The Book of Romans – Part 3, The Wrath of God – Its Blessing to the Elect

[Study Aired June 27, 2023]

Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 
Romans 1:19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 
Romans 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 
Romans 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 
Romans 1:22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 
Romans 1:23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 
Romans 1:24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 
Romans 1:25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 

Let’s start with the last few verses of our previous study.

Romans 1:15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.
Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Romans 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Paul is ready to preach the gospel to the Romans because it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes. As we know, only the believers in this age are the elect of God (the Jew first). We (the Jew first) are the receivers of the gospel, and in the ages to come we will preach the gospel to the rest of mankind (also the Greek). In the very next chapter of Romans, Paul tells us what the phrase “the Jew first” means.

Romans 2:28-29 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. 

In Romans 1:17, Paul quotes Habakkuk 2:4: “Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.” Our last study focused on this verse and revealed that living by faith is expressed by obedience to the Law of Christ. If we are not obedient, we will suffer the wrath of God. It is impossible for us to be obedient when we first enter the kingdom of God. Therefore, the wrath of God is upon us, and he takes us by the hand and we are lead through the fiery trials in order to mature us as a loving Father naturally does. The fiery trials have a purpose.

1Pe 4:12-13 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

Galatians 6:1-10 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For every man shall bear his own burden. Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. 

Hebrews 12:6-7 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?

In the following verses Paul gives us a warning and understanding how we are to search for the things of the spirit. 

Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 
Romans 1:19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 
Romans 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 
Rom 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

Paul reveals that if we have eyes to see the world itself tells us what God’s eternal power and Godhead is. Here is a second witness to this statement.

Hebrews 11:1-3 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

Returning to the phrase “the just shall live by faith” tells us that the things of the spirit are clearly seen and understood by those that “live by faith”.

“The wrath of God is revealed from heaven, (which is the kingdom of God), against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness” is within us destroying the carnal mind.

Luke 17:20-21 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

“The invisible things” are the things of the spirit which are shadowed by the physical world and the scriptures. It is precept upon precept, line upon line, and here a little and there a little that we can communicate spiritual ideas comparing spiritual with spiritual.

Isaiah 28:9-11 Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.

1 Corinthians 2:9-16 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

Paul explains in Romans 1:21 the reason why we cannot live by faith until we receive the Spirit. It is because, despite having knowledge of God, people did not glorify Him as God nor show gratitude. Instead, their thoughts were pointless, and their hearts were filled with darkness due to their foolishness.

Romans 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

When we enter this world, we fail to glorify God as He deserves and neglect to express gratitude. In our self-righteousness, we believe lies and deceive ourselves into thinking we are God, occupying His rightful place. However, this distorted perception leads to our own destruction. Before the old man is annihilated, it is subject to a “strong delusion” and will believe the lies of the synagogue of Satan.

2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

God’s wrath serves as the means by which we can overcome this “man of sin” and the “son of perdition.” It is through the righteous anger of God that justice will prevail.

Romans 1:22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 
Romans 1:23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

In Romans 1:22-23, Paul highlights the foolishness of those who claim wisdom but have become fools. They exchange the glory of the incorruptible God for idols and representations of earthly creatures. Instead of recognizing God as the true Creator, they assign divine qualities to created things. In their misguided attempts, they fashion gods of their own making, attributing power and significance to their vain imaginations.

Here is the outcome of the strong delusion.

Romans 1:24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 
Romans 1:25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

These verses highlight the consequences of our rejection of God. Because of our persistent unbelief and idolatry, God causes us to follow the desires of our own hearts, leading to impurity and dishonorable behavior. Instead of embracing the truth of God, we exchange it for falsehood and turned our worship toward created things rather than the Creator Himself.

Exodus 32:1-6 And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him. And Aaron said unto them, Break off the golden earrings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them unto me. And all the people brake off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them unto Aaron. And he received them at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. And when Aaron saw it, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made proclamation, and said, To morrow is a feast to the LORD. And they rose up early on the morrow, and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play.

Aaron and the Israelites were a type and a shadow of what our experience is when we first leave Egypt (the world) and are sent into the wilderness (Christianity). We accept the doctrines of the denomination of the church we are placed into as part of the strong delusion sent by God. This is an example of the “the things that are made” to teach us the things of the spirit.

Habakkuk 2:18-20 What profiteth the graven image that the maker thereof hath graven it; the molten image, and a teacher of lies, that the maker of his work trusteth therein, to make dumb idols? Woe unto him that saith to the wood, Awake; to the dumb stone, Arise, it shall teach! Behold, it is laid over with gold and silver, and there is no breath at all in the midst of it. But the LORD is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him.

God’s wrath is a significant theme throughout the Bible. It refers to God’s righteous anger and judgment against sin and disobedience. The wrath of God represents His response to our rebellion and disobedience. It is the consequence of our sin and unrighteousness. God’s wrath is a just response to disobedience. God’s wrath is against those who reject Him and turn to idolatry having idols of the heart and worshiping another Jesus. The worship of creation and worship of idols are seen as an offense to God and denies truth. The presence of God’s wrath in Scripture serves as a warning to us. It urges us to turn away from our sinful ways and seek God’s mercy and forgiveness. The wrath of God is ultimately realized in the final judgment when all people will give an account for their actions and the rejection of God’s salvation.

Romans 2:3-11 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Who will render to every man according to his deeds: To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: For there is no respect of persons with God.

While the concept of God’s wrath is often emphasized, it must be understood in the context of His love and justice. God’s wrath is not an arbitrary expression, but a necessary response to the rebellion against His nature. While God’s wrath is a reality, it is not His sole characteristic. God’s wrath is a tool to emphasize God’s love, mercy, and desire for reconciliation with all men. The purpose of understanding God’s wrath is to recognize the seriousness of sin and the need for salvation, leading to repentance, reconciliation, and having a relationship with God.

Ephesians 2:1-7 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved😉 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

Here are the verses for our next study.

Romans 1:26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 
Romans 1:27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. 
Romans 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 
Romans 1:29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 
Romans 1:30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 
Romans 1:31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 
Romans 1:32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.