan Hill. His complete work on Romans can be read free of charge at http://www.realtime.net/~wdoud/homepage.html
Pastor James May
MAN’S REJECTION OF GOD
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
In our study last time we discussed the fact all men are born under the curse of sin and deserve God’s punishment. We also discussed that there is nothing that we can do about that sinful nature except to rely upon the Blood of the Lamb for deliverance. It is through faith in the sacrifice of Christ upon the cross and His subsequent resurrection that our eternal life is purchased.
We begin now with verse 18 of the 1st Chapter of Romans. Paul is speaking to the Roman church concerning the effects of sin in the heart of man and the wrath of God that is incurred because of that sin.
The WRATH that Paul speaks of here is spelled “Orgei” in the Greek and speaks of God’s anger at sin that is mixed with desire to bring His children into a right relationship with Him and the grief that He faces because He cannot tolerate the sin in our lives.
John 3:36, "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."
Thus we can see that God’s wrath is never poured out upon those who serve Him and trust in Him, but God’s wrath is directed toward those who are living in sin and rebellion against God’s laws.
By placing your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His cleansing blood, we are washed from sin and God no longer looks upon us with anger but with the love of the Father.
We must remember that there are two sides to God. To most people on earth, the only God that they will admit is the God of Love! Is my God the God of Love? He is absolutely the God of Love, so there is nothing wrong with this in and of itself. There is a problem though when man forgets that the God of Love is also the God of Righteousness, Justice and Holiness.
God’s love forgives, grieves, and pursues the lost souls who are yet alive, but it is God’s Justice and Holiness that will cause anger to rise in God and then those who are living in sin must face the wrath of God for that sin.
If God looks upon us and finds us living by faith in His name, then He gives us His blessing. But, If we are living in unrighteousness, He must send the wrath of His indignation upon us.
God uses His Word to reveal what is expected from man. Man can have no excuse for not knowing what is right and holy. Man cannot claim ignorance for his ignorance is only the result of man’s refusal to read and to hear the Word of the Lord in the first place.
Just as ignorance of the law is no excuse if we are caught speeding, or in violation of any local community ordnance, we have no defense in the courts of Heaven for not knowing that God expects us to live in a godly and righteous manner.
Mankind does everything in his power to suppress or forget the commandments of God. We pass our laws that become contrary to God’s law and then expect God to obey our law.
