Sermons on Romans 1:18

Romans 1:18 Interpretation:

Transformation Through the Gospel: Embracing New Life (Hyland Heights Baptist Church) offers a detailed interpretation of Romans 1:18, emphasizing the "wrath of God" as God's holy and righteous judgment against sin, not as arbitrary anger but as a necessary aspect of His holiness and justice. The sermon uses the analogy of a corrupt judge to illustrate that if God did not judge sin, He would be unrighteous and unworthy of worship. It also highlights the Greek word "ganoso" (to know by experience), explaining that all people, even Gentiles, have experiential knowledge of God through creation, making them "without excuse." The sermon uniquely frames the suppression of truth as a willful act, using the cosmological argument and referencing the fine-tuning of the universe to show that denial of God is not due to lack of evidence but a suppression of what is evident. The analogy of people worshipping the created rather than the Creator is extended to modern materialism and nature appreciation without acknowledging God. The sermon also interprets the "giving over" language as God allowing people to pursue their desires to their own destruction, using the example of sexual sin as a perversion of original good, not as a sin worse than others but as illustrative of the nature of all sin.

Understanding Anger: Divine Love and Our Rescue (Harbor Point Church) provides a novel perspective by reframing the "wrath of God" as "anger activated and directed" at that which threatens what God loves. Drawing on N.T. Wright, the sermon likens God's wrath to an artist's anger at the defacement of his masterpiece, emphasizing that divine anger is the outflow of creative love and a determination to set things right. The sermon stresses that a God without anger cannot be a God of love, using the "mama bear" analogy to show that anger is a response to threats against what is valued. It interprets Romans 1:18 as describing God's wrath not as random punishment but as "giving people over" to their own desires, which leads to self-destruction—a pattern seen throughout the Hebrew Scriptures. The sermon also highlights the Greek term "hamartia" (missing the mark) and distinguishes between sinful actions and the underlying condition that compels them, arguing that God's wrath is revealed in allowing people to experience the consequences of their own choices.

Compassion Over Legalism: The Heart of God's Law (Derry Baptist Fellowship) references Romans 1:18 in the context of the Pharisees' suppression of truth. The sermon interprets the verse as being "aimed at the Jews," who "hold the truth in unrighteousness" by possessing God's truth but hiding or abusing it for their own purposes. The unique metaphor here is that the Pharisees "rolled [the truth] up in a ball" and "tucked it under their arm," illustrating a willful concealment and misuse of divine revelation. This interpretation focuses on the danger of having access to truth but refusing to dispense it, leading to spiritual hardness and hypocrisy.

Deep Insights and Worship from the Book of Romans (Crazy Love) interprets Romans 1:18 as a direct and sobering declaration of God's right and intention to judge all ungodliness and unrighteousness, regardless of cultural or personal objections. The sermon uniquely dwells on the emotional and existential weight of being considered an "enemy" of God and facing his "wrath," using vivid imagery of standing before a holy, thundering God surrounded by angels. The preacher emphasizes that God's wrath is not arbitrary but is a response to humanity's persistent suppression of truth and unrighteousness, and he draws a sharp distinction between human attempts to justify themselves and the biblical teaching that justification comes only by faith, not by works. The analogy of a courtroom, where the law "shuts every mouth," is used to illustrate the futility of self-justification. The sermon also highlights the Greek term for "wrath" (orge), though not in technical detail, and meditates on the relational aspect of being transformed from "enemy" to "friend" through faith in Christ.

Understanding Salvation: Propitiation, Redemption, and Justification (Open the Bible) interprets Romans 1:18 as the foundational reason for the gospel: the universal need to be saved from God's wrath. The sermon offers a unique analogy comparing God's wrath to the just anger of an offended party in a legal case, where "propitiation" is the payment that satisfies justice. The preacher explains that God's wrath is not arbitrary but a "settled disposition of unrelenting hostility" toward sin, and that the cross is where this wrath is "poured out and spent" on Jesus, satisfying divine justice. The sermon also uses the Greek term "propitiation" (hilasterion) to deepen the understanding of Christ's atoning work.

The Power of the Gospel: Salvation from Wrath (Open the Bible) interprets Romans 1:18 by distinguishing God's wrath from human anger, describing it as God's "settled resolve that evil will not stand." The sermon uses the metaphor of suppressing a spring to illustrate how people "suppress the truth"—it takes constant effort to resist the evidence of God. Another unique analogy is the story of a child persistently wanting to eat hot chili peppers, which the parent finally allows, paralleling how God "gives people up" to their chosen sins as an expression of wrath. The preacher also uses the image of dropping a vase to show how, when God "gives up" a person, they become subject to destructive powers greater than themselves. The sermon further explores the present and future aspects of God's wrath, emphasizing that God's giving up is not the end of hope, as his love remains even for those under wrath.

Lessons from the Reformation: Faith, Authority, and Change (MLJTrust) offers a distinctive interpretation by focusing on the order of terms in Romans 1:18—"ungodliness" preceding "unrighteousness"—and argues that true righteousness in society cannot exist without godliness. The preacher asserts that attempts to achieve morality apart from godliness are doomed to fail, using the verse as a proof that societal reform must begin with spiritual renewal. This is a unique application of the passage to the broader context of cultural and moral decline, rather than individual salvation alone.

Addressing the Moral and Spiritual Crisis of Our Nation (MLJTrust) interprets Romans 1:18 as a foundational explanation for the moral collapse of society, arguing that true morality cannot exist without godliness. The sermon uniquely employs a medical analogy: the difference between past eras of moral decline and the present is likened to the difference between a man who is merely asleep (and can be awakened) and a man who is poisoned (requiring the poison to be removed before healing is possible). The “poison” is identified as the infiltration of secular, scientific, and relativistic philosophies that have eroded belief in God and absolute truth. The preacher insists that Romans 1:18 is not just a diagnosis of individual sin but a sweeping theological analysis of cultural and societal decay, culminating in God’s wrath being revealed as a present reality, not merely a future threat.

Unashamed of the Gospel: Righteousness Through Faith (MLJTrust) interprets Romans 1:18 as the pivotal transition in Paul’s argument, marking the beginning of a comprehensive indictment of all humanity—Jew and Gentile alike—under God’s wrath. The sermon’s unique insight is its structural analysis: it frames Romans 1:18 as the thesis statement for a section that runs through Romans 3:20, which is described as the most thorough biblical account of human history and sin. The preacher emphasizes that the “wrath of God” is not an arbitrary anger but a necessary, revealed response to universal ungodliness and unrighteousness, and that this section is essential for understanding the necessity of the gospel itself.

The Wrath of God: Understanding Holiness and Justice (MLJTrust) offers a distinctive interpretation by critiquing both secular and religious objections to the doctrine of God’s wrath. The sermon highlights how modern people, including some Christians, dismiss the wrath of God as a relic of primitive religion or as incompatible with the love of Christ. The preacher insists, however, that Paul’s repeated use of the term “wrath” (ten times in Romans) demonstrates its centrality to the gospel. The sermon’s unique contribution is its insistence that evangelism and Christian life must begin with the reality of God’s wrath, not bypass it for the sake of attraction or relevance. The preacher also draws attention to the Greek term for “wrath” (orge), noting its consistent use throughout Romans and the New Testament, and argues that this is not a passing or secondary theme but a controlling concept for Paul’s entire gospel.

Embracing Discernment: Courage to Seek Truth (Become New) interprets Romans 1:18 as a warning about the human tendency to suppress truth due to self-interest, ego, or personal desires, rather than simply a condemnation of "those people out there." The sermon uniquely applies the language of "suppressing the truth by wickedness" to everyday self-deception and ego-driven thinking, using a personal anecdote about failing to get a church job to illustrate how even well-meaning people can resist uncomfortable truths. The preacher reframes "wickedness" not as overt evil but as the subtle, self-serving bias that clouds judgment and discernment. The analogy of the "devil's advocate" is used to highlight the need for intentional self-questioning and humility, suggesting that discernment is the opposite of suppressing truth—it is the active pursuit of truth even when it challenges one's own preferences or self-image.

