Episode Summary

Paul’s argument moves with laser-sharp logic: God’s power saves (v.16) because God’s righteousness is revealed in the gospel (v.17). But that righteousness is necessary because God’s wrath is revealed against sin (v.18), a response we understand as we behold God’s glory in creation (vv.19–20). In this episode, we trace that flow, unpack the nature and objects of divine wrath, and follow the tragic yet honest downward spiral of human rebellion—idolatry, moral degradation, and social disorder—so we can see why the good news is truly good.

• The Logical Link to the Gospel (vv.16–20)

  • Power → Righteousness → Wrath → Glory

  • Why the bad news is necessary for the good news to make sense

• The Nature of God’s Wrath (v.18)

  • Holy, personal, and just—not impulsive human anger

  • God is never morally neutral

• Who Faces God’s Wrath (vv.18–20)

  • Against “godlessness” (irreverence toward God) and “wickedness” (injustice toward others)

  • Suppressing the truth made plain in creation leaves everyone “without excuse”

• The Downward Spiral (vv.21–32)

  • Idolatry: Knowing God but refusing to honor or thank Him

  • Sexual impurity: “Exchanges” that degrade the body (vv.24–25)

  • Against nature (vv.26–27): Paul’s teaching on created order and sexual ethics

  • Depraved mind (vv.28–32): A cascade of vices, broken relationships, and approving of evil

• Wrath defined: God’s wrath is His righteous, settled opposition to evil.

• General revelation: Creation clearly reveals God’s eternal power and divine nature—enough to render us accountable.

• Sin’s trajectory: Rejecting God leads to idolatry, moral confusion, and social decay.

• Heart of the matter: The essence of sin is knowing God yet refusing to glorify or thank Him.

1. How does seeing God’s wrath make the gospel more compelling rather than less?

2. Where do you notice “truth suppression” in our cultural moment—or in your own heart?

3. In what everyday ways can gratitude to God push back against idolatry (v.21)?

4. How should Christians hold together truth and compassion when discussing Romans 1:26–27?

5. Which of the vices in vv.28–32 do you see most clearly in society—and which is God exposing in you?

6. How does Romans 1 prepare us for Paul’s explanation of justification by faith that follows?

• Romans 1:16–17 — Power and righteousness of God in the gospel

• Romans 1:18–20 — Wrath revealed; truth in creation; “without excuse”

• Romans 1:21–25 — The “exchange”: glory for images; truth for a lie

• Romans 1:26–27 — Paul’s appeal to created order

• Romans 1:28–32 — Depraved mind and the approval of evil

What We CoverKey TakeawaysDiscussion QuestionsScripture Highlights