ROMANS 1 — GOD’S CASE AGAINST A REBELLIOUS WORLD
Not Paul’s opinion.
Not political commentary.
This is God’s inspired indictment of humanity’s rejection—and the divine response.
Romans 1:1–2
Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,
which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures…
This gospel isn’t new. It’s ancient, predicted, fulfilled.
“Unto us a child is born…” – Isaiah 9:6
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Romans 1:3–4
…concerning His Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh
and was declared to be the Son of God in power… by His resurrection…
Jesus isn’t just teacher. He’s divine Son, risen in power.
“You are my Son…” – Psalm 2:7
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Romans 1:5–7
…to bring about the obedience of faith… To all in Rome… called to be saints…
We obey because we believe. And we are saints by calling, not performance.
“Called to be saints…” – 1 Cor 1:2
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Romans 1:8–10
I thank my God… your faith is proclaimed… I mention you always in my prayers…
Real leadership prays, not just preaches.
“Always in every prayer of mine…” – Phil 1:4
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Romans 1:11–12
I long to see you… that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith…
The Christian life is mutual strengthening, not solo survival.
“Stir up one another…” – Heb 10:24
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Romans 1:13–15
I have often intended to come… I am under obligation… eager to preach…
The gospel is a sacred debt, not a casual option.
“Woe to me if I do not preach…” – 1 Cor 9:16
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Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…
This gospel isn’t soft. It saves souls and breaks chains.
“The power of God…” – 1 Cor 1:18
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Romans 1:17
For in it the righteousness of God is revealed… ‘The righteous shall live by faith.’
Not law. Not works. Faith has always been the way.
“The righteous shall live by his faith” – Hab 2:4
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Romans 1:18
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness… who suppress the truth…
This is present-tense wrath—abandonment, not fire.
“The wrath of God remains…” – John 3:36
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Romans 1:19–20
For what can be known about God is plain… His invisible attributes… have been clearly perceived…
Creation testifies.
“The heavens declare…” – Psalm 19:1
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Romans 1:21–23
Though they knew God, they did not honor Him… they became fools… exchanged the glory…
Rejection of truth leads to insanity and idolatry.
“A deluded heart has led him astray” – Isa 44:20
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Romans 1:24–25
Therefore God gave them up… to impurity… because they exchanged the truth for a lie…
God’s judgment doesn’t always look like lightning.
It looks like letting people have their way.
“Ephraim is joined to idols…” – Hosea 4:17
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Romans 1:26–27
For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions…
…men committed shameless acts with men and received in themselves the due penalty…
Sexual inversion is not progress. It’s a sign of divine abandonment.
“Pursued unnatural desire…” – Jude 7
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Romans 1:28
And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind…
Truth rejected → minds corrupted.
“Corrupted in mind…” – 2 Tim 3:8
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Romans 1:29–31
They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness… envy, murder, strife… disobedient to parents… heartless, ruthless.
This is what a society without God looks like.
“Lovers of self… haters of good…” – 2 Tim 3:2–4
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Romans 1:32
Though they know God’s righteous decree… they give approval to those who practice evil.
This is rock bottom: sin is celebrated.
“Woe to those who call evil good…” – Isa 5:20
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FAITH TAKEAWAY
Romans 1 is a mirror.
It’s not just about “them.”
It’s about what we all are without the righteousness of Christ.
The wrath is real.
But so is the rescue.