Lesson 3
background notes
doctrinal / teaching points
- God does not condemn people for ignorance of
the truth.
- God does condemn people for willful rejection
of the truth.
practical application
Don’t be brain washed with the study of man’s religion.
questions
- In the epistle to the Romans, we have good news
and bad news. What is the good news? What is the
bad news?
- Does God condemn people for ignorance of the
truth?
- What is it called when evidence is seen in creation?
- Creation not only gives evidence of the power
of God, but also of His divine nature. Explain.
- Does God condemn people for willful rejection
of the truth?
answers
- The good news is that God loves us and has provided
a way of salvation for us. The Lord Jesus Christ
died for us as our substitute, paying the penalty
for our sin so that we can go to heaven. The bad
news is that everyone is guilty before God. Everyone
has sinned and the wrath of God is directed against
sin.
- No. Instead they are condemned for negative volition
(that is, an act of the will against God). God
has given everyone clear evidence of Himself. No
one has an excuse for not responding and submitting
to the true God.
- Natural Revelation. See Psalm 19:1-4 for an example
of evidence seen in creation.
- God’s invisible attributes are clearly
seen, even His Godhead or Divine Nature.
Note the wonderful, intelligent, and amazing
design in creation,
as seen in the atom or DNA molecule. This
is more than design, it is information being
conveyed.
- Yes, for they have rejected God Himself in
their rejection of God’s revealed truth.
Furthermore, not only is truth rejected, but
it is repressed,
held down in unrighteousness.
discuss / consider
- No one has an excuse. What about the heathen
or those who have never heard about Christ?
- Consider the wonderful, intelligent, and amazing
design in creation. What is your answer to those
who say that the world and everything in it came
about by chance?
challenge
Don’t be brain washed with the study of man’s religion.
Would you compare man’s study of God, his search for God, and
his idea of God against what God has revealed in His word, and in latter
days through His Son?
memorize
- “The wrath of God is revealed from
heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness
of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.” Romans
1:18
- “Since the creation of the world
God’s invisible attributes are clearly
seen, being understood…even His eternal
power and Godhead, so they are without excuse.” Romans
1:20
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