Rom. 1:18-32

 

Question #4: Who needs to hear the gospel? Rom. 1:18-3:20

A. Those who suppress the truth in unrighteousness need to hear, 1:18-32.

1.    Everyone has access to truth about God, 1:18-20.  Everyone can see this truth in creation, in what they see around them.  For example:

a.     They can know God is real.  Anyone knows nothing exists without some ultimate Cause. 

b.    They can know about God.  The nature of what they see in creation, both on the earth and in the heavens, clearly declares truth about the God who created it all.  For example, they can know:

                                                                         i.      Rom. 1:20: His eternal power.

                                                                      ii.      Rom. 1:20: His divine nature (deity).

                                                                   iii.      Psalm 8:3-4: That God and man are different.

                                                                    iv.      Psalm 19:1: That God is glorious.

                                                                      v.      Psalm 104:24: That God had and has great wisdom.

                                                                    vi.      Psalm 148:13: That God must be praised.

2.    Everyone in some way “suppresses” this truth, 1:21-32.  This suppression follows a pattern described in Romans 1:21-32.

People see God in Creation; it is common sense.  But, realizing they should worship and serve this Creator, in pride they don’t treat Him as God, and do not thank Him for His provision in Creation.  They worship themselves and turn their hearts to vain and foolish things to satisfy their souls.  But because people are inherently spiritual, they worship (depend on, trust in) things made by the Creator.  Having made this choice, the Creator gives them over to the unrighteous logical conclusions of their choice to suppress the truth.  They need to hear the gospel!