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 God.
Message
I. No Excuse of ‘Not Knowing God’ Accepted
Some could say they didn’t know God existed. But v19a declares they know the truth about God. God has made it obvious to them (19b). They have no excuse for not knowing God (20b). v20a explains the reason. They can know God through His creation! His invisible qualities – His eternal power and divine nature – are clearly seen through everything God made.
The first book of the Holy Bible, Genesis, does not begin by explaining the existence of God, but by declaring His creation. See Genesis 1:1.
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
According to the Holy Bible, only fools say in their heart, “There is no God.” (Psalm 14:1, 53:1).
II. Action versus Knowing, Saying, and Hearing
The true status of our belief is determined by ‘action’ rather than by our ‘knowing’, ‘saying’ or ‘hearing’.
Let’s say they know the truth (Romans 1:21-22, Titus 1:16), say the truth (Isaiah 29:13, Matthew 15:8-9) or listen to the truth (James 1:22). However, if they fail to ‘act according to the truth’, they will get the bad consequences (reap what they sow) (Galatians 6:7).
Matthew 7:21 NLT and James 2:21-24 NLT teach similar principles.
Matthew 7:21 NLT 21 “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.
James 2:21-14 NLT 21 Don’t you remember that our ancestor Abraham was shown to be right with God by his actions when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see, his faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete. 23 And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” He was even called the friend of God. 24 So you see, we are shown to be right with God by what we do, not by faith alone.
Next week, let’s continue to study Romans 1:21 NLT “Yes, they knew God, but…”
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 it. In Genesis 3, the serpent represents the devil, who attempted to replace the truth with a lie (Genesis 3:4). Sinful and wicked people stand on the side of falsehood and act on behalf of the devil (1 John 3:8). This is what verse 18 describes as “suppressing the truth by their wickedness.”
God cannot lie (Numbers 23:19; Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18). The truth sets us free from slavery to sin (John 8:32). Jesus is the truth (John 14:6), and He was born and came into the world to testify to the truth (John 18:37).
Titus 3:3 (NLT) describes how we were before salvation:
3 Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other.
Titus 3:4–7 (NLT) explains how we were saved:
4 But—When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, 5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. 6 He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. 7 Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.
God poured out His anger on Jesus, and our sins were paid for by Him on the cross. Those who believe in Him are forgiven and transformed.
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 Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.”
Message
When Jesus came to the earth, His own people rejected and killed Him. However, He was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 1:4). After ascending to heaven, Jesus, as He promised (John 14:16-17, 15:26, 16:7), sent the Holy Spirit to be with them forever (John 14:16). The Holy Spirit burns away the sins of those who repent and believe, and they are reborn (John 3:5) and become new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17). This is truly the good news! Should anyone feel ashamed to share the Good News with others (16a)? Not at all! The Good News is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes (16b).
The Good News tells us how God makes us right in His sight (17a).
This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life (Habakkuk 2:4).” (17b).
Imagine that God considers us believers ‘perfect’ and ‘faultless’ children of God thanks to Jesus’ sacrifice to forgive our sins! It is not because we lived perfect lives according to the Law but because we are forgiven by grace in Jesus! That belief (faith) in His grace is what makes us right with God. Amen.
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 civilized world and the rest of the world, to the educated and uneducated alike. 15 So I am eager to come to you in Rome, too, to preach the Good News.
Message
Paul not only longed to visit (Romans 1:11) but also planned many times to visit the believers in Rome (13a).
In his letters to churches, he often expressed that his desire to see them again. They were his spiritual children (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12, 1 Corinthians 4:15, Galatians 4:19, Philemon 1:10). They were the proud reward, crown, pride, and joy of his ministry team (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 NLT, Philippians 4:1 NLT). Paul’s ministry team loved them deeply (1 Thessalonians 2:8 NLT) and taught them to do the same for one another and for all people (1 Thessalonians 3:12 NLT, 1 Thessalonians 4:10 NLT).
His purpose in seeing or visiting them was:
- to fill the gaps in their faith (1 Thessalonians 3:10 NLT).
