Part 1 – The Gentile World Is Guilty
Romans 1:18–32
Hear ye! Hear ye! Court is now in session!
The theme of Romans is the righteousness of God, but Paul had to begin with the unrighteousness of man.
Paul followed the basic Biblical patter of first Law and condemnation, then grace and salvation.
In this section, (Rom. 1:18–3:20) God makes three declarations that together prove that all men are sinners and need Jesus Christ as their Savior.
- The Gentile World Is Guilty! (Rom. 1:18–32)
- The Jewish World Is Guilty! (Rom. 2:1–3:8)
- The Whole World Is Guilty! (Rom. 3:9–20)
Romans 1:18-32 (nkjv)
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.
Paul paints an ugly picture here, but we cannot avoid it! This section does not teach evolution, that man started low and climbed high. Rather devolution, that he started high and, because of sin, sank lower than the beasts.
Four stages mark man’s tragic devolution:
Stage 1: INTELLIGENCE
Romans 1:18-20 (nkjv) For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse
Stage 2: IGNORANCE
Romans 1:21-23 (nkjv) Because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.
Stage 3: INDULGENCE
Romans 1:24-27 (nkjv) Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. 26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.
Stage 4: IMPENITENCE
Romans 1:28-32 (nkjv) And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.
When man began to feel the tragic consequences of his sins, you would think he would repent and seek God; but just the opposite was true.
How far men have fallen!
He began glorifying God, but ended exchanging that glory for idols. He began knowing God, but ended refusing to keep the knowledge of God in his mind and heart. He began as the highest of God’s creatures, made in the image of God; but he ended lower than the beasts and insects, because he worshipped them as his gods.
The Verdict?
“They are without excuse!” Romans 1:20
There is a desperate need for us to carry the Gospel to all men, for this is the only way they can be saved.
Will you trust in Jesus as your Savior!
Will you follow Him as your Lord!
