Secularisms Rejection of God Wrath Romans 1 18

Secularism’s Rejection of God Wrath

Romans 1: 18 -19 �For the *wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness �because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. (NASB 95)

Introduction �Many emphasize the love of God while depreciating His wrath. However, the wrath of God is a consistent Biblical theme. �Therefore, let us consider and contrast the wrath of God, which is perfectly expressed, and the wrath of man, which is often imperfectly manifested.

The Noun �The Greek noun orgē refers to “impulse, wrath” [Thomas]. �BDAG defines it as the “(1) state of relatively strong displeasure, with focus on the emotional aspect, anger; (2) strong indignation directed at wrongdoing, with focus on retribution, wrath…”

The Verb �The Greek verb orgizō means “to make angry” [Thomas]. �BDAG defines it as “to be angry. ”

The Adjective �The adjective orgilos means “inclined to anger, passionate” [Thomas]. �BDAG say it is descriptive of one who is “inclined to anger, quick-tempered. ”

The Wrath of God �Illustrations of Divine Wrath �Causes of Divine Wrath �Characteristics of Divine Wrath

Illustrations of Divine Wrath �Parable of the Unjust Steward (Matt. 18: 21 - 35, esp. vs 34). �Parable of the Marriage Feast (Matt. 22: 1 -10, esp. vs. 7). �Parable of the Dinner (Luke 14: 16 -24, esp. vs. 21).

Causes of Divine Wrath �Caused by Lack of Repentance (Matt. 3: 5 -9; Luke 3: 7 -9). �Caused by Lack of Righteousness (Rom. 1: 1832; 2: 4 -11). �Caused by Lack of Obedience (John 3: 36; Eph. 2: 1 -3; 5: 3 -6; Col. 3: 5 -10).

Characteristics of Divine Wrath �The wrath of God is just (Rom. 3: 5 -6; 4: 14 -15; 9: 19 -26). �The wrath of God is full (1 Thess. 2: 14 -16; Rev. 14: 9 -11). �The wrath of God is fierce (Rev. 16: 17 -19; 19: 11 -16).

The Wrath of Man �Righteous Anger is Restrained �Sinful Anger is Unrestrained

Righteous Anger is Restrained �Sinful anger is inconsistent with our Christian calling, and must, therefore, be put away (Eph. 4: 25 -32, esp. vs. 26 & 31; Col. 3: 5 -11, esp. vs. 8). �Lifting up holy hands, we must pray without wrath and dissension (1 Tim. 2: 8).

Righteous Anger is Restrained �We must be cautious in criticism and condemnation (Matt. 5: 21 -22). �We must be patient when wronged, allowing God or civil government to deal out retribution (Rom. 12: 17 -21; 13: 1 -7).

Righteous Anger is Restrained �For anger to be rightly expressed, it must be based upon accurate information, constrained in expression and duration (James 1: 19 -20; Eph. 4: 26 -27). �In contrast, consider the compounding consequences of Cain’s transgression (Gen. 4: 3 -8; Heb. 11: 4; 1 John 3: 11 -12; Jude 11).

Righteous Anger is Restrained �Setting the right example, bishops/overseers are not quick-tempered or pugnacious, but self-controlled, sensible and sound in their speech (Titus 1: 7 -9; cf. 1 Tim. 3: 2 -7).

Sinful Anger is Unrestrained �Reacting to the return of the prodigal, the older brother was unforgiving and unreasonable (Luke 15: 25 -32). �Responding to the reign and rule of Christ, the sinful nations were enraged against the Lord and His Anointed (Rev. 11: 15 -18; cf. Psalm 2).

Sinful Anger is Unrestrained �Following his defeat in heaven, and his futile attempts to destroy Jesus Christ, the devil was enraged against the Lord’s disciples, and made war against the church (Rev. 12: 13 -17).

Conclusion �Great peril befalls those who provoke God’s wrath (Heb. 3: 7 -11; 4: 1 -3). �Even Christ, the Lamb of God, is angered by those who reject the truth (Mark 3: 1 -6; Rev. 6: 15 -17). �Nevertheless, He saves those who are obedient from the wrath to come (Rom. 5: 69; 1 Thess. 1: 9 -10; 5: 9 -11).