Sept. 15 2002 Northwest Bible Church
Rom. 1:18
The Wrath of God
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INTRO
After Paul has given us a brief summary of the gospel of God’s righteousness which is by faith, He now begins to develop the major points of the gospel. But where does he begin, with he just wrath of God against sinners.
I. Overview of 1:18-3:20.
Verse 18 is a general statement that introduces this whole section. The "for" that begins the verse gives us the reason why we need a righteousness by faith, because God’s wrath is upon the unrighteous.
A. Gentiles are under condemnation (Rom. 1:19-32).
B. Moralists are under condemnation (Rom. 2:1-16).
C. Jews are under condemnation (Rom. 2:17-29).
The conclusion is that ALL ARE UNDER GOD’S CONDEMNATION.
II. What is God’s wrath? Two words used for "wrath".
orge – a settled, determined indignation and anger toward sin and sinners.
thumos - a more reactionary form of anger, more immediate, passionate, emotional, temporary, "outbursts of anger" (Gal. 5:20).
III. How is the wrath of God revealed?
A. "revealed from heaven" – In Paul’s letters orge is used in two ways:
1) Present wrath - (Rom. 1:18-32; Eph. 4:17-19; 1 Thess. 2:16);
2) Future wrath - (Rom. 2:5, 8; 1 Thess. 1:10; 5:9).
"from heaven" – stresses that God’s wrath comes from the realm of perfection, holiness, sinlessness.
B. Revealed now in two ways: Clearly Paul has the present wrath in view in the words "is revealed" which is a present tense verb.
1) through God’s law of moral cause and effect.
2) by God’s direct and personal intervention.
C. The wrath of God is prominent in the NT.
D. The problem of seeing God’s wrath today.
IV. What is the wrath of God aimed at?
A. In general: "against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men". God’s wrath is aimed at all who deserve it and everyone deserves it because we all fit in this category.
"Ungodliness"- an attack on the person and majesty of God.
"unrighteousness of men"- an attack on the law of God.
B. In specific:
"who suppress the truth in unrighteousness"-
CONCLUSION
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