- to bring them some spiritual gift that would help them grow strong in the Lord (Romans 1:11).
- to encourage them in their faith, and to be encouraged by them (Romans 1:12).
As for the believers in Rome, whom Paul had never visited before, his purpose was:
- to work among them and see spiritual fruit, just as Paul had seen among other Gentiles (13b).
- to preach the Good News (15) because he had a great sense of obligation to all people (14).
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 faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours.
Messages
Paul wrote in Ephesians 5:16 NLT,
“Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.”
Here, Paul always prays for the opportunity to come at last to see the believers in Rome (10). Paul often mentioned in his letters that he wanted to see them. See 1 Thessalonians 3:10-11 NLT.
10 Night and day we pray earnestly for you, asking God to let us see you again to fill the gaps in your faith. 11 May God our Father and our Lord Jesus bring us to you very soon.
Paul considers the believers the proud reward, crown, pride, and joy of his ministry team (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 NLT, Philippians 4:1 NLT). Paul’s ministry team loved them so much (1 Thessalonians 2:8 NLT) and taught them to do the same for one another and for all people (1 Thessalonians 3:12 NLT, 4:10 NLT).
What was his purpose in seeing or visiting them?
It was:
- to fill the gaps in their faith (1 Thessalonians 3:10c NLT).
- to bring them some spiritual gift that will help them grow strong in the Lord (11).
- to encourage them in their faith, and to be encouraged by them (12).
Paul’s ministry team shared with them not only the Good News but also his team members’ own lives (1 Thessalonians 2:8). Paul’s ministry team shared their whole selves — their personal time, energy, emotions, relationships, and even willingness to suffer or risk physical hardship for the sake of the believers. The life they shared was broader than just physical life or co-living.
Epilogue: A Life Poured Out in Love
Paul’s desire to visit the believers was not just about preaching another sermon or completing a missionary itinerary. His heart burned with genuine love — a love that longed to give and also to receive, to strengthen and be strengthened. As he wrote, he and his ministry team did not only share the Good News, but also shared their very lives. They opened their hearts, gave their time, risked suffering, and embraced deep, spiritual relationships with those they ministered to.
This kind of ministry is a model for us today. It calls us to move beyond mere words or duty and into a life of sacrificial love. Ministry is not just about teaching others, but walking alongside them — being present, vulnerable, and invested in their spiritual growth. Like Paul, may we seek opportunities, God willing, to truly be with others — to build up one another in faith, and to find strength through the encouragement that flows both ways.
In a world that often values efficiency over intimacy, may we be reminded that spiritual fruit grows best in the soil of shared lives.
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 serve with all my heart by spreading the Good News about his Son.
Message
I. A Grateful Heart for Global Faith (8)
Paul is grateful to his God through Jesus Christ for the faith of the believers in Rome (1a). The Roman Empire was Israel’s oppressor, but Romans were changed and saved through their faith in Christ! Those who believed the Good News through Paul’s ministry were his joy and the crown he received for his work (Philippians 4:1; see also 2 Corinthians 2:3).
He was grateful because their faith in Him was being talked about all over the world (1b). Paul expressed similar gratitude to God for the Philippian believers (Philippians 1:3). He prayed for them with joy (Philippians 1:4) because of their partnership with him in spreading the Good News about Christ (Philippians 1:5).
II. Tireless Intercession for His Spiritual Children (9)
He prayed for them frequently (9a). His prayer was intercessory. Intercession is one of the things that pleases God (1 Timothy 2:1-3). Day and night, he brought them and their needs in prayer to God (9b). This shows how much Paul loved them as his spiritual children (1 Corinthians 4:15 NLT, 2 Corinthians 2:4, 11:11 NLT).
He served God with all his heart by spreading the Good News about His Son (9c). Paul’s confession that he serves God with all his heart reminds us of Deuteronomy 6:4-9 NLT.
4 “Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. 5 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. 6 And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. 7 Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. 8 Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. 9 Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
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 peace.
