For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven

.... against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness (Romans 1:18). We don't seem to like to talk about the wrath of God, but  it's important to note that Paul has just outlined the good News that God credits righteousness to the account of the believer. Likewise we should never divorce a discussion of this subject from the gospel. But neither, if we are to declare the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27), should we neglect this subject. The suppression of truth is all about rationalization and denial, about our ability to talk ourselves into,  or out of,  things we might want, or not want, to do. In the context Paul talks about not retaining the knowledge of God's “eternal power and Godhead.” Retaining, or not, suppressing, or not, the things we instinctively know about Him.   Paul tells us these things, including His wrath against all unrighteousness, are obvious from creation (verses 19, 20). 

What is clear from the  passage is that we will not be able to say we did not know, we will be without excuse (verse 20 again). There is a slippery slope in this rationalization and suppression, and we can reach a point where God actually gives us over to our lusts. This fact is repeated three times (verses 24, 26, 28). If you reach that  point you will feel trapped, you will feel like you can do nothing about it.  You were not born that way, you were given over to your sin, after all “He who commits sin is the slave of sin” (John8:34).  God does this in His Mercy, for we reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7). I hear the testimony over and over, that this one or that one came to the end of themselves, came to their bottom.  There is a recovery saying that seems to fit here “We will not change until the pain of being stuck becomes greater than the pain,  and fear of change. And of course step one is to come out of denial. 

So how does the slippery slope start off? Paul tells us “because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful”  (verse 21). Likewise James tells us that everyone is tempted when we are drawn away and enticed (James 1:14). So drawn away from what? Well, from relationship with God, from glorifying Him and from being thankful.  I hear some saying what is there to be thankful about! I am not saying that life is not difficult at times, but the opposite of  thankfulness,  is bitterness and unforgiveness,  and that is poison. It negatively affects our emotional life, and draws us even further away.  The Lord calls us to righteousness,  because righteousness is  ultimately what will fulfill us. But most of the world is looking for love on all the wrong places, and encouraging others to do the same (verse 32).

Father, I cannot seem to get away from the twin concepts of the goodness and severity of God (Romans 11:22). Lord our culture is in such a state of rebellion and lawlessness. We are sowing to the wind and beginning to reap the whirlwind (Galatians 6:7). The ox knows it's master Lord, but our culture does not know You (Isaiah 1:3). So Lord I claim again 2 Chronicles 7:14, that  “If my people... ” Lord please come and heal our land in Jesus Name Amen