The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world. Psalm 19:1-4
God has written His existence into the sky. Have you seen glimpses of God in creation? Let’s read Romans 1:18-20. Highlight or write down how God revealed Himself to the world according to this passage. How are they described? In verse 20, it says “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:”.
From these verses, God’s visible creation helps make His invisible qualities known. This is known as natural revelation. What does verse 18 say? “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;”. When we suppress these truths found in creation of the world, God’s wrath is shown from Heaven. This is the response of a Holy God against sin, not the sinner. This is not an emotional person. God’s wrath against sin is shown just as His salvation is revealed through Jesus Christ.
Now let’s read Romans 1:21-25.
because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen
The people already knew God. What are the two things did they not do in response to their knowledge of God?
What happened when they didn’t glorify or thank God?
What happened to their thinking?
What did they worship?
What did they trade the truth of God for?
Through these questions can you make a progression chart of events?
Knew God but didn’t worship or thank Him = thought up foolish ideas about God = Minds became dark and confused = claimed to be wise but became fools = worshipped idols instead of God = God allowed them to follow their own desires
This shows the extravagant exchange. The truth of God for a lie. The lie starts in the mind and then moves to action. We see sin presented. Have you seen the progression that leads to this exchange of truth for a lie in this world? Let’s get a little more personal here with our own minds and hearts. Read Romans 12:2. How can we keep from being conformed to this world? Our thought’s lives are secret. It is here when we are alone process the world around us and the feelings inside us. This is our fantasies, judgments, worries, and self – talk. We make excuses, justify ourselves, and suppress truth if we are not the truth.
Where are you in your secret thought life?
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your truth. Thank you that by nature, your creation, we know who you are. I pray that we will not conform to this world. I pray that we will keep our minds on your truth.
In Jesus Name
Amen