The Righteous Wrath of God and the Cross (MLJTrust) offers a comprehensive and theologically rich interpretation of Romans 1:18, emphasizing that the "wrath of God" is not capricious rage but God's settled, holy opposition to sin. The sermon draws a sharp distinction between human anger and divine wrath, insisting that God's wrath is a necessary corollary to His holiness and love. The preacher highlights the Greek term for "wrath" (orge), explaining that it denotes a controlled, judicial response rather than emotional outburst. A unique insight is the parallel drawn between the "revelation" of God's righteousness (v.17) and the "revelation" of His wrath (v.18), arguing that one cannot accept the gospel of grace without also accepting the reality of divine wrath. The sermon also interprets the "suppression of truth" as a universal human condition, not limited to obvious sinners, and connects it to the conscience, the consequences of sin, and the historical outworking of God's judgment.

Righteousness Through Faith: The Heart of Salvation (MLJTrust) interprets Romans 1:18 as the foundational backdrop for understanding the necessity of the gospel. The sermon’s unique angle is to show how the doctrine of God's wrath is not just about "those people" (Gentiles or obvious sinners), but is a universal reality that exposes the subtlety of sin, including religious pride and self-justification. The preacher explores how the Jews of Paul's day misapplied the doctrine, thinking it condemned only Gentiles, and uses this as a warning against reading Scripture with prejudice or self-exemption. The sermon’s novel contribution is its focus on the "subtlety of sin"—how even religious people can suppress truth by applying judgment to others while excusing themselves, thus missing the personal application of the gospel.

Embracing the Breastplate of Righteousness in Spiritual Warfare (MLJTrust) references Romans 1:18 to support the claim that ungodliness is the root cause of unrighteousness and societal moral decline. The sermon’s unique interpretive move is to use the order of terms in Romans 1:18 ("ungodliness and unrighteousness") as a diagnostic tool for understanding both personal and societal sin: moral collapse is traced not to ignorance or lack of education, but to a loss of godliness. The preacher critiques modern secular attempts to address immorality through education or psychology, arguing that only the "breastplate of righteousness"—a right relationship with God—can address the root problem. This is a distinctive application of the passage to contemporary cultural analysis.

Reviving Gospel Preaching: Lessons from the Reformation (Ligonier Ministries) provides a notable insight by emphasizing the present tense of the verb in Romans 1:18—"is revealed"—to argue that God's wrath is not only a future reality but is actively being revealed in the present moment against all ungodliness and unrighteousness. The sermon uses the metaphor of God as a warrior with arrows already drawn and aimed at sinners, referencing the Psalms, and highlights that God's wrath is not a distant or merely eschatological event but an ongoing, experiential reality for every unconverted person. This interpretation is further distinguished by its assertion that God's enmity toward sinners is not just a future threat but a current, active stance.

Understanding Salvation: Escaping God's Wrath Through Christ (Ligonier Ministries) interprets Romans 1:18 by situating it within the broader biblical concept of salvation as "escape from calamity," ultimately identifying the supreme calamity as falling under the wrath of a just and holy God. The sermon uses the analogy of the "winepress of the wrath of God" from Revelation 14 to illustrate the terrifying and inescapable nature of divine judgment, connecting the imagery of grapes being trampled to the fate of impenitent sinners. This interpretation is unique in its focus on the paradox that God saves us from Himself—His own just wrath—emphasizing that the reality of God's wrath is foundational to understanding the need for salvation and the meaning of mercy.

Returning to God's Design: Identity and Truth (Alistair Begg) interprets Romans 1:18 as a present, visible reality, not merely a future threat. Begg uniquely emphasizes that the "wrath of God" is not a fitful or capricious anger but the "settled reaction of God's absolute Holiness to our disinterest in him." He uses the analogy of a "runaway world" to describe humanity's flight from God, highlighting that it is not God who hides from us, but we who hide from Him. Begg also draws a direct line from idolatry to moral and intellectual "suicide," arguing that the suppression of truth leads to a loss of self-knowledge and societal chaos. He references the Greek (e.g., the use of "female" and "male" in Paul's language as an echo of Genesis 1) and notes the deliberate contrast between "natural" and "unnatural" as rooted in God's created order, not subjective feeling. He further employs the metaphor of "communal dishonoring of their bodies" to illustrate the societal consequences of idolatry and suppression of truth.

God's Righteousness: The Power of Faith and Grace (Alistair Begg) offers a nuanced interpretation by stressing that God's wrath is not an impersonal force or "an automatic judgment by an anonymous Cosmic computer," but rather a "personal and intense" divine response. Begg distinguishes between "ungodliness" (vertical, against God) and "unrighteousness" (horizontal, against others), noting that impiety precedes idolatry and that the misery of life is the result of turning from God. He uses the analogy of Adam and Eve sewing fig leaves to cover their nakedness as a picture of humanity's futile attempts to hide from God's wrath, and he highlights the "Divine imprint" in every human as a source of restlessness when suppressed.

Embracing God's Mercy: Salvation Through Grace (Pastor Chuck Smith) interprets Romans 1:18 by distinguishing between "ungodliness" (failure in relationship with God) and "unrighteousness" (failure in relationship with others), linking these to the two tablets of the Ten Commandments. Smith uniquely frames the suppression of truth as people inventing their own gods, conforming God to their image rather than being conformed to His. He uses the analogy of worshiping the rose (creation) instead of the Creator to illustrate the irrationality of idolatry, and he connects the suppression of truth to the modern worship of "Mother Nature" and the New Age movement. Smith also interprets the "wrath of God" as both a present reality and a future eschatological event, specifically the Great Tribulation, and uses the metaphor of a legal trial—where mercy overrules justice—to explain salvation.

Confronting Humanity's Sin: The Power of the Gospel (Alistair Begg) interprets Romans 1:18 as a foundational diagnosis of the human condition, emphasizing that the "wrath of God" is not an emotional outburst but God's settled, holy opposition to sin. Begg uniquely highlights the order of "godlessness" preceding "wickedness," arguing that wickedness is the byproduct of godlessness, and that the root of societal and personal moral decay is the rejection of the true God. He uses the analogy of a compass always pointing north to describe God's unwavering reaction to sin, and critiques modern culture's refusal to accept the link between godlessness and wickedness, leading to superficial solutions for deep spiritual problems.

God's Dual Nature: Wrath and Redemption (Desiring God) offers a distinctive interpretation by framing Romans 1:18 within the broader cosmic context of suffering and futility, asserting that God's wrath is revealed not only in moral degradation but also in the universal experience of suffering and futility in creation. The sermon draws a parallel between the ongoing revelation of God's righteousness (v.17) and the ongoing revelation of His wrath (v.18), and introduces the metaphor of God "speaking two languages"—wrath and kindness—simultaneously, warning and wooing humanity. The preacher also uses the image of the "shell of wrath" being present in the believer's life, but "gutted of animosity," to describe how wrath is transformed for those in Christ.

Understanding Sin: The Necessity of the Gospel (Desiring God) provides a notable linguistic insight by focusing on the Greek present tense of "is being revealed" (apokalyptetai), paralleling the ongoing revelation of God's righteousness in v.17 with the ongoing revelation of His wrath in v.18. The sermon also draws attention to the repeated use of "unrighteousness" in the verse, connecting it to the need for the righteousness revealed in the gospel. The preacher uses the analogy of a wound that must be thoroughly cleaned, not superficially bandaged, to illustrate the necessity of a deep diagnosis of sin and wrath before the gospel can be truly appreciated.

Finding Joy in God's Glory and Our Purpose (Desiring God) interprets Romans 1:18 as a diagnosis of the atheistic tendency in every human heart, emphasizing that the suppression of truth and the exchange of God's glory for lesser things is the root of human resistance to God's supremacy. The sermon frames this as a foundational anthropological insight, arguing that the desire to be loved apart from God is a remnant of the atheistic nature described in Romans 1:18.

Divine Sovereignty and the Transformation of Hard Hearts (Desiring God) offers a distinctive interpretation of Romans 1:18 by connecting the "wrath of God" and the "suppression of truth" to both individual and cultural hardening. The sermon draws a parallel between the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart in Exodus and the "giving over" described in Romans 1, arguing that the suppression of truth is both a manifestation of God’s judgment and a result of humanity’s inherited hardness from Adam. The preacher emphasizes that the "giving over" is not the origin of rebellion but a judicial act in response to pre-existing rebellion, rooted in the universal condition of hardness of heart. The sermon also highlights the Greek linguistic nuance of "gave them up" (paradid?mi), suggesting an active, judicial handing over rather than passive abandonment, and frames the suppression of truth as both a cause and a symptom of divine wrath. This interpretation is further distinguished by its focus on the interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility, and by its assertion that the only hope for reversal is God’s sovereign act of heart transformation as promised in Ezekiel.

Embracing Wisdom: Understanding Sin and the Gospel (Desiring God) interprets Romans 1:18 as the necessary backdrop for understanding the gospel, emphasizing the logical connection between verses 17 and 18. The sermon uniquely stresses the importance of the Greek word "gar" (for/because) at the start of verse 18, which is omitted in some translations, and argues that this conjunction is essential for grasping Paul’s argument: the revelation of God’s righteousness in the gospel is necessary precisely because God’s wrath is revealed against human unrighteousness. The preacher uses the analogy of medical diagnosis, suggesting that lingering in the "bad news" of wrath and sin is vital for producing spiritual sages—wise, discerning Christians who can counsel others. The sermon’s novel angle is its focus on the formative, wisdom-producing effect of deeply engaging with the doctrine of wrath, rather than skimming over it for the sake of comfort.

The Power of Faith and God's Righteousness (MLJTrust) provides a unique interpretive framework by treating Romans 1:18 as a general, all-encompassing statement of God’s wrath against all humanity, Jew and Gentile alike, rather than as the beginning of a specific indictment against Gentiles. The preacher highlights the universality of the phrase "all ungodliness and unrighteousness," arguing that Paul’s intent is to establish the total necessity of the gospel by showing that no one is exempt from wrath. The sermon also draws attention to the structure of Paul’s argument, likening it to a symphony, and insists that the "wrath of God" is not merely a future event but a present reality, evidenced by God’s judicial "giving over" of people to their sins. This approach is distinguished by its literary and structural analysis, as well as its insistence that the only alternative to wrath is the righteousness provided by faith.

Awakening to the Truth Amidst Spiritual Famine (SermonIndex.net) interprets Romans 1:18 as a description of the spiritual condition of those who, through persistent sin, lose the capacity to discern or receive truth. The sermon uses the Greek word "pseudos" (false) to draw a connection between the suppression of truth and the acceptance of counterfeit (pseudo) versions of Christianity. The preacher applies the passage specifically to the context of sexual sin and lawlessness, arguing that habitual sin leads to a spiritual delusion in which truth is actively pushed away or exchanged for falsehood. The analogy of "plastic preachers" and "pseudo faith" is used to illustrate how the suppression of truth manifests in contemporary church culture, making this interpretation particularly focused on the psychological and communal effects of sin as described in Romans 1:18.

Romans 1:18 Theological Themes:

Transformation Through the Gospel: Embracing New Life (Hyland Heights Baptist Church) introduces the theme that God's wrath and holiness are inseparable, and that the suppression of truth is not ignorance but a deliberate act of rebellion. The sermon adds a fresh angle by connecting the suppression of truth to contemporary scientific atheism and materialism, arguing that modern denials of God are themselves acts of willful suppression. It also presents the idea that all sin is a perversion of original good, and that God's boundaries (such as those around sexuality) are protective, not restrictive, reflecting God's fatherly care.

Understanding Anger: Divine Love and Our Rescue (Harbor Point Church) brings a distinct theological theme by asserting that God's wrath is fundamentally an expression of His love—anger at what destroys what He values. The sermon further develops the idea that God's wrath is not primarily future punishment but is presently revealed in the form of "giving people over" to their own destructive desires. It also explores the concept that the hardest thing to be rescued from is oneself, and that salvation is not just about escaping future judgment but about being rescued from self-destruction now.

Compassion Over Legalism: The Heart of God's Law (Derry Baptist Fellowship) adds the theme that possessing truth without dispensing it is itself unrighteousness, and that religious people can be guilty of suppressing truth by hiding or misusing it. The sermon applies Romans 1:18 to the dangers of legalism and spiritual pride, warning that knowledge of God's law without compassion leads to hardness of heart and even violence against God's messengers.

Deep Insights and Worship from the Book of Romans (Crazy Love) introduces the theme that God's wrath is not only a future reality but is being "stored up" for those who persist in unrepentance, and that God's kindness and patience are meant to lead to repentance, not to be presumed upon. The sermon also explores the existential terror and awe of facing God's wrath as his "enemy," and the radical transformation to "peace with God" through faith, not works—a theme that is emotionally and relationally developed rather than merely doctrinal.

Understanding Salvation: Propitiation, Redemption, and Justification (Open the Bible) presents the theme that God's wrath is not an arbitrary outburst but a necessary aspect of his holiness and justice, and that the cross is where God's love and justice meet. The sermon adds the facet that "propitiation" is not about appeasing a capricious deity but about God himself providing the means to satisfy his own justice, highlighting the unity of the Father and Son in the work of salvation.

The Power of the Gospel: Salvation from Wrath (Open the Bible) develops the theme that God's wrath is both present (in the form of "giving up" people to their chosen sins) and future (stored up for the day of judgment), and that the experience of being "given up" can itself be a means of grace, awakening people to their need for salvation. The sermon also emphasizes that God's love persists even toward those who are objects of his wrath, and that the gospel is the only hope for all, regardless of moral standing.

Lessons from the Reformation: Faith, Authority, and Change (MLJTrust) introduces the theme that societal and moral reform is impossible without spiritual reform—specifically, that "ungodliness" must be addressed before "unrighteousness" can be remedied. The sermon applies Romans 1:18 to critique modern attempts at ethical improvement apart from a return to biblical faith and godliness, arguing that the Reformation's success was rooted in this biblical order.

Addressing the Moral and Spiritual Crisis of Our Nation (MLJTrust) introduces the theme that the ultimate cause of societal breakdown is theological, not merely moral or cultural. The sermon adds a fresh angle by arguing that the abandonment of belief in God and the supernatural—replaced by scientific materialism and relativism—has led to a loss of moral foundations, resulting in God’s wrath being revealed as a form of divine abandonment (God “giving them over” to their desires). The preacher also stresses that the church’s unique role is not to protest or merely denounce sin, but to proclaim the gospel as the only remedy for a world already under judgment.

Unashamed of the Gospel: Righteousness Through Faith (MLJTrust) presents the theme that Romans 1:18-3:20 is not only a theological diagnosis of sin but also the only adequate explanation for the course of human history and the failure of civilization. The sermon’s distinct contribution is its assertion that understanding the wrath of God is essential for true evangelism and for grasping why the gospel is necessary—without this, the atonement and the work of Christ become incomprehensible or even offensive.

The Wrath of God: Understanding Holiness and Justice (MLJTrust) develops the theme that the wrath of God is not only a biblical doctrine but a practical and evangelistic necessity. The sermon adds a new facet by critiquing the tendency of modern evangelicals to downplay or ignore the wrath of God in practice, arguing that this leads to a superficial gospel and a powerless church. The preacher insists that the fear of the Lord and the reality of judgment are essential for genuine conversion and spiritual vitality.

Embracing Discernment: Courage to Seek Truth (Become New) introduces the theme that "suppressing the truth" is not merely a matter of overt rebellion against God, but is often enacted through subtle self-deception, ego, and the refusal to question one's own assumptions. The sermon reframes "wickedness" as the everyday human tendency to protect one's ego and avoid uncomfortable truths, making the passage deeply relevant to personal spiritual growth and the practice of discernment.

The Righteous Wrath of God and the Cross (MLJTrust) presents the theme that the revelation of God's wrath is as central and as much a part of the gospel as the revelation of God's righteousness. The preacher insists that the cross is the ultimate revelation of God's wrath, not just His love, and that one cannot truly understand the gospel without grappling with the reality that Christ bore the wrath of God for sin. This theme is developed with the assertion that the universality of death, the consequences of sin in creation, and the historical judgments of God all point to the inescapable reality of divine wrath, which is ultimately satisfied in Christ.

Righteousness Through Faith: The Heart of Salvation (MLJTrust) adds the theme of the "subtlety of sin," emphasizing that sin is not only gross immorality but also the self-righteousness and spiritual blindness that leads people to apply God's judgment to others while excusing themselves. The sermon explores how religious privilege, ritual, and moralism can become means of suppressing the truth about one's own need for grace, thus denying the heart of the gospel—justification by faith alone.

Embracing the Breastplate of Righteousness in Spiritual Warfare (MLJTrust) introduces the theme that societal and personal unrighteousness are rooted in ungodliness, and that attempts to address moral problems apart from a relationship with God are ultimately futile. The sermon critiques the modern faith in education, psychology, and moral instruction as solutions to sin, arguing that only the righteousness provided by God through Christ can protect against temptation and moral collapse.

Standing Firm in Biblical Truth Amidst Relativism (Ligonier Ministries) introduces the theme that the suppression of truth is not merely a cognitive failure but a spiritual and volitional act rooted in the fallen human heart. The sermon adds a fresh angle by connecting this suppression to the modern cultural shift from relativism to "conceptualism," where individuals not only claim their own truths but construct entire realities, religions, and moral frameworks, making the suppression of God's truth more entrenched and sophisticated. The preacher also explores the emotional and pastoral implications, urging Christians to respond with both sorrow and compassion for those who are spiritually deaf and blind, rather than mere anger or frustration.

Reviving Gospel Preaching: Lessons from the Reformation (Ligonier Ministries) presents the distinct theological theme that God's wrath is not only a future event but a present, ongoing reality. The sermon adds the facet that every unconverted person is currently under God's wrath, which magnifies the grace and love of God in offering terms of peace through the gospel. It also asserts that not only are sinners enemies of God, but God is an enemy of every unconverted person, a perspective that intensifies the urgency and seriousness of gospel preaching.

Understanding Salvation: Escaping God's Wrath Through Christ (Ligonier Ministries) develops the theme that the ultimate meaning of salvation is rescue from God's own just wrath, not merely from external calamities or personal failings. The sermon uniquely frames the wrath of God as an essential aspect of His glory and perfection, arguing that mercy can only be understood against the backdrop of real, deserved wrath. It challenges the modern tendency to reduce God to love and benevolence, insisting that a biblical worldview must reckon with God's holiness and justice as revealed in His wrath.

Returning to God's Design: Identity and Truth (Alistair Begg) introduces the theme that the visible moral disintegration of society is itself evidence of God's wrath being revealed, not just a precursor to future judgment. He adds the facet that idolatry inevitably leads to immorality, and that the loss of knowledge of God results in a loss of self-knowledge and societal order. Begg also explores the idea that the "autonomous self" is a modern form of idolatry, and that the proliferation of idols (fame, sex, intellect, etc.) is symptomatic of suppressed truth.

God's Righteousness: The Power of Faith and Grace (Alistair Begg) presents the theme that God's wrath is a necessary and just response to sin, rooted in His righteousness, and that general revelation (creation) is sufficient to make all people accountable but not sufficient to save. He adds the angle that the restlessness of the human heart (as articulated by Augustine) is a direct result of suppressing the truth about God, and that atheism and humanism are not neutral positions but active suppressions of known truth.

Embracing God's Mercy: Salvation Through Grace (Pastor Chuck Smith) develops the theme that the wrath of God is both a present and future reality, with a specific eschatological application to the Great Tribulation. He adds the unique facet that mercy and grace are not only God's response to human failure but also the means by which justice is satisfied and overruled. Smith also explores the legal metaphor of justification, where God not only forgives but dismisses all charges, and he contrasts justice (getting what we deserve), mercy (not getting what we deserve), and grace (getting what we don't deserve).

Confronting Humanity's Sin: The Power of the Gospel (Alistair Begg) introduces the theme that societal wickedness is fundamentally rooted in godlessness, and that attempts to address moral decay without addressing the underlying spiritual condition are doomed to fail. He adds the facet that even religious people can be godless if they reject the true God of the Bible, and that self-righteousness is as much under God's wrath as overt immorality.

God's Dual Nature: Wrath and Redemption (Desiring God) presents the unusual theological theme that God's wrath and kindness are simultaneously at work in the world, both warning and wooing humanity. The sermon adds the fresh angle that suffering and futility in creation are not merely natural phenomena but are active revelations of God's wrath, and that for believers, the experience of wrath is transformed into discipline rather than condemnation.

Understanding Sin: The Necessity of the Gospel (Desiring God) develops the theme that a profound understanding of sin and wrath is essential for true wisdom and for a deep appreciation of the gospel. The sermon uniquely argues that lingering in the diagnosis of sin produces "sages"—wise, discerning Christians who can offer real help to others.

Finding Joy in God's Glory and Our Purpose (Desiring God) introduces the distinct theme that the resistance to God's supremacy and the desire for a good apart from God are manifestations of the atheistic suppression of truth described in Romans 1:18. The sermon adds the facet that true human fulfillment is inseparable from glorifying God, and that any attempt to separate personal good from God's glory is rooted in the very suppression of truth that incurs God's wrath.

Divine Sovereignty and the Transformation of Hard Hearts (Desiring God) introduces the theme of inherited hardness and universal depravity as the backdrop for God’s wrath, but adds a distinctive facet by emphasizing that the very act of God "giving over" individuals and cultures to deeper sin is itself a form of present, active judgment—not merely a precursor to future judgment. The sermon also uniquely frames the hope of transformation as rooted in God’s sovereign election and the new covenant promise to replace hearts of stone with hearts of flesh, making divine omnipotence the only hope for overcoming human resistance.

Embracing Wisdom: Understanding Sin and the Gospel (Desiring God) presents the theme that deep engagement with the doctrine of wrath is essential for spiritual maturity and wisdom. The sermon’s novel contribution is its assertion that facing the reality of God’s wrath is not only necessary for appreciating the gospel but is also formative in producing "sages"—wise, discerning Christians who can offer profound counsel and guidance to others. This theme is developed through the metaphor of spiritual diagnosis and the cultivation of wisdom through exposure to hard truths.

The Power of Faith and God's Righteousness (MLJTrust) develops the theme of the universality of sin and wrath, but adds a new dimension by treating Romans 1:18 as a sweeping, historical-theological statement that encompasses the entire human race and the whole of redemptive history. The sermon’s unique angle is its insistence that the present state of the world, with all its moral and cultural failures, is a direct outworking of the reality described in Romans 1:18, and that this understanding is crucial for both evangelism and apologetics.

Awakening to the Truth Amidst Spiritual Famine (SermonIndex.net) introduces the theme of spiritual incapacity resulting from persistent sin, arguing that the suppression of truth is both a cause and a consequence of spiritual delusion. The sermon adds the distinctive idea that the acceptance of "pseudo" versions of Christianity is itself a manifestation of God’s judgment, paralleling the "giving over" described in Romans 1:18. The preacher also connects this theme to end-times deception and the prevalence of lawlessness, making the suppression of truth a central feature of eschatological apostasy.

Romans 1:18 Historical and Contextual Insights:

Transformation Through the Gospel: Embracing New Life (Hyland Heights Baptist Church) provides historical context by noting that Paul wrote Romans from Corinth to a church in Rome that had recently become a mix of Jews and Gentiles, and that the "bad news" section of Romans is addressed first to Gentiles and then to Jews, emphasizing the universality of sin and the need for salvation.

Understanding Anger: Divine Love and Our Rescue (Harbor Point Church) offers contextual insight by explaining the Greek term "hamartia" as an archery term meaning "missing the mark," and by discussing the pattern in the Hebrew Scriptures where God "gives over" His people to the consequences of their choices as a form of judgment. The sermon also references the cultural shift in the West post-World War II, contrasting views of human depravity and the rise of humanistic psychology, to explain why the concept of sin and divine wrath is difficult for modern audiences.

The Power of the Gospel: Salvation from Wrath (Open the Bible) provides historical context by explaining that the New Testament epistles, including Romans, function as inspired "tour guides" that interpret the significance of God's redemptive acts in Christ, much as Old Testament prophets explained God's actions in Israel's history. The sermon also situates Romans 1:18 within the broader biblical narrative, noting that the first expression of God's wrath was directed at the serpent in Genesis, and that the concept of God's wrath is consistent throughout Scripture, though it is always provoked by sin and not intrinsic to God's nature.

Lessons from the Reformation: Faith, Authority, and Change (MLJTrust) offers extensive historical context by connecting the moral and social transformation of Scotland and other nations to the Protestant Reformation, arguing that the revival of godliness led to societal righteousness. The preacher contrasts the pre-Reformation era's moral decline with the post-Reformation emphasis on biblical authority and godliness, using Romans 1:18 as a key text to explain why attempts at moral reform without spiritual renewal have historically failed.

Addressing the Moral and Spiritual Crisis of Our Nation (MLJTrust) provides extensive historical context, tracing the roots of modern moral decline to the rise of higher criticism, Darwinism, and secular philosophies in the 19th and 20th centuries. The sermon details how shifts in cultural authority—from the church to science, from absolute truth to relativism—mirror the process Paul describes in Romans 1, where societies that reject God are “given over” to increasing moral confusion and lawlessness. The preacher also references specific historical periods (e.g., the Edwardian era, the impact of World Wars, the influence of novelists and the press) to illustrate how cultural trends have led to the present crisis.

Unashamed of the Gospel: Righteousness Through Faith (MLJTrust) situates Romans 1:18 within the broader sweep of biblical and world history, arguing that Paul’s analysis is the only adequate explanation for the rise and fall of civilizations. The sermon references the Victorian era, the Enlightenment, and the impact of Darwin’s Origin of Species as pivotal moments that have shaped modern attitudes toward God, morality, and history. The preacher contends that the observable decline in morality and the failure of “civilization” to produce lasting good are precisely what Paul predicts when societies turn from God.

The Wrath of God: Understanding Holiness and Justice (MLJTrust) offers contextual insight by addressing how the doctrine of God’s wrath was perceived in both ancient and modern times. The preacher notes that in Paul’s day, as in ours, people were tempted to dismiss the idea of divine wrath as primitive or outdated. The sermon also references the Victorian era’s influence on conceptions of authority and discipline, suggesting that cultural shifts have led to a rejection of the biblical doctrine of judgment.

The Righteous Wrath of God and the Cross (MLJTrust) provides extensive historical and contextual insights, explaining that in the ancient world, the concept of divine wrath was not unique to Christianity but was often misunderstood as arbitrary or capricious. The sermon clarifies that Paul's use of "wrath" (orge) in the Greek context refers to a judicial, controlled response to sin, not emotional outburst. The preacher also situates Romans 1:18 within the broader context of Jewish and Greco-Roman understandings of law, conscience, and divine judgment, and traces the outworking of God's wrath through biblical history (e.g., the Flood, Sodom and Gomorrah, the exile of Israel) and general history (the rise and fall of nations). The sermon also references the cultural expectation of retributive justice after World War II as an example of the innate human sense of the need for judgment, connecting it to the biblical doctrine of wrath.

Righteousness Through Faith: The Heart of Salvation (MLJTrust) offers contextual insight into the Jewish-Gentile divide in the first-century church, explaining how Jews viewed themselves as categorically distinct from Gentiles and thus exempt from the condemnation Paul describes. The sermon details how Jewish reliance on ancestry, the law, and circumcision functioned as cultural markers of privilege, which Paul systematically dismantles to show the universality of sin and the need for justification by faith.

Understanding Salvation: Escaping God's Wrath Through Christ (Ligonier Ministries) provides historical context by referencing the cultural climate of the 1960s and early 2000s, noting the decline in belief in the wrath of God within American civil religion and the broader culture. The sermon also draws on the historical use of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" and its roots in the American Civil War, explaining how its lyrics about the "grapes of wrath" are directly drawn from Revelation 14 and reflect a time when the reality of divine judgment was more widely acknowledged and even celebrated as an aspect of God's glory. This context is used to contrast contemporary discomfort with the doctrine of wrath and to highlight the shift in cultural attitudes toward God's justice.

Returning to God's Design: Identity and Truth (Alistair Begg) provides historical context by referencing Roman society, noting that Paul's critique of moral degeneracy was not unique or exaggerated, as contemporary Roman writers also lamented the prevalence of "unnatural vice" and that 14 out of the first 15 Roman emperors were themselves homosexuals. Begg also references the Stoics and Plato, explaining that the concept of "natural" versus "unnatural" was widely understood in the ancient world as adherence to the created order, not merely personal preference. He cites commentator Hodge's observation that women were often the last to be affected in societal moral decay, using this as evidence of the depth of corruption Paul describes.

God's Righteousness: The Power of Faith and Grace (Alistair Begg) offers contextual insight by connecting Paul's message to his missionary encounters in Acts 14 and 17, where Paul appeals to the universality of God's revelation in creation to both pagan and religious audiences. Begg also references Calvin's Institutes, noting that Calvin saw natural phenomena (thunder, storms) as deliberate reminders of God's power, contrasting this with modern secular explanations like the Weather Channel.

God's Dual Nature: Wrath and Redemption (Desiring God) provides historical context by explaining that the "futility" and suffering experienced in creation are the result of God's curse following Adam's sin, not merely natural consequences or the work of Satan. The sermon situates Romans 1:18 within the broader biblical narrative of the fall, the curse, and the hope embedded in God's judgment, emphasizing that only God could subject creation to futility "in hope."

Understanding Sin: The Necessity of the Gospel (Desiring God) offers contextual insight into the structure of Paul's argument in Romans, explaining that Romans 1:18–3:20 is a sustained diagnosis of the universal human condition (both Gentile and Jew), and that the present tense of "is being revealed" indicates an ongoing, not merely future, manifestation of God's wrath.

Divine Sovereignty and the Transformation of Hard Hearts (Desiring God) provides historical context by referencing the Old Testament narrative of Pharaoh’s hardening in Exodus, drawing a parallel between God’s dealings with Pharaoh and the dynamic described in Romans 1. The sermon situates Paul’s argument within the broader biblical theme of divine hardening and judicial abandonment, and references the cultural context of both Jewish and Gentile audiences in Paul’s letters, noting the universality of hardness and rebellion.

Awakening to the Truth Amidst Spiritual Famine (SermonIndex.net) offers contextual insight by describing the cultural and spiritual climate of Paul’s time, particularly the persecution faced by Christians under Nero, as referenced in 2 Timothy. The preacher also discusses the Greco-Roman context of pseudo teachers and the prevalence of false prophets, situating Paul’s warnings about the suppression of truth within the broader context of early Christian struggles against heresy and moral decline.

Romans 1:18 Cross-References in the Bible:

Transformation Through the Gospel: Embracing New Life (Hyland Heights Baptist Church) references Psalm 19 ("the heavens declare the glory of the Lord") to support the idea that creation testifies to God's existence, making people "without excuse." It also alludes to Romans 3:10 ("there is none righteous, no, not one") to underscore the universality of sin, and to the Gospels' teaching that God is a good Father who gives good gifts, reinforcing the idea that God's boundaries are for our good.

Understanding Anger: Divine Love and Our Rescue (Harbor Point Church) references Exodus 34:6-7, the most quoted self-description of God in the Bible, to highlight God's compassion, slowness to anger, and justice. It also cites Luke 13 (the Tower of Siloam) and Acts 28 (Paul and the viper) to caution against interpreting disasters as direct signs of God's wrath. The sermon draws on Romans 3:23-25 to explain the concept of "sacrifice of atonement" (hilasterion/mercy seat), and Matthew 26 (Jesus handed over to be crucified) to parallel the "handing over" language of Romans 1. Romans 8:1 ("no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus") and Romans 8:38-39 ("nothing can separate us from the love of God") are used to assure believers of security in Christ.

Compassion Over Legalism: The Heart of God's Law (Derry Baptist Fellowship) references Deuteronomy 30:15 ("I have set before you life and good, death and evil") to show that the Pharisees should have known the spirit of the law. It also alludes to various Old Testament stories of God's hand as a symbol of blessing, judgment, and rescue, and to 1 Peter 5:7 ("casting all your care on him") as an invitation to trust in God's compassion.

Deep Insights and Worship from the Book of Romans (Crazy Love) references several passages to expand on Romans 1:18: Romans 2:4-5 (God's kindness leading to repentance and the storing up of wrath), Romans 3:4 (let God be true though everyone were a liar), Romans 5:9-10 (being saved from wrath through Christ and reconciliation from being "enemies"), Job 38 (God questioning Job out of the whirlwind), and Genesis (the law shutting every mouth). These references are used to reinforce the inevitability and justice of God's judgment, the futility of self-justification, and the necessity of faith for peace with God.

Understanding Salvation: Propitiation, Redemption, and Justification (Open the Bible) cross-references Isaiah's vision of God's holiness (Isaiah 6), John's reaction to the risen Christ (Revelation 1), and 1 Peter (redemption by Christ's blood), as well as Romans 3:23-25 (propitiation and redemption). These passages are used to illustrate the overwhelming holiness of God, the universal need for salvation, and the biblical basis for the doctrines of propitiation and redemption.

The Power of the Gospel: Salvation from Wrath (Open the Bible) references Genesis (God's curse on the serpent as the first expression of wrath), Deuteronomy 7 (God's love as unprovoked and intrinsic), 2 Corinthians 4 (the blinding of unbelievers by Satan), John 7:17 (knowing truth by doing God's will), Romans 2:5 (wrath stored up for the day of judgment), Romans 3:23 (all have sinned), and Romans 8:32 (God giving up his Son). These references are used to show the consistency of the theme of God's wrath and love throughout Scripture, the process of spiritual blindness, and the ultimate provision of salvation in Christ.

Lessons from the Reformation: Faith, Authority, and Change (MLJTrust) references Romans 1:18 as a foundational text, emphasizing the order of "ungodliness" and "unrighteousness," and connects this to the broader biblical teaching that godliness is the root of true righteousness. The sermon also alludes to Hebrews 13:7-8 and Matthew 23:29-32 to discuss the importance of learning from the past and the danger of hypocrisy in honoring reformers without embracing their message.

Addressing the Moral and Spiritual Crisis of Our Nation (MLJTrust) references several biblical passages to support and expand on Romans 1:18. Psalm 11:3 (“If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?”) is used to illustrate the collapse of moral and spiritual foundations. The preacher also cites 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 to show the transformative power of the gospel for those under judgment, and Acts 2 (Pentecost) to demonstrate the power of Spirit-filled proclamation in turning societies around. Additional references include Jesus’ warnings about judgment (e.g., as in the days of Noah and Sodom and Gomorrah) and the repeated biblical theme that “there is no peace for the wicked” (Isaiah 48:22).

Unashamed of the Gospel: Righteousness Through Faith (MLJTrust) draws on a wide range of biblical cross-references to reinforce the universality of God’s wrath and the necessity of faith. The preacher references Habakkuk 2:4 (“the just shall live by faith”) as the Old Testament root of Paul’s argument, and Hebrews 11 for the nature of faith. The sermon also alludes to Romans 3:19-20 (“every mouth stopped, all the world guilty before God”), Philippians 3:9 (righteousness from God by faith), and various passages in the Gospels and Acts that emphasize repentance and judgment.

The Wrath of God: Understanding Holiness and Justice (MLJTrust) provides an exhaustive survey of biblical references to the wrath of God, both within Romans (citing every instance of “wrath” in the epistle) and throughout the New Testament. The preacher references 1 Corinthians 3 and 11 (judgment and discipline in the church), 2 Corinthians 2 and 5 (the “terror of the Lord” and the judgment seat of Christ), Ephesians 2:3 and 5:6, Colossians 3:6, 1 Thessalonians 5, 2 Thessalonians 1, Hebrews 2, 3, 4, 6, 10, 12, James, 1 Peter 4, 2 Peter 2-3, Jude, Revelation, and numerous passages from the Gospels (e.g., Matthew 7, 11, 24-25; Luke 16; John 3:16, 3:36, 12). Each reference is used to demonstrate the consistency and centrality of the doctrine of God’s wrath throughout Scripture, and to argue that it is inseparable from the message of salvation.

Embracing Discernment: Courage to Seek Truth (Become New) references Philippians 1:10 ("that you may be able to discern what is best") and Romans 12:1-2 ("do not be conformed to this world... be transformed by the renewing of your mind") to support the call for discernment and non-conformity. The sermon also alludes to Acts (the apostles saying "we must obey God rather than men") as a model for resisting societal pressure to suppress truth. The story of Cain and Abel is used to illustrate the "my side bias" and the projection of one's own faults onto others, connecting the ancient narrative to the psychological dynamics of suppressing truth.

The Righteous Wrath of God and the Cross (MLJTrust) references a wide array of biblical passages to support and expand on Romans 1:18. Genesis 3 is cited as the origin of the consequences of sin (thorns, thistles, pain, death), and Romans 8:18ff is used to show that creation itself groans under the curse of sin. The sermon references the stories of Adam and Eve, Cain, the Flood, the Tower of Babel, Sodom and Gomorrah, Saul, David, Manasseh, and Nebuchadnezzar as historical examples of God's wrath. The fate of Israel (exile, destruction in AD 70) is presented as a national illustration. The preacher also cites Psalm 1 (the fate of the ungodly), the prophets' warnings, and the cross and resurrection of Christ as the ultimate revelation of wrath. 1 Timothy 5:24 is used to explain the timing of judgment, and Romans 6:23 ("the wages of sin is death") is quoted to summarize the doctrine. The sermon also references Acts (Paul's preaching in Athens), Hebrews (the final judgment), and the Book of Revelation (the day of vengeance and final judgment).

Righteousness Through Faith: The Heart of Salvation (MLJTrust) cross-references Romans 1:16-17 (the revelation of God's righteousness by faith) and the subsequent verses in Romans 2 to show the flow of Paul's argument. The sermon also references the Gospels (Jesus' interactions with Pharisees), Acts (Jewish-Gentile tensions), and Paul's letters to Timothy and Titus to illustrate the dangers of separating doctrine from life and the necessity of justification by faith. The preacher quotes Jesus' words ("If you know these things, happy are you if you do them," and "If you continue in my word, then are you my disciples indeed") and Paul's teaching in Titus 2:11-14 about the grace of God leading to godly living.

Embracing the Breastplate of Righteousness in Spiritual Warfare (MLJTrust) uses Romans 1:18 as a foundational cross-reference to Ephesians 6:14, arguing that the order of "ungodliness and unrighteousness" explains the root of moral failure. The sermon also references Titus 1:15 ("unto the pure all things are pure..."), Romans 8:15 ("God has not given us the spirit of bondage again to fear..."), and Hebrews 4:15 ("tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin") to support the argument that only a new nature and the righteousness of Christ can protect against temptation and moral collapse.

Standing Firm in Biblical Truth Amidst Relativism (Ligonier Ministries) references several passages to expand on Romans 1:18. John 18:37 is cited, where Jesus says, "Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice," to illustrate that only those whom God has sovereignly enabled can truly hear and accept the truth. John 17:17 is also referenced, where Jesus prays, "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth," emphasizing the exclusive and defining nature of God's word as truth. John 14 is invoked to point to Jesus' claim, "I am the way, the truth, and the life," reinforcing the personification of truth in Christ. The sermon also alludes to Romans 7, where Paul uses similar language about being held captive, to draw a parallel with the suppression of truth. These references collectively support the argument that truth is objective, divinely defined, and only accessible through God's sovereign grace.

Reviving Gospel Preaching: Lessons from the Reformation (Ligonier Ministries) draws on multiple biblical cross-references to support its exposition of Romans 1:18. Psalm 5 and Psalm 7 are cited to show that God is angry with the wicked every day and is depicted as a warrior with arrows aimed at sinners. Psalm 2 is referenced to illustrate God's mockery and wrath toward those who rebel against Him. Luke 14:31-32 is used as an analogy for the necessity of accepting terms of peace with a stronger king, paralleling the need for sinners to accept the gospel to escape God's wrath. Romans 8:1 is contrasted with the state of those outside Christ, who remain under condemnation. These references collectively reinforce the present and active nature of God's wrath and the urgency of gospel response.

Understanding Salvation: Escaping God's Wrath Through Christ (Ligonier Ministries) makes extensive use of Revelation 14:17-20, the imagery of the "winepress of the wrath of God," to illustrate the fate of impenitent sinners and the severity of divine judgment. The sermon also alludes to Paul's teaching that sinners are "heaping up wrath" for themselves (Romans 2:5), and references the refrain from "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," which is itself a paraphrase of Revelation 14. These cross-references are used to vividly depict the biblical reality of God's wrath and to ground the doctrine in both Old and New Testament revelation.

Returning to God's Design: Identity and Truth (Alistair Begg) cross-references Genesis 1 to highlight Paul's echo of the creation account in his use of "male" and "female," reinforcing the argument that "natural" refers to God's original design. He also references Ephesians 5, where Paul speaks of the shamefulness of certain secret acts, to underscore the gravity of the behaviors described in Romans 1. Additionally, Begg mentions Acts 17, where Paul addresses the Stoics and Epicureans, to show that the concept of living "according to nature" was not unique to Christianity.

God's Righteousness: The Power of Faith and Grace (Alistair Begg) references Genesis 1–3 to illustrate the original relationship between God and humanity, the entrance of sin, and the resulting shame and attempts to cover nakedness. He also cites Acts 14 and 17 to show Paul's use of general revelation in evangelism, and 2 Timothy to emphasize the sufficiency of Scripture for salvation. Begg further references Romans 5 to point ahead to Paul's fuller explanation of the consequences of sin and the provision of salvation.

Embracing God's Mercy: Salvation Through Grace (Pastor Chuck Smith) references Romans 5:9 ("saved from wrath"), John the Baptist's warning of the "wrath to come," and Revelation 6 and Zephaniah to describe the eschatological outpouring of God's wrath during the Great Tribulation. He also cites Romans 5:1 ("justified by faith, we have peace with God") and Romans 5:9 ("saved from wrath through him") to connect justification and deliverance from wrath. Smith references the story of Moses and the golden calf (Exodus 32) to illustrate the interplay of justice and mercy, and Psalm 32 to describe the happiness of forgiveness and justification.

Confronting Humanity's Sin: The Power of the Gospel (Alistair Begg) references Romans 1:24, 1:26, and Romans 3:10, 3:19, 3:22–23 to show the progression from godlessness to wickedness, the giving over of people to their desires as an expression of God's wrath, and the universality of sin. He also alludes to the Ten Commandments and their role in revealing sin, and to the words of the prophets about God's holiness.

God's Dual Nature: Wrath and Redemption (Desiring God) references Romans 1:24, 1:26, 1:28 to illustrate how God's wrath is revealed by "giving people over" to their sinful desires. The sermon also cites Romans 2:4–5 to show that God's kindness is meant to lead to repentance, and Romans 8:18–28 to connect suffering and futility to God's redemptive purposes. Additionally, 1 Corinthians 15 is referenced to explain the transformation of death for believers, and 1 John 1:10 to affirm the ongoing struggle with sin.

Understanding Sin: The Necessity of the Gospel (Desiring God) cross-references Romans 3:9, 3:21, and especially Romans 5:12–18 to demonstrate that death is a manifestation of God's wrath, judgment, and condemnation in response to Adam's sin. The sermon also highlights the connection between the revelation of righteousness (1:17) and the revelation of wrath (1:18).

Finding Joy in God's Glory and Our Purpose (Desiring God) references Romans 1:18, 1:22, 1:28, and Romans 8:7 to describe the suppression of truth and the exchange of God's glory for idols. The sermon also cites John 17:24, 1 Peter 3:18, and Psalm 16:11 to show that the ultimate good for believers is found in seeing and enjoying God's glory.

Divine Sovereignty and the Transformation of Hard Hearts (Desiring God) references multiple passages to support its interpretation of Romans 1:18. Exodus 4:21, 7:3, 8:15, 8:32, 9:12, 9:34, 10:1, 10:20, and 11:10 are cited to illustrate the pattern of God hardening Pharaoh’s heart. Ephesians 4:17-18 and 2:1-3 are used to trace the condition of hardness and alienation from God. Romans 5:18 and Romans 11:5-7 are referenced to explain the universality of condemnation in Adam and the doctrine of election. Ezekiel 11:19 and Jeremiah 32:17 are invoked to highlight the promise of heart transformation. These cross-references are used to show that the suppression of truth and the experience of wrath are rooted in both the fall and God’s sovereign purposes, and that deliverance is possible only through God’s initiative.

Embracing Wisdom: Understanding Sin and the Gospel (Desiring God) cross-references Romans 1:17 to emphasize the logical and theological connection between the revelation of God’s righteousness and the revelation of his wrath. The sermon also alludes to the broader section of Romans 1:18–3:20 as the necessary context for understanding the gospel, and references the wisdom literature (e.g., Proverbs) to support the goal of cultivating sages.

Awakening to the Truth Amidst Spiritual Famine (SermonIndex.net) references a wide array of biblical passages to illustrate the theme of deception and the consequences of suppressing truth. 2 Timothy 3–4 is used to describe the perilous times and the turning away from sound doctrine. 2 Thessalonians 2:11 is cited to explain the sending of a "deluding influence" on those who reject truth, with attention to the Greek word "pseudos." 2 Peter 2 and Jude are referenced to describe the characteristics of false teachers. Matthew 7 is cited to define lawlessness as refusal to do God’s will. Romans 1 is referenced repeatedly to connect the suppression of truth to sexual sin and the exchange of truth for falsehood. Additional references include 1 Corinthians 6:9, Galatians 6:7, Ephesians 5:6, James 1:15-16, and 1 John 1:6 and 3:7, all of which are used to reinforce the biblical warnings against deception and the necessity of practicing righteousness.

Romans 1:18 Christian References outside the Bible:

Transformation Through the Gospel: Embracing New Life (Hyland Heights Baptist Church) explicitly references the hymn by Keith and Kristyn Getty, quoting "on the cross as Jesus died, the wrath of God was satisfied," to support the doctrine of substitutionary atonement.

Understanding Anger: Divine Love and Our Rescue (Harbor Point Church) explicitly references N.T. Wright, quoting his analogy of God as an artist appalled at the defacement of his creation, and his explanation that God's wrath is the outflow of creative love determined to set things right. The sermon also references David Brooks' Atlantic article "How America Got Mean" to discuss cultural attitudes toward sin and moral formation, and briefly mentions the musician Jelly Roll as a pop culture reference to the need for rescue from oneself.

The Power of the Gospel: Salvation from Wrath (Open the Bible) explicitly references Tim Keller, a modern pastor, in the context of discussing how unrighteousness suppresses the truth. Keller's anecdote about college students questioning their faith is used to illustrate the connection between moral choices and spiritual perception, reinforcing the sermon's interpretation of Romans 1:18.

Addressing the Moral and Spiritual Crisis of Our Nation (MLJTrust) explicitly references several non-biblical Christian thinkers and historical figures in its discussion of Romans 1:18. The preacher quotes Emil Brunner, noting his observation that the first generation is moral because of truth, the next holds to morals without the truth, and the third loses both. The sermon also references John Knox, John Elias, and the Methodist revivalists (e.g., George Whitefield, John Wesley) as examples of preachers whose proclamation of judgment and the gospel led to societal transformation. The preacher further mentions Charles Sherrington and Erwin Schrödinger (not Christian theologians, but cited for their views on the soul and the nature of man) to support the argument that even great scientists have recognized the inadequacy of materialism.

The Wrath of God: Understanding Holiness and Justice (MLJTrust) references historical Christian preachers and theologians to reinforce the legitimacy and necessity of preaching God’s wrath. The sermon mentions John Calvin, John Knox, Martin Luther, Augustine, George Whitefield, John Wesley, and Jonathan Edwards (specifically his sermon “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God”) as examples of men whom God used mightily because they did not shy away from proclaiming the reality of divine judgment. The preacher argues that the effectiveness of their ministries was directly tied to their seriousness about the wrath of God.

Embracing Discernment: Courage to Seek Truth (Become New) explicitly references Brene Brown, quoting her insight that "trying to ignore social media messages is like trying to avoid air pollution by holding your breath," to illustrate the pervasiveness of cultural messages that shape our thinking and the need for critical awareness. The sermon also references Carl Jung, summarizing his observation that people project their worst qualities onto those they dislike, and that in describing their enemies, they often reveal themselves. These references are used to deepen the psychological and cultural analysis of "suppressing the truth" and to connect biblical teaching to contemporary thought on self-awareness and empathy.

Standing Firm in Biblical Truth Amidst Relativism (Ligonier Ministries) explicitly references Francis Schaeffer, quoting him as saying, "truth always brings with it confrontation," to underscore the inevitability of conflict when proclaiming biblical truth in a relativistic or conceptualist culture. The sermon also alludes to unnamed "honest atheists" who respect Christians for warning others about hell if they truly believe it, using this as an apologetic point for the necessity of proclaiming the reality of God's wrath.

Reviving Gospel Preaching: Lessons from the Reformation (Ligonier Ministries) cites Charles Spurgeon, referencing his commentary in "The Treasury of David" on Psalm 7, where Spurgeon describes God as a warrior whose arrows "never miss the target." The sermon also references Jonathan Edwards' "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" to affirm the depiction of God as full of indignation toward the wicked. These references are used to reinforce the sermon's theological points about the present reality of God's wrath and the seriousness of sin.

Returning to God's Design: Identity and Truth (Alistair Begg) explicitly references commentator Hodge, who suggests that Paul's mention of women first in the context of moral decay is significant because women were typically the last to be affected in societal decline, thus indicating the depth of corruption. Begg also quotes Christopher Ash's book "Remaking Our Broken World," which cites J.D. Unwin's study of 86 societies over 5,000 years, finding a direct correlation between sexual continence and societal health, and concluding that no society retained its energy after abandoning sexual restraint. Additionally, Begg references a professor of psychiatry from Case Western Reserve University, quoting his analysis of homosexuality as a learned behavior in oversexualized cultures, though he notes the controversial nature of this view. He also mentions Augustine's insight that "our hearts are restless until they find their rest in thee," using it to explain the universal human longing for God.

God's Righteousness: The Power of Faith and Grace (Alistair Begg) cites the late Professor John Murray, quoting his statement that "phenomena disclose the numina of God's Transcendent Perfection and specific Divinity," to articulate how creation reveals God's invisible attributes. Begg also references Calvin's Institutes, noting Calvin's view that natural phenomena are intended to remind humanity of God's power and majesty, and he again cites Augustine's famous line about the restlessness of the human heart.

Awakening to the Truth Amidst Spiritual Famine (SermonIndex.net) explicitly references the "Pulpit Commentary," quoting its interpretation that "God’s spirit will not always strive with man; in his awful justice he gives over to a reprobate mind those who persevere in disobedience; he lets the rebel have his own will; the spirit is withdrawn at last from those who vex, grieve, resist his gracious influences." This citation is used to reinforce the sermon's warning about the danger of persistent suppression of truth and the eventual withdrawal of divine restraint.

Romans 1:18 Illustrations from Secular Sources:

Transformation Through the Gospel: Embracing New Life (Hyland Heights Baptist Church) uses the cosmological or fine-tuning argument from science to illustrate the suppression of truth, arguing that the improbability of life points to a Creator, and that secular explanations are often accepted only to avoid acknowledging God. The sermon also references the book "The Devil's Delusion" by agnostic David Berlinski, quoting his critique of scientific atheism's inability to explain existence, morality, or the fine-tuning of the universe, and his assertion that scientific atheism is "a frivolous exercise in intellectual contempt." Additionally, the sermon uses analogies from everyday life—such as hiking the Appalachian Trail, surfing, astronomy, and material accumulation—to illustrate modern forms of worshipping the created rather than the Creator, and the futility of materialism ("nobody puts a U-Haul behind a hearse").

Understanding Anger: Divine Love and Our Rescue (Harbor Point Church) uses several secular illustrations: the Mr. Rogers song "What Do You Do with the Mad That You Feel?" to introduce the topic of anger; the "mama bear" analogy to explain protective anger; and a detailed story about Tex-Mex salsa and letting a child experience the consequences of his own choices as an analogy for God "giving people over" to their desires. The sermon also references Halloween candy as an example of letting children indulge to their own detriment, paralleling the biblical concept of God handing people over to self-destructive choices. The sermon further draws on David Brooks' sociological analysis of post-WWII Western culture and the rise of humanistic psychology to explain contemporary resistance to the concept of sin and divine wrath.

Understanding Salvation: Propitiation, Redemption, and Justification (Open the Bible) uses a detailed legal analogy involving "Neil and Sally," where Neil's reckless actions lead to Sally's permanent injury and legal action. The process of determining a "propitiation" (a payment to satisfy justice and the offended party) is used to explain how Christ's sacrifice satisfies God's just wrath. The illustration is vivid, showing the emotional and legal consequences of wrongdoing and the necessity of a satisfactory resolution.

The Power of the Gospel: Salvation from Wrath (Open the Bible) employs several secular analogies: the metaphor of suppressing a spring to illustrate suppressing the truth; the story of a child persistently wanting to eat hot chili peppers, which the parent finally allows, paralleling God's "giving up" people to their chosen sins; and the image of dropping a vase to show how, when God "gives up" a person, they become subject to destructive powers greater than themselves. These analogies are used to make the abstract concept of God's wrath concrete and relatable, emphasizing the consequences of persistent rebellion and the nature of divine judgment.

Addressing the Moral and Spiritual Crisis of Our Nation (MLJTrust) draws extensively on secular sources and cultural examples to illustrate the meaning of Romans 1:18. The preacher quotes historian Arnold Toynbee (“the morality gap is greater than ever before”) and neuroscientist Sir John Eccles (on the dangers of scientific dogmatism and the inadequacy of materialism to explain human nature). The sermon references the influence of novelists like Oscar Wilde, the impact of the Edwardian period, and the role of the press and media in trivializing important events (e.g., juxtaposing the moon landing with a celebrity scandal). The preacher also discusses the effects of World Wars, the rise of behaviorism and psychology (e.g., Freud), and the cultural shift toward relativism and diminished responsibility in law. These examples are used to show how secular trends have contributed to the suppression of truth and the manifestation of God’s wrath as described in Romans 1:18.

Embracing Discernment: Courage to Seek Truth (Become New) uses the famous 1936 photograph of a German shipyard worker refusing to give the Nazi salute as a powerful secular illustration of resisting societal pressure and refusing to "suppress the truth" for the sake of conformity. The preacher details the possible identities of the man (including a worker married to a Jewish woman and another named Gustav who refused the salute out of religious conviction), and explains how the image has become an iconic poster with the caption "Be this guy." The story is used to exemplify the courage required to stand for truth against overwhelming social pressure. The sermon also references the concept of the "devil's advocate" from Catholic tradition, explaining its historical use in canonization processes as a metaphor for intentional self-questioning and the pursuit of truth. Additionally, the sermon discusses the "my side bias" as identified by contemporary researchers, and uses the example of social media (comparing others' highlights to one's own "blooper reel") to illustrate the subtle ways in which truth is distorted and suppressed in modern life.

Understanding Salvation: Escaping God's Wrath Through Christ (Ligonier Ministries) uses several detailed secular illustrations to illuminate Romans 1:18. The preacher recounts a personal story from 1968 at Temple University, where a stranger asked, "Are you saved?" and reflects on the cultural context of the 1960s as a time of upheaval and moral revolution, drawing a parallel to the need for salvation from God's wrath. The sermon also references the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, noting the surge in patriotic songs like "God Bless America" and "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," and analyzes the latter's lyrics about the "grapes of wrath" as a cultural artifact that once reflected a more robust belief in divine judgment. The preacher further references John Steinbeck's novel "The Grapes of Wrath," explaining that its title and imagery are drawn from Revelation 14 and have entered American cultural consciousness as symbols of judgment and calamity. These secular references are used to bridge biblical teaching with contemporary and historical cultural moments, making the doctrine of God's wrath more tangible and relatable to the audience.

Returning to God's Design: Identity and Truth (Alistair Begg) uses the song "The Logical Song" by Roger Hodgson (Supertramp) as a metaphor for the modern search for identity and the loss of wonder and innocence in the face of societal pressures to conform. He also references the "Super Bowl halftime show" as an illustration of America's misplaced longings and the degeneracy of popular culture, using it as a contemporary example of idolatry and the suppression of truth. Begg further mentions the book "Philomena," recounting the pain and sadness of a man searching for his identity after being given up for adoption, set against the backdrop of the AIDS crisis, to illustrate the personal and societal consequences of rejecting God's design. He also references Plato and the Stoics as ancient secular sources who recognized the concept of "natural" versus "unnatural" behavior, showing that Paul's argument was not unique to Christianity but resonated with broader philosophical traditions.

Understanding Sin: The Necessity of the Gospel (Desiring God) uses the detailed analogy of a child falling and scraping their knee on gravel, emphasizing that a superficial diagnosis (just putting on a Band-Aid) leads to infection, while a thorough, painful cleaning leads to true healing. This analogy is used to illustrate the necessity of a deep, honest diagnosis of sin and wrath before the gospel can be truly appreciated.

The Power of Faith and God's Righteousness (MLJTrust) provides a detailed secular illustration by referencing the influence of Charles Darwin’s "Origin of Species" on modern views of history and human nature. The preacher argues that Darwin’s theory of evolution has done more to undermine faith in the biblical account of sin and salvation than any other single book, and anticipates the centenary celebrations of Darwin’s work as a cultural event that highlights the contrast between secular and biblical explanations of human history. The sermon also references the work of historian Arnold Toynbee and the broader academic fascination with theories of history, using these examples to argue that only the biblical account in Romans 1:18–3:20 provides an adequate explanation for the state of the world. This illustration is used to show the inadequacy of secular theories in accounting for the persistence of evil and the necessity of the gospel.