18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;  19  Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 

Rom 1:18-19

Explanation:

In these two verses I want to observe two truths.

• 1. God is revealing his wrath against mankind.

The wrath of God is something not often attributed to God in public discourse but is plainly taught throughout scripture.  God is merciful, loving and gracious.  He is also holy and just.  In His justice and holiness He is angry at sin and holds the sinful accountable for their sin.

• God’s wrath can be seen in that He has set up the world with natural consequences to sin. 
• God’s wrath can be seen in historical instances like the flood of Noah’s day. 
• God’s wrath can be seen in God’s removal of any kind of restraint of sin. 
• God’s final wrath is eternal separation from Him as a result of ultimate rejection of Christ. 

This scripture lets us know that God’s wrath for sin is “revealed”.  God’s wrath for sin happens regularly and will happen ultimately.  There is no sin that will happen that will not ultimately be met by God’s wrath.

• 2. God is revealing Himself to all mankind.

This happens against mankind who “hold the truth in unrighteousness”.  According to these scriptures, each person possesses truth about God.  What they do with this truth is not ultimately righteous.  In and of ourselves we suppress this truth.  There are things that we can know about God, that God has manifested in the inner man.  God has revealed himself to them. We’ll see in the next few days that God has revealed himself through creation, through the conscience, and through special revelation- His Word, His Spirit, and His Son.

Application:

It is so important that people understand the bad news so that ultimately they will know the need for the good news.  Our sin deserves and demands God’s wrath– God’s judgement.  Sin separates us from God.  Since God is the source of everything that is good, separation from God is ultimate, eternal torment.  The good news is that Jesus became a propitiation for us.  A propitiation is a wrath bearing sacrifice. On the cross Jesus bore the wrath of God for the sin of the world.  When we acknowledge Jesus as Savior God imputes Christ’s righteousness to us.  Christ took the punishment we deserved on the cross.

Every person you meet knows some things about God.  God has revealed Himself to them.  He has revealed Himself to you.

Response:

• If you know Christ as Savior, take some time to thank the Lord that you are no longer the objects of His wrath!
• Who do you need to tell about Christ’s atoning, and wrath bearing sacrifice today?