Green Up Clean Up

Meeting Jesus in the streets

three unpaired multicolored leather sneakers on display

Romans 1:18-32 – Truth, consequences, and the amazing love of God

This part of Paul’s letter might seem a bit intense at first glance, but stick with me! It’s actually a really important message about truth, consequences, and the amazing love of God.

God’s Anger and Human Sin

Paul starts by talking about God’s anger being revealed. This doesn’t mean God is some angry, out-of-control figure. It’s more about God’s righteous opposition to sin and the natural consequences that follow when we turn away from Him.

Paul says that deep down, everyone knows about God’s existence and power. It’s seen in the incredible world He created around us. But instead of worshipping God, people have often suppressed that truth and turned to other things to worship.

The Downward Spiral

Paul describes a kind of downward spiral that can happen when people reject God. He talks about how people can start to embrace sinful desires, leading to all sorts of messed-up behaviours and broken relationships. It’s like choosing a path that leads further and further away from the good life God intended for us.

This passage can be pretty heavy, but it’s important to remember that Paul isn’t trying to shame or condemn anyone. He’s simply describing the reality of what happens when we try to live life without God.

The Hope of the Gospel

Here’s the good news: even in the midst of this dark picture, there’s hope! This passage highlights why we desperately need Jesus. He offers us a way out of this downward spiral and a chance to experience true life and freedom.

What Does This Mean for Us Today?

Even though this letter was written a long time ago, it speaks to some really important truths that are still relevant:

  • Truth matters: The truth about God matters, and ignoring it has consequences. We need to seek out truth and build our lives on it.
  • Our choices have consequences: We all make choices, and those choices can lead us down different paths. It’s important to choose wisely and consider the long-term effects of our decisions.
  • We need God: We weren’t created to live life on our own. We need God’s guidance, wisdom, and forgiveness.
  • There’s hope in Jesus: No matter how far we’ve strayed or how messed up things might seem, there’s always hope in Jesus. He offers us a fresh start and a chance to live the life we were meant for.

I hope this commentary helps you understand this part of Romans a bit better. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask!

Bird in a nest Rescue - It’s news I’m most proud to proclaim, this extraordinary Message of God’s powerful plan to rescue everyone who trusts him, starting with Jews and then right on to everyone else! God’s way of putting people right shows up in the acts of faith, confirming what Scripture…
human standing beside crucifix statue on mountain Romans 1 v 17a - 'God’s way of making people right with himself is through faith.' God's waySo we stayRight with himNot with TimThrough faith For the righteousness of God is revealed in the gospel from faith to faith Romans 1 v 17a
crop field under rainbow and cloudy skies at dayime Romans 1 v 1-7 – A powerful introduction to Paul’s letter to the Romans - Who's Paul and What's He Saying? Paul, a key figure in the early Christian church, is writing to the believers in Rome. Right off the bat, he introduces himself as a "servant of Christ Jesus," emphasising that his life isn't about him but about serving Jesus.…
anonymous friends standing together at sunset in mountains Romans 1 v 8-15 – Paul’s Thankfulness and Prayers - This section gives us a glimpse into Paul's heart and his eagerness to connect with the believers in Rome. Paul starts by expressing his gratitude for the Roman Christians. He's heard about their strong faith, and it makes him so happy! It's like hearing about a…
anonymous man jumping into ocean during summer vacation Romans 1 v 16-18 – No Shame in the Gospel - Paul kicks off this section with a bold statement: "I am not ashamed of the gospel." This isn't just a casual comment; it's a declaration of confidence. In Paul's time, many people looked down on the message of Jesus. They thought it was foolish or weak.…
Ashamed - The word "ashamed" holds a profound meaning that encompasses both negative and positive aspects. Negative Connotation Shame Due to Sin: Shame is often associated with the painful feeling of guilt, regret, and humiliation that arises from recognising one's sinful actions or thoughts. It is a natural…
photograph of the sculpture of david of michelangelo Paul’s Intro: Servant, Apostle, Gospel - 1 From Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God. 2 This gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures, 3 concerning his Son who was a descendant of David with reference to…
friends lying on the ground Romans 1 v 8-15 – What’s Paul Saying - Hey everyone! Let's dive into Romans 1:8-15. This is a letter from Paul, one of Jesus' followers, to the Christians living in Rome. It's kind of like an email or text from a friend, but way more meaningful! Paul starts by giving thanks for the Roman…
Stars Beautiful God - Surprisingly, God is not described as beautiful in the Bible. However, his beauty is conveyed in numerous ways, highlighting his glory, majesty, and holiness. Here are a few examples where God's beauty is evident: Psalm 27:4: "One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do…

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *