Grapes of Wrath

​Romans 1:18-19

​When we read the word “wrath” we tend to cringe. At least I do. We picture someone flipping out…going into a rage, being spiteful, mean, nasty, or even vindictive. We think this way because this is generally how people respond when they “pour out their wrath.” However, when Paul uses the word “wrath,” it’s important to distinguish it from human anger. We should understand the wrath of God as “directed against evil alone…nothing arouses it except evil, and evil always does.”

The essence of sin is godlessness. Sin is when people attempt to get rid of God- to make it without Him- to go against His righteous decrees. In reality, that’s impossible for us to do without facing the consequences of rebellion. Yet, many people still determine to live for themselves. This kind of person becomes callus and cold. They become numb to God, and this numbness causes them to suppress anything that even resembles God’s goodness; they reject the truth.

​God’s wrath is directed at this godlessness. Verse 19 tells us that His wrath is directed at people who have “suppressed the truth by their wickedness.” They had decided to live for themselves instead of for God. They deliberately stifled any truth that challenged their selfishness. Think about it…people cannot suppress something that they do not have.

1. Are there areas where sin is beginning to numb you?

2. Is there anything God is trying to tell you that you are trying to suppress?

Challenge: Ask God to lead you through His Spirit as you go through your day. Ask Him to bring to mind the truth of the gospel and its implications for what you will encounter today. Tell Him “yes” to His will and ask Him for His power and protection to live this “yes.” Ask God to create and reveal opportunities to proclaim the good news today. KEEP PRAYING THROUGHOUT YOUR DAY.