God’s Righteous Wrath at Human Suppression

Sermon Text

Romans 1:18-23

God’s Wrath on Unrighteousness

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who [a]suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is [b]manifest [c]in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and [d]Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 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. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like [e]corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved.

God’s Righteous Wrath at Human Suppression

Text: Romans 1:18–23
Preacher: Bryan Schneider
Theme: God has clearly revealed Himself, yet humanity suppresses that truth in unrighteousness, resulting in idolatry and deserving His righteous wrath.

Key Points

The gospel reveals both righteousness and wrath

• The same gospel that reveals the righteousness of God (vv. 16–17) also reveals the wrath of God (v. 18).

• We cannot understand salvation without first understanding what we are saved from.

• God’s wrath is not sinful anger but His holy opposition to sin.

God has made Himself known through creation

• God’s invisible attributes—His power and divinity—are clearly seen in what has been made.

• Creation constantly testifies that God exists and is worthy of worship.

• Humanity is therefore without excuse.

Humanity suppresses the truth in unrighteousness

• The problem is not ignorance but resistance.

• People actively “hold down” the truth rather than submitting to it.

• Suppression is moral, not intellectual—we refuse to worship God.

Ungodliness leads to unrighteousness

• Ungodliness = refusal to honor and worship God.

• Unrighteousness = sinful actions toward others.

• When we reject God vertically, it inevitably distorts our lives horizontally.

The root sin: failure to glorify and thank God

• “Although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful.”

• Ingratitude is central to human rebellion.

• Refusing to honor God leads to empty thinking and darkened hearts.

Suppression results in spiritual blindness

• Futile thinking and darkened hearts are the result of rejecting God.

• Claiming wisdom apart from God leads to foolishness.

• This is not merely something that happens to us—it is something we do to ourselves.

Idolatry: exchanging God for created things

• Humans do not stop worshiping—we redirect worship.

• We exchange the glory of God for images, created things, or self.

• Idolatry is trading infinite worth for what is temporary and corruptible.

Modern idolatry takes many forms

• Career, comfort, relationships, identity, entertainment, and even ministry can become idols.

• We often rename sin to justify it (lust → freedom, pride → strength, greed → wisdom).

• What we worship ultimately shapes who we become.

The gospel is the only hope for suppressors of truth

• Romans 1 is not a weapon to judge others but a mirror revealing our own condition.

• “Such were some of us.”

• The same gospel that reveals wrath also reveals salvation in Christ.

Right response: repentance, faith, and gratitude

• Stop suppressing truth and submit to it.

• Turn from idolatry to worship the Creator.

• Live in reverence, gratitude, and faith in Christ’s righteousness.

Summary Line

Humanity is not neutral—we are suppressors of truth, idolaters at heart, and deserving of God’s wrath. But the gospel offers hope: the righteousness of God is revealed in Christ for those who stop resisting and begin believing.

• What does it mean to “suppress the truth in unrighteousness”?

• Why does Paul say humanity is “without excuse” before God?

• Why is failing to glorify God and give thanks such a serious sin?

• What are common modern forms of idolatry?

• Where might you personally be tempted to suppress truth instead of submit to it?

• Gospel – The good news that Jesus Christ saves sinners.

• Justification – Being declared righteous before God through Christ.

• Sanctification – The lifelong process of becoming more like Christ.

• Imputation – Christ’s righteousness credited to believers.

• Faith – Trusting in Christ alone for salvation.