January 31, 2021 WITHOUT EXCUSE
Romans 1:18-21 “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God, or give thanks; but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.”
I find the above passage very interesting. God has, and continues to make Himself known. The problem is not one of not knowing, but of suppressing what is known deep within. By simply observing the creation, one must conclude that there is a God-unless they have become futile in their speculations and their heart has been darkened as a result of suppressing the truth about the existence of God. God has made it evident to all people that He is God. Those who have become futile in their speculations, give absurd explanations as to how the earth and the universe came to be; they go to great lengths trying to explain away God. If they admit that God created the universe, then they must be accountable to Him-and that is not what they want-thus they suppress the truth. Man-no matter where he or she lives, no matter their education, no matter their circumstances-must make a choice-acknowledge God, or suppress that deep awareness within them that says there is a God. Just by observing the creation of the universe and the creation of man-one can and should respond by simply honoring Him and giving thanks to Him for such awesome creations. So for, we have talked about mankind in general; but I also think there is a message here for believers as well. We may know God as Savior, but still in some ways suppress the truth that God has clearly revealed in His word, and perhaps suppress the work of the Holy Spirit within us. Just for example, we know deep within that we should prefer others over ourselves-but we may not do so; we know that God loves a cheerful giver, but we may suppress that knowledge and withhold what we could give. There is a tendency for us to acknowledge and ‘claim’ the scriptures we like, and ignore or overlook those we do not like. God has revealed Himself in His creations, but in somewhat a limited way; in order that we may learn more about Him, He has given us His word, and the Holy Spirit who helps us understand the scriptures. God looks for those whose hearts are completely His; when our hearts are fully turned to Him, rather than suppress what He says in His word, we are anxious to learn and embrace every word He has spoken. Let us make sure we are not suppressing the truth of God’s word and the promptings of His Spirit within, but let us receive with thanksgiving every word of God and let us be quick to act on what the Holy Spirit says to us. Let us be like the Bereans who received the word of God with all eagerness. Acts 17:11.
1 Thessalonians 2:13 “For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs it’s work in you who believe.”
Blessings,
Buddy
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