
Bible Verses (KJV)
Romans 1:18-23
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
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:
Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
Commentary
Verse Context
This passage is a bold declaration of God’s justice against human sin. Paul is laying the groundwork for the universal need for salvation by explaining that mankind is without excuse when it comes to recognizing God.
- Verse 18 – The wrath of God is already being revealed against those who suppress the truth. This wrath is not random but targeted at sin and rebellion.
- Verses 19-20 – God has clearly shown Himself through creation. No one can claim ignorance of Him because His eternal power and divine nature are evident in the world around us.
- Verses 21-23 – Even though people knew of God, they refused to honor Him. Instead, they chose idolatry, worshiping creation rather than the Creator.
This passage confronts the deliberate rejection of God, showing that those who turn away are not victims of ignorance but of willful rebellion.
Application
Appreciating God’s Greatness
God has never hidden Himself from humanity. His power, authority, and divine nature are clearly seen in the world He created. From the stars in the sky to the complexity of life, everything points to Him.
The greatness of God is revealed in:
- His patience – Though He has the right to destroy all sin immediately, He gives time for repentance.
- His revelation – He has made Himself known, yet mankind still rejects Him.
- His justice – His wrath is not without reason; it is a response to deliberate sin and suppression of truth.
For the Believer
- Live as Those Who Recognize God
- Many acknowledge God exists, but do they honor Him?
- Verse 21 warns against knowing God but failing to glorify Him. Many believers go through life without true gratitude or reverence for God.
- Beware of False Wisdom
- Verse 22 says, “Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.”
- The world often rejects God’s truth in the name of intelligence, yet wisdom apart from God is empty and dangerous.
- 1 Corinthians 3:19 reminds us: “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.”
- Guard Against Idolatry
- Verse 23 exposes the tragedy of exchanging God’s glory for idols.
- While most people today don’t bow to statues, idolatry still exists—in the form of money, success, pleasure, and self-worship.
- Anything that takes God’s place in our lives is an idol.
For the Unbeliever
This passage leaves no room for excuses.
- Verse 20 states that all people are “without excuse.”
- Every person has seen evidence of God in creation, yet many choose to reject Him.
- Atheism and agnosticism are not ignorance but suppression of truth.
If you have ignored or denied God, this passage is a wake-up call. He has made Himself known, and rejecting Him has consequences.
- Will you continue suppressing the truth?
- Or will you turn to the One who created you and surrender to Him?
Broader Context
Who Wrote Romans?
The Apostle Paul wrote Romans around A.D. 57, during his ministry to spread the Gospel across the Roman Empire. Romans is considered Paul’s most profound theological letter, explaining the guilt of all humanity, the grace of God, and the power of salvation through Christ.
To Whom Was It Written?
Romans was written to Christians in Rome, both Jews and Gentiles, teaching them the fullness of the Gospel and how faith in Christ is the only way to be saved.
Why Was It Written?
Romans 1:18-23 serves as Paul’s argument for why all people need salvation. He begins by showing the universal guilt of humanity—we have all seen evidence of God, but many choose to reject Him.
How Does This Apply Today?
- People still reject God, claiming “there isn’t enough evidence.” But the Bible says the evidence is clear and overwhelming.
- Modern idolatry is alive and well. People still worship creation—whether it’s science, celebrities, material wealth, or self-fulfillment.
- Human wisdom apart from God leads to destruction. Many profess to be wise but reject God’s truth in favor of empty philosophies.
Romans 1 is a warning that when we push God away, our hearts and minds become darkened. Are we paying attention?
Final Encouragement
This passage eliminates all excuses. God is real, He has revealed Himself, and rejecting Him is a choice with consequences.
For believers, this is a call to gratitude and holiness. For unbelievers, it is a call to repentance before it’s too late.
The wrath of God is not an emotional outburst—it is a just and measured response to those who suppress the truth. Will you honor God, or will you continue to ignore Him?
Call to Action
Believers:
- Examine your heart—are you truly honoring God, or have you taken Him for granted?
- Stand firm in truth, even when the world calls it foolishness.
- Guard against modern idolatry—are you placing anything above God?
Non-Believers:
- There are no excuses—God has revealed Himself, and rejection is a choice.
- Turn to Him today. The longer you suppress the truth, the darker your heart will become.
- Seek Jesus while there is still time.
You are loved, so much in fact that we want you to know and be believers of biblical truth.
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