The Lost World

Sermon Overview
Scripture Passage: Romans 1:18-31

In Romans 1:18-31, the Apostle Paul reveals that this fallen world is without excuse: “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness…” (Romans 1:18).

God is a God of love, but He is also righteous; He is the Chief Judge, holy in His wrath. This passage reveals three reasons why this lost world is to be judged.

Man’s Willful Self-Determination
“...what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them...” (Romans 1:19). God has created two witnesses to testify of His existence: creation and conscience. The inner subjective witness is conscience, and the outward witness is creation—both reveal the truth of His existence and His Word.

However, this passage also identifies the haunting human resistance to God’s truth; they didn’t want to know, so they were determined not to know.

Man’s Wicked Self-Deception
“...because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts...” (Romans 1:21).

Adrian Rogers says, “Truth is not given to satisfy your curiosity; truth is given to cause your worship and thankfulness.”

“Professing to be wise, they became fools…” (Romans 1:22).

What’s worse than refusing to see, is refusing and still believing we see perfectly clear—to believe we are wise in our foolishness.

Those Paul is describing, “…changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man…” (Romans 1:23). Their shameful idolatry magnified the worst parts of their flesh.

Man’s Woeful Self-Destruction
“Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator...” (Romans 1:24-25).

They were sexually, socially, and spiritually perverted, turning from God to indulge in their lusts, their hatred, and their spiritual indifference.

Ultimately, this passage should act as an urgent warning to us, living in wicked days, to repent of our ways and follow God.

Apply it to your life
Romans 1:18-31 warns us three times: “God gave them up.”

Adrian Rogers reiterates, “The worst thing God could do for you would be to leave you alone in your sin.” If you have any sin in your life, any self-determination, deception, or destruction, repent of your ways and turn to God.