Message
The gospel message Paul preaches is not based on mere human reasoning, but he received it by direct revelation from Jesus Christ (Galatians 1:11-12 NLT). God chose him even before he was born (Galatians 1:15a, Jeremiah 1:5). God called him by his marvellous grace and was pleased to reveal His Son to him so that he would proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles (Galatians 1:15b NLT, Galatians 1:16 NLT, Ephesians 3:8). God chose Paul to explain the mysterious plan that God, the Creator of all things, had kept secret from the beginning (Ephesians 3:9). What is this plan? See Ephesians 3:6 NLT.
6 And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus.
Both Gentiles and Jews share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children, are part of the same body, and enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus (Ephesians 3:6 NLT). Paul writes to the Gentile believers in Rome (6a). They belong to Jesus Christ (6b) and are God’s beloved children and His own holy people (7a). It is according to God’s mysterious plan (Ephesians 3:3, 9, 19 NLT).
Paul often used this expression ‘grace’ and ‘peace’ in his blessing (7b).
By the word ‘grace’, Paul reminds believers that everything begins with God’s grace—not our effort, but His mercy. It is the starting point of our relationship with God.
‘peace’ is the fruit of grace. After receiving grace, we can now live in peace—with God, with ourselves, and with others.
Through Christ: Our Apostolic Privilege, Authority, and Mission to bring Glory to God
Romans 1:5 (NLT)
5 Through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority as apostles to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey him, bringing glory to his name.
Message
See v5.
5 Through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority as apostles to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey him, bringing glory to his name.
Christ is Jesus, who is the Son of God, our Saviour, anointed to be our King, Priest and Prophet. God promised freedom (from the slavery of Sin) in His Son, Jesus Christ (Genesis 12:7, 13:15, Galatians 3:16). By believing Him, we receive the Holy Spirit (Galatians 3:2, 5, 14). And the Holy Spirit empowers us to be His witnesses (5a, Acts 1:8a, Matthew 28:18-20) everywhere (5b, Acts 1:8b), so that they will believe and obey Him (5c, Matthew 28:18-20). This brings glory to God’s name (5d, John 15:8).
Jesus Christ, the Good News God Promised
Romans 1:1-4 (NLT)
1 This letter is from Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, chosen by God to be an apostle and sent out to preach his Good News. 2 God promised this Good News long ago through his prophets in the holy Scriptures. 3 The Good News is about his Son. In his earthly life he was born into King David’s family line, 4 and he was shown to be the Son of God when he was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord.
The book of Romans is a letter from Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, chosen by God to be an apostle and sent out to preach His Good News (1). God promised this Good News long ago through his prophets in the holy Scriptures (2). The Good News is about His Son (3a).
He is the offspring of a woman (the Virgin Birth), who will strike the serpent’s head (Genesis 3:15).
In his earthly life, he was born into King David’s family line (3b, 2 Samuel 7:12-13, Isaiah 11:1-5 NLT, Isaiah 11:10 NLT). And He was shown to be the Son of God when he was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord (4, John 8:28).
Faith Beyond the Page: A Trustworthy Witness and an Infinite Savior
John 21:24–25 (NKJV)
The Conclusion of John’s Gospel
24 This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true.
25 And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.
Message
John 21:24, 25 concludes the Gospel with two powerful verses. They affirm both the reliability of the written testimony about Jesus and the limitless nature of His life and works. These verses invite us not only to trust what is written but also to seek a living relationship with the risen Christ.
Verses 24 and 25 were likely not written directly by John, but by a later editor or compiler.
I. A Trustworthy Witness (24)
See verse 24.
24 This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true.
In this verse, “the disciple” refers to John, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus. The word “we” likely refers to a group of believers or followers connected to John. They are confirming that John’s testimony is true. Verse 24 helps us understand that the Book of John is unlikely to contain errors or misrepresentations, making this book accurate and trustworthy.
II. An Infinite Savior (25)
See verse 25.
25 And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.
This verse teaches that there were many other things that Jesus did that are not written in this book (25a). The works of Jesus during His life on earth were so many that they could not all be recorded (25b).
His life was full of divine works that touched many people in many different ways. We are invited to keep believing in Him, experiencing Him, and discovering more about Him each day.
