NGH BIBLE STUDY – ROMANS – OUTLINE #3
Outline #3: The Perversion of the Gentiles – Rm 1:18-32
After stating his thesis statement in Rm 1:6-17 centred around the power of the gospel, Paul now explains why the gospel is absolutely necessary by revealing that the wrath of Godis directed against all human ungodliness and unrighteousness. Although God has made Himself clearly known through creation, mankind suppresses this truth, refusing to glorify Him or give thanks. Instead, humanity turns to idolatry, exchanging the truth of God for a lie and worshipping created things rather than the Creator. In a sober and righteous response, God acts in judgment by giving them over– withdrawing His restraint and allowing sin to develop to its full extent. This results in moral and spiritual decline, affecting desires, thinking, and behaviour. The passage concludes by exposing the depth of human corruption: people not only practice sin but also approve of it in others, demonstrating their guilt and reinforcing the necessity of the gospel.
Outline of Romans 1:18-32
Rm 1:18-20 – God’s plain revelation – “God has shown it to them”
Rm 1:21-23 – Man’s proud rejection – “they did not glorify Him as God”
Rm 1:24-28 – God’s righteous relinquishment – “God gave them up”
Rm 1:29-32 – Man’s revealed ruin – “filled with all unrighteousness”
Themes to think about
● The clarity of God’s revelation and man’s responsibility in light of it
● The willfulness of human rejection on moral grounds
● The justice of God’s judgment
● The depravity and degradation of human nature
Questions for discussion
1. In what ways do we see evidence of God’s “eternal power and Godhead” in creation?
2. According to our passage, what are the first steps away from God?
3. What could ‘modern-day’ idolatry look like in our culture? in our own lives?
4. What does it mean to approve of sin in others and how might that happen subtly today?
5. This passage paints the stark picture which is the dark background of the gospel. How can we faithfully present this essential truth in a way that isn’t accusatory or judgmental?