Romans 1:18
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.” - Romans 1:18 ESV
This was my daily reading verse of a yearlong study of Romans, as written by R.C. Sproul. At first, I was really worried about this tediously taking too long to get through Romans. However, as an example of this wonderful devotional, Dr. Sproul explains what truth is being suppressed by only looking at the next verse without verse 18…
“For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them.” - Romans 1:19
I always tended to think about my faith walk as understanding and conforming to all God’s laws. But then I realized the depth of what Jesus said when asked what the greatest commandment was…
“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.’” - Matthew 22:36-40
It seems we all suppress the truth of who God is and that is our sin. Without God we wouldn’t exist (nor would the world or the universe). He created all of it because he loves us and he demands that we love him in return or face his wrath.
“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements—surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy? “Or who shut in the sea with doors when it burst out from the womb, when I made clouds its garment and thick darkness its swaddling band, and prescribed limits for it and set bars and doors, and said, ‘Thus far shall you come, and no farther, and here shall your proud waves be stayed’? “Have you commanded the morning since your days began, and caused the dawn to know its place, that it might take hold of the skirts of the earth, and the wicked be shaken out of it? It is changed like clay under the seal, and its features stand out like a garment. From the wicked their light is withheld, and their uplifted arm is broken. “Have you entered into the springs of the sea, or walked in the recesses of the deep? Have the gates of death been revealed to you, or have you seen the gates of deep darkness? Have you comprehended the expanse of the earth? Declare, if you know all this. “Where is the way to the dwelling of light, and where is the place of darkness, that you may take it to its territory and that you may discern the paths to its home? You know, for you were born then, and the number of your days is great!” - Job 38:4-21
Praise God that he chose me to be delivered from his wrath even though I have spent a large part of my life trying to suppress the truth of my unrighteousness.
One last comment - do not be afraid to study God’s Word in a different manner. You may find that the Holy Spirit is leading you in a new and exciting direction. But the most important suggestion is to read His Word.
