In our last post we did not make it to verses 18-23 well now that is just where we start from here. In my study Bibles this area has the title of "Unbelief and its Consequences" or "God's Wrath on Unrighteousness," depending how far one wants to take it. I like to keep things in a thought or paragraph kind of thing so I limit my areas to that. I do not like just quote a passage as one tends to loose the thought that it was a part of and twisting of meaning is the result. Some times this can become a real problem as many passages just seem to keep moving on and on with no end in sight, but then that is the way they wrote everything, no commas no punctuation, kinda like my style. Also keep this in mind as we read Paul's observations from GODS point of view, he does it all as a lawyer and builds the case in that fashion.
Romans 1:18-23 "For the wrath (G3709) of God is revealed from heaven against (G1909) all ungodliness and unrighteousness (G93) of men (G444), who hold (G2722) the truth in unrighteousness (G93); Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed (G5319) it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things." (KJV)
Romans 1:18-23 "For the wrath (G3709) of God is revealed from heaven against (G1909) all ungodliness and unrighteousness (G93) of men (G444), who by their unrighteousness (G93) suppress (G2722) the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown (G5319) it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things." (ESV)
Romans 1:18-23 "GOD's [1; G3709] passionate persuasion is uncovered from heavens perspective in sharp [2; G1909] contrast to the foolishness of [3; G444] people who [4; G2722] suppress and conceal an [5; G93] inferior reference of themselves. (The righteousness of God that is endorsed in the language of the heavens is so different to the counterfeit, earthly reference that blindfolds people in their own unrighteousness (G93). The word often translated wrath , [1; G3709] orge, means desire - as a reaching out or excitement of the mind, passion. The preposition [2; G1909] epi means over, above, across, against, continual influence upon; It translated here as contrast. The word for the [3; G444, G142 and G3735, ] human species, male or female is anthropos, and is from ana, meaning upwards, and tropos, meaning manner of life; character; in like manner. The word [4; G2722 - G2596, G2192] katecho, to echo downwards is the opposite (G2192) of anoche, to echo upwards; look at Romans 2:4 and 3:26. Then in Colossians 3:2 Paul encourages us to engage out thoughts with things above [God's belief], and not below [Law of works]. The word [5; G93, the Hebrew form of G94-G1 and G1349] adikia, unrighteousness, is opposite (G1349) of dikay, two parties finding likeness in each other; thus, without harmony. The Law reveals how guilty and sinful humanity is, while the gospel reveals how forgiven and restored to our origin and original blueprint we are. Look also at 2Corinthians 4:4.) For this reason GOD is not a stranger to anyone; whatever can be know of GOD is [1; G5319] apparent in human form. GOD has revealed it in the very core of their design which bears witness within their own conscience! (Note Romans 2:14-15 For even a pagan's nature; a natural instinct will confirm the law to be present in their conscience and though they have never even heard about Jewish Laws. Thus they prove to be a law unto themselves. The Law is so much more than a mere written code; its presence in human conscience even in the absence of the written instruction is obvious. Look also at 2Corinthians 4:4 and 7 and Colossians 1:27. Blindfold-mode does not remove the treasure from where it was hidden all along! Every time we love, encounter joy or experience beauty, a hint of the nature of our Maker is reflected within us; even in the experience of the unbeliever. In the incarnation Jesus unveils GOD's likeness, not His "otherwise," in human form as in a mirror! The word [1; G5319 from G5316 and G5457] phaneros is from phaino, which means to shine like light. Again look at Colossians 2:9-10 "It is in Christ that GOD finds an accurate and complete expression of himself, in a human body! Jesus mirrors our own completeness." While the expanse cannot measure or define GOD, his exact likeness is displayed in human form. Jesus proves that human life is tailor-made for GOD! Look also at Ephesians 4:8 And James 3:9. We can say beautiful things about GOD the Father but with the same mouth curse a fellow human made in his mirror image and likeness. The point being it is not what a person did to deserve the insult! The point is that people are image and likeness bearers of GOD by design, not proxy!) GOD is on display in creation; the very fabric of visible cosmos appeals to reason. It clearly bears witness to the ever present sustaining power and intelligence of the invisible GOD, leaving humanity without any valid excuse to ignore Him! (Psalm 19:1-4, "GOD's glory is on tour in the skies, GOD-craft on exhibit across the horizon. Madame Day holds classes every morning, Professor Night lectures each evening, Their words aren't heard, their voices aren't recorded, but their silence fills the earth: unspoken truth is spoken everywhere." ) Yet His humanity only knew him in a philosophical religious way, from a distance, and failed to give Him credit as GOD. Their taking his for granted and lack of gratitude veiled His from them; they became absorbed in useless debates and discussions, which further darkened their understanding about themselves. Their wise conclusion only confirmed their own folly. Their losing sight of GOD, made them lose sight of who they really were. In their calculation the image and likeness of GOD in them became reduced to a corrupted and distorted pattern of themselves. Suddenly a person has more in common with "creepy crawlers" than with their original blueprint." (The Mirror)
The LORD willing I shall pick up with verse 24 next time.
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