How Bad Is It?

(To download an Mp3 file of this message, click on the title above. To listen now online, click on the play button of the audio player shown.)

This is a message based on Romans 1:18-32 and is a continuation of a series of messages on Romans.

Written Excerpts...

Introduction:

Last Sunday we spoke to you regarding the main theme of Paul’s letter to the Romans as presented in verse 16 – The Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Most of you already know that the word “gospel” means good news. We spoke briefly about the good news that the gospel is the dynamic power of God “unto salvation.” It results in those who are lost, being saved.

Many of you have often heard me say, “In order for the good news to truly sound like good news, we must first understand what the bad news is! And, the bad news is: we’re lost; we’re all under the judgment and wrath of God; we’re all incapable of saving ourselves; etc.

I’ve discovered lately that it is getting more and more unpopular to talk with people about the bad news. Most people don’t want to hear anything about judgment, or being wrong, or anything about the anger or wrath of God. Anyone who tries to speak about it is stereotyped as “intolerant,” “judgmental,” and “spewing hate speech.”

Even church leaders are caving and compromising on the truth because they don’t want to be marked as hateful and intolerant.

For example, I recently finished a book in which the authors were discussing various trends among some pastors and churches these days that have previously considered themselves to be “mainstream evangelicals” but they are abandoning the belief in a God who promises judgment on those who fail to accept Him.

Share short article in AFA Journal about PC (USA) rejecting the hymn, “In Christ Alone” out of hymnal.

For many churches and pastors who had previously held to the doctrines of divine wrath and justice, they are now convinced that those views are not compatible with the concept of God’s love. They believe that speaking of God’s judgment and wrath unnecessarily turns people off and turns them away. Everyone wants to hear of God’s love.

One of the greatest preachers in the early history of our nation was Jonathan Edwards. What sermon is he most remembered for? (“Sinners in the hands of an angry God.”) Edwards, as an evangelist, had plenty of messages regarding the love of God and the mercy of God, but we all think of him and connect him to the sermon about God’s anger and wrath. But there are many preachers today who don’t believe the topic of God’s wrath has any place in the church.

So, as we begin to expound regarding the gospel that Paul is preaching, we will begin where Paul begins: talking about the wrath of God.

In verses 18-32 the Apostle Paul is describing the condition of all humanity and how we got where we are. He is laying the groundwork for the argument that we all are under the judgment of God and we are all without excuse.

Let us take the next several moments to summarize Paul’s message presented in this section.

I. God’s wrath is already evident. (v. 18)

Wrath – based on the biblical description of God’s nature, it is not merely a surface emotion of exploding anger, but a deeper, principled attribute of

Revealed – present tense, indicating current and continuous action.

I’m not completely sure how Paul intends for us to understand that the wrath of God is presently and continuously revealed. However, if we understand it within the context, it seems that he is wanting us to understand that the negative consequences of man’s choices that are described in the following verses are part of the wrath of God.

i.e., God has designed the way the world works to include the fact that when men disobey Him and go their own way, He simply lets them experience the consequences of their actions and choices which are quite painful.

It is also directed toward “all ungodliness and unrighteousness” of men.

(Vincent) Refers to “irreligiousness and immorality.”

Other words some have used, “impiety” towards God and disobedience towards His law. Seems to be referring to an attitude that I would describe as disregard for God and His grace accompanied with an attitude of “I’ll do it my way!”

II. God’s wrath is connected to man’s choices.

A. To “hold” [down] or suppress the truth v. 18

B. To promote their own arrogance, “professing themselves to be wise.” v. 22

C. Changed God’s truth into lies v. 25

D. Did not want the knowledge of God v. 28

E. Practice all kinds of sin and approve the same in others v. 32

III. God’s wrath includes negative consequences.

A. v. 21 – Their foolish heart was darkened

When they rejected the light of the truth that was evident in creation, the light became darkness.

B. v. 24 – God gave them up to uncleanness

Romans 1:24 (NKJV) ²⁴  … in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves

C. v. 26 – God gave them up to vile passions

Romans 1:26-27 (NKJV) ²⁶  … 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.

D. v. 28 – God gave them over [up] to a reprobate [debased] mind

Romans 1:28-31 (NKJV) ²⁸  … 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

This list of behaviors and conduct just reminds me of a list given in the book of Proverbs:

Proverbs 6:16-19 (NKJV) ¹⁶  These six things the LORD hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: ¹⁷  A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, ¹⁸  A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, ¹⁹  A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.

Conclusion:

So, HOW BAD IS IT?

“We are all without excuse.” (v. 20)

It’s a sorry picture. The disobedience and arrogance of men has turned into a sordid story and a pathetically sad condition. Our whole world has been affected and the whole human race is guilty.

Paul will have more to say about the wrath of God in later chapters, but he has laid the foundational truth here in the very early parts of the letter by telling them that all men are condemned and rest under the judgment of God.

John 3:36 (NKJV) ³⁶  He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him."

The coming wrath of God is described in the closing chapters of the Bible.

Over and over we are given warnings: if God did not spare those in ancient times who blatantly disregarded His law and His will, how shall we escape if we neglect God’s salvation? There is no escape!

How does this relate to the gospel? How does this fit in with “good news?” The good news, which we will get into again as we go through Romans, is that Jesus’ death on the cross has satisfied the wrath of God and He accepted our punishment that we deserved.