Sermon Notes
Introduction
The main idea that Paul focuses on is that the failure to glorify God is the root of sin, especially idolatry, which is giving worship to that which is lesser, honor to the created rather than the Creator. 1 Men did not automatically fall into idolatry; it began with the failure to honor and thank God. The apostle makes it clear that God has made Himself known through creation. Therefore, there is no excuse (1:20). Those who continue in such practices will have no escape against the wrath of God.
1. Rejection of God
Humanity’s deepest problem is not ignorance, but rebellion. 2 God has revealed himself clearly through creation, yet fallen man refuses to glorify him as God. There is no excuse: the proper response to the Creator is honor and thanksgiving.
Romans 1:21a: For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him…
2. Darkness in the Heart
The consequences of rejecting God, not honoring Him, and thanking Him are clear. It is darkness. The apostle states that they became “futile in their thinking,” meaning foolish and perverted, and their hearts darkened. What is darkness? It is an absence of God’s light.
Romans 1:21b: but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened
3. Exchanging God for Less
Paul continues to explain the consequences of failing to honor and thank God as Creator. When humans assert their wisdom against God, they become fools. The failure to worship God leads to unsound reasoning. They exchanged the glory of God for lesser beings, such as mortal men and creatures.
Romans 1:22-23: Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.
Application
- Honor God and offer thanksgiving for His creation. God’s creation speaks of His glory, and His glory is also revealed in His word. There is no excuse for not honoring and thanking Him.
- Let us proclaim the truth of God’s creation and warn people about the wrath of God against ungodliness and unrighteousness. Let us make people aware that the decay to futility and foolishness begins by failing to honor and thank God.
- May we always put God high above our desires and intents. Let us not focus on glorifying Him, and not pursue to honor the created world. Our hearts must not deceive us, we will focus on Him.
Study Guide
- Paul said that they have no excuse (1:20). What was he referring to? (Ro 1:21a)
- Explain the consequences of failing to thank and honor God. (Ro 1:21b)
- What happened to those who claimed to be wise against God? (Ro 1:22-23)