The Wrath of God

(Romans 1:18 - 2:16)

NOTE:

The Epistle first reveals man's unrighteousness, and declares the result to be God's wrath upon man.

The wrath of God is not malignity or impatient anger. Rather it is the one possible reaction of His righteousness when it comes in contact with sin. It is justice in action.

I. THE PERSONS WHO ARE UNDER GOD'S WRATH (1:18).

Rom. 1:18 "men who hold (hold down, suppress) the truth in un-righteousness". 
Men who willfully and knowingly sin, as in
1 Thess. 2:14-16 "killed prophets...wrath is come"
John 3:36 "believeth not...the wrath of God... on Him"
Rom. 2:8,9 "wrath...upon every soul of man that doeth evil"

(Eph. 2:3)

II. THE REASON FOR GOD'S WRATH (1:19-23).

a. GOD HAS REVEALED HIMSELF TO MAN.

Rom. 1:19,20 "clearly seen...so that...without excuse"
Creation bears constant, visible witness to the Creator.
Psa. 19:1-4 "The heavens...uttereth speech...knowledge"

b. MAN HAS REJECTED GOD'S REVELATION.

Rom. 1:21-23 Note the steps of man's course away from God:

1. Man started right........"when they knew God"

2. Man's will rebelled......"glorified Him not as God"

3. Man's self was proud....."neither were thankful"

4. Man's reason became vain. "vain...imaginations (reason)

5. Man's heart became dark.. "heart was darkened"

6. Man's mind became foolish'. 'wise, they became fools"

7. Man's spirit is apostate." changed...God into... image"

III. THE NATURE OF GOD'S WRATH (1:24-2:16).

There is a close connection between sin and its judgment. Sin is the cause, judgment the effect. Gal.6:7.

a. IT IS A PRESENT ABANDONMENT TO THE DEGRADATION OF SIN.

Rom. 1:24 "God gave them up to...dishonor...bodies". Body
Rom. 1:26 "God gave them up unto vile affections". Soul
Rom. 1:28 "God gave them over to a reprobate mind". Spirit

b. IT IS A FUTURE APPOINTMENT TO RETRIBUTION FOR SIN.

Rom. 2:5 "treasurest.. .wrath against the day of wrath".
Rom. 2:16 "the day when God shall judge..." Acts 17:31

NOTE: Rom. 2 gives the principles of God's judgment, not of His Salvation. Its reference to works must be so understood.

IV. THE ONE ESCAPE FROM GOD'S WRATH.

Matt. 3:7 "flee from the wrath to come". The question is,

Where can we flee? Where will we be safe from His wrath?
Rom. 5:9 "justified...shall be saved from wrath thru Him"
1 Th. l:10 "Jesus...delivered us from the wrath to come"