The Letter to the Romans:

The Wrath of God, Romans 1:18-23 (Parts I and II)

 

1. The Righteousness of God Revealed, Romans 1:16-17

 

1. The Wrath of God Revealed, Romans 1:18-32

          A.      "Orge" (See also John 3:36, Eph. 2:1-3, Col. 3:6-7, Rev. 19:11-16)

                   1.       Normal word used for God's anger

                   2.       In contrast, "thumos" is often used for human anger

                   3.       Etymology of the word connected to the immoral act of an orgy because of                              the passion and sustained nature of God's wrath

          B.      Revealed - the way the Gospel reveals the righteousness of God, we now find the                    way the wrath of God is revealed

 

          C.      Reason for the wrath – suppressing the truth of God in unrighteousness

                   Suppress or Repress - to press down with force

 

1. How is the Truth of God Suppressed? Romans 1:19-20

          A.      Ignoring the external evidence

                   Evident - obvious, clear or in plain view

          B.      Ignoring the internal evidence

                   Within in them - the conscience (see Romans 2:14-16)

 

1. What is the Outcome of Suppressed Truth? Romans 1:21-23

          A.      Having rejected the true God, humanity thinks itself to be wise

          B.      Therefore the exchange - trading the true God for an idol

          C.      The progression of the exchange - human, birds, mammals, insects and reptiles