The Danger of Ignoring God’s Voice in a Noisy World
God’s righteousness isn’t just a theological concept—it’s a reality we either reflect or reject with our lives. Romans 1 shows us that when people suppress truth, ignore God’s revelation, and pervert His glory, they don’t simply drift away from Him—they spiral into spiritual decay.
The Suppression of Truth
The journey into spiritual darkness begins when people suppress the truth about God through unrighteous living. Romans 1:18 tells us, "For God’s wrath is revealed from heaven against all godlessness and unrighteousness of people who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth." This isn’t just a passive act of disbelief—it’s an intentional resistance to what is inherently known about God.
We were created with an awareness of our Creator. His eternal power and divine nature are “clearly seen...through what He has made” (Romans 1:20). The existence of God is evident in the world around us and even in our own design. Ignoring that truth leads to a dangerous place—living as though God doesn’t exist, even when the evidence is all around us.
We were created with an awareness of our Creator. His eternal power and divine nature are “clearly seen...through what He has made” (Romans 1:20). The existence of God is evident in the world around us and even in our own design. Ignoring that truth leads to a dangerous place—living as though God doesn’t exist, even when the evidence is all around us.
Ignoring God’s Revelation
God has revealed Himself through both natural creation and the special revelation of Jesus Christ. The natural world points to a Creator; the gospel points to a Savior. When people choose to ignore this revelation, they are “without excuse” (Romans 1:20).
We live in a time when many claim wisdom, yet deny the God who made them. Romans 1:22-23 says, "Claiming to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man..." This exchange still happens today. We may not bow to carved idols, but we elevate screens, status, and self above the worship of God.
We live in a time when many claim wisdom, yet deny the God who made them. Romans 1:22-23 says, "Claiming to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man..." This exchange still happens today. We may not bow to carved idols, but we elevate screens, status, and self above the worship of God.
Perverting God’s Glory
Rather than reflecting the character of the God who made us, sin distorts His image in us. We were made to glorify God—not just with words, but with lives that align with His holiness. Yet when that glory is exchanged for the passions of mortal man, degradation follows.
Paul lays out the consequences of this downward spiral: sexual impurity, disgraceful passions, and ultimately, a corrupt mind. These aren’t random acts of judgment—they’re the result of God “delivering them over” to the very choices they’ve made (Romans 1:24, 26, 28). In choosing sin, people reject God’s design and reap the painful results.
This isn’t just a problem “out there.” Even believers must be cautious not to allow sin to linger or go unchecked. Guilt may hide behind cultural norms, excuses, or comparisons, but God sees it all. Gossip, arrogance, disobedience, and untrustworthiness may seem minor, but they’re part of the same corrupt mindset listed alongside murder and malice (Romans 1:29-31).
Paul lays out the consequences of this downward spiral: sexual impurity, disgraceful passions, and ultimately, a corrupt mind. These aren’t random acts of judgment—they’re the result of God “delivering them over” to the very choices they’ve made (Romans 1:24, 26, 28). In choosing sin, people reject God’s design and reap the painful results.
This isn’t just a problem “out there.” Even believers must be cautious not to allow sin to linger or go unchecked. Guilt may hide behind cultural norms, excuses, or comparisons, but God sees it all. Gossip, arrogance, disobedience, and untrustworthiness may seem minor, but they’re part of the same corrupt mindset listed alongside murder and malice (Romans 1:29-31).
Living in the Light of Truth
So how do we guard ourselves against this progression into darkness?
The good news is that even when we’ve fallen into sin, we’re not without hope. The same God whose wrath is revealed against unrighteousness is the One who sent Jesus to rescue us from it. In Christ, we are cleansed, renewed, and empowered to reflect the glory of the immortal God.
The question remains: Does your life reflect the glory of the immortal God—or the passions of mortal man?
- Acknowledge God Daily – Recognize His presence, power, and authority in your life. Make worship and gratitude part of your rhythm.
- Fill Your Mind with Truth – Saturate your thoughts with Scripture, not the philosophies of the world. God’s Word is your defense against deception.
- Reject Cultural Lies – Test everything by the truth of God’s design, especially regarding identity, sexuality, and purpose.
- Pursue Holiness – Don’t justify small sins; confess them. Seek transformation, not just forgiveness.
- Point Others to Jesus – Especially in parenting and leadership, our role is to help others see their need for Christ—not to please them, but to disciple them.
The good news is that even when we’ve fallen into sin, we’re not without hope. The same God whose wrath is revealed against unrighteousness is the One who sent Jesus to rescue us from it. In Christ, we are cleansed, renewed, and empowered to reflect the glory of the immortal God.
The question remains: Does your life reflect the glory of the immortal God—or the passions of mortal man?
This blog is based on a message preached by Lead Pastor Dr. Brian Stone on Sunday, May 11, as part of the Romans: The Righteousness of God series. You can watch the full message here.
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