Posts by Yong Joo Park:
The Foolish Pride of Human Wisdom
Romans 1:22 (NLT)
22 Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools.
Message
I. Observing the Verse
See v22.
Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools.
Why did they claim to be wise, when in reality they were foolish? Such empty pride is what we call arrogance.
II. Knowledge and Arrogance
Knowledge makes them arrogant while love edifies (See 1 Corinthians 8:1b NKJV)
III. Connection to Eden
The first man and his wife ate from the tree of knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 3:6) in the temptation to become like God (Genesis 3:5).
IV. Human Pursuit of Knowledge
Can we say humans since then are pursuing “knowledge”? Yes, in one sense. From that moment, humans have been chasing after knowledge, technology, and wisdom apart from God. This pursuit often leads to pride and self-reliance.
V. Wisdom from God vs. Arrogance
But we must be careful. The problem is not knowledge itself. The Bible praises wisdom and understanding when they come from God (Proverbs 2:6, James 1:5). The real issue is the same temptation from Eden: to seek knowledge independently from God and to use it for pride or control.
VI. Conclusion
This is how human beings became arrogant while being utter fools (22).
Separated from God: Spiritual Blindness and Confusion
Romans 1:21b,c (NLT) And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. Message I. Spiritual Blindness and Death When the first man and woman ate the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 3:6, https://www.comnc.org/the-beginning-of-sin-refusing-to-worship-and-give-thanks-to-god), they were separated from […]
The Beginning of Sin: Refusing to Worship and Give Thanks to God
Romans 1:21a (NLT) 21 Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. I. The Beginning of Sin: Refusing to Worship and Give Thanks to God Paul declares that all humans know God (21a, Romans 1:19-20). The problem was that even though they knew Him, they would not worship […]
No Excuse: God Revealed Through Creation
Romans 1:19-20 NLT 19 They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. 20 For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing […]
Suppressing the Truth: God’s Anger and the Power of the Gospel
Romans 1:18 NLT 18 But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness. Message Today’s scripture speaks of God’s anger against all sinful and wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness. After God spoke the truth (Genesis 2:15), the serpent lied in opposition to […]
No Shame in the Gospel: It Is the Power of God!
Romans 1:16-17 NLT 16 For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. 17 This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the […]
Obligated to All: The Gospel for Every Soul
Romans 1:13-15 NLT 13 I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, that I planned many times to visit you, but I was prevented until now. I want to work among you and see spiritual fruit, just as I have seen among other Gentiles. 14 For I have a great sense of obligation to people in both the […]
A Ministry of Presence: Sharing Faith, Gifts, and Lives in Christ
Romans 1:10-12 NLT 10 One of the things I always pray for is the opportunity, God willing, to come at last to see you. 11 For I long to visit you so I can bring you some spiritual gift that will help you grow strong in the Lord. 12 When we get together, I want to encourage you in your […]
All My Heart: Serving God, Praying Always, Rejoicing in Faith
Romans 1:8–9 (NLT) 8 Let me say first that I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith in him is being talked about all over the world. 9 God knows how often I pray for you. Day and night I bring you and your needs in prayer to God, whom I […]
God’s Plan for All: Unity, Grace, and Peace in Christ
Romans 1:6–7 (NLT) 6 And you are included among those Gentiles who have been called to belong to Jesus Christ. 7 I am writing to all of you in Rome who are loved by God and are called to be his own holy people. May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and […]
