Romans 1:21
Verse
Context
God’s Wrath against Sin
20For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood from His workmanship, so that men are without excuse.21For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts.22Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools,
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Because that when they knew God - When they thus acquired a general knowledge of the unity and perfections of the Divine nature, they glorified him not as God - they did not proclaim him to the people, but shut up his glory (as Bishop Warburton expresses it) in their mysteries, and gave the people, in exchange for an incorruptible God, an image made like to corruptible man. Wherefore God, in punishment for their sins, thus turning his truth into a lie, suffered even their mysteries, which they had erected for a school of virtue, to degenerate into an odious sink of vice and immorality; giving them up unto all uncleanness and vile affections. They glorified him not - They did not give him that worship which his perfections required. Neither were thankful - They manifested no gratitude for the blessings they received from his providence, but became vain in their imaginations, διαλογισμοις, in their reasonings. This certainly refers to the foolish manner in which even the wisest of their philosophers discoursed about the Divine nature, not excepting Socrates, Plato, or Seneca. Who can read their works without being struck with the vanity of their reasonings, as well as with the stupidity of their nonsense, when speaking about God? I might crowd my page with proofs of this; but it is not necessary to those who are acquainted with their writings, and to others it would not be useful. In short, their foolish, darkened minds sought God no where but in the place in which he is never to be found; viz. the vile, corrupted, and corrupting passions of their own hearts. As they did not discover him there, they scarcely sought him any where else.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Because that, when they knew God--that is, while still retaining some real knowledge of Him, and ere they sank down into the state next to be described. they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful--neither yielded the adoration due to Himself, nor rendered the gratitude which His beneficence demanded. but became vain--(compare Jer 2:5). in their imaginations--thoughts, notions, speculations, regarding God; compare Mat 15:19; Luk 2:35; Co1 3:20, Greek. and their foolish--"senseless," "stupid." heart--that is, their whole inner man. was darkened--How instructively is the downward progress of the human soul here traced!
John Gill Bible Commentary
Because that when they knew God,.... Though they had such a knowledge of the being and perfections of God, yet they glorified him not as God. They neither thought nor spoke honourably of him; nor did they ascribe those perfections to him, which belonged to him; they did not adhere to him as the one and only God, nor honour him as the Creator of all things out of nothing, and as the sole Governor of the universe; they did not glorify him by the internal exercise of fear of him, love to him, or trust in him, nor by any external worship suitable to his nature, and their own notions of him, Seneca is an instance of this, of whom Austin (f) says, "that he worshipped what he found fault with, did what he reproved, and adored that which he blamed.'' Neither were thankful; neither for the knowledge of things they had, which they ascribed to themselves; nor for their mercies, which they imputed to second causes: but became vain in their imaginations; the vanity or their minds was the spring and source of their evil conduct; which may design the wickedness of their hearts, and the imaginations thereof, which were evil, and that continually; the pride of their natures the carnality and weakness of their reasonings, and the whole system of their vain philosophy; and hence they ran into polytheism, or the worshipping of many gods: and their foolish heart was darkened; where they thought their great wisdom lay: darkness is natural to the hearts and understandings of all men, which is increased by personal iniquity; Satan is concerned in improving it, and God sometimes gives up the hearts of persons to judicial blindness, which was the case of these men. (f) De Civitate Dei, l. 6. c. 10.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:21 To know God in Scripture usually means to have an intimate, saving relationship with him (see 2 Cor 5:16; Gal 4:9; Phil 3:8, 10). Here, however, they knew God means that people knew about God. All people have some understanding of God through creation, yet they do not do what is right based on that knowledge. Rather than learn more about God, they worship gods of their own making.
Romans 1:21
God’s Wrath against Sin
20For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood from His workmanship, so that men are without excuse.21For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts.22Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools,
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Best, Not the Good
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Biblical Manhood, Then and Now
By Paul Washer4.5K55:43Biblical ManhoodROM 1:21ROM 1:28EPH 5:23EPH 6:4In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of children's exposure to ungodly media and the negative influence it has on them. He challenges the idea of youth groups and the concept of socialization, arguing that they often contradict Scripture. The speaker emphasizes that the rampant immorality in the West is a sign that we are already under the judgment of God. He urges parents to prioritize teaching their children to love the Lord and encourages them to study Deuteronomy 6 for guidance. The sermon concludes with a prayer for the listeners to be moved to search the Scriptures and be obedient.
Genesis #12 Ch. 12-13 the Call of Abraham
By Chuck Missler4.4K1:28:14AbrahamGEN 14:1GEN 18:1ACT 7:2ROM 1:21In this sermon, the speaker discusses the transition from the preface of Genesis to the period of the nation. He emphasizes that God's pattern is always the same: there is a call, obedience, and then revelation. The speaker also highlights the importance of responding to God's call and being obedient. The sermon then focuses on Genesis chapter 18, where the Lord appears to Abraham and Abraham shows great hospitality towards the three men. The speaker emphasizes the tradition of hospitality in old cultures and how it is seen as a major sin to not show hospitality.
A Pure Heart
By Alan Martin3.6K00:00HeartPRO 4:23MAT 5:17MAT 11:9JHN 15:4ROM 1:21HEB 2:1REV 3:4In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of guarding the Word of God and not letting society's ideas replace it. He refers to Romans chapter 1, where it is described how those who chose not to guard the Word of God had their thinking become futile and their hearts foolish. The speaker highlights that this happens because they did not fully receive the light they were given. The sermon also mentions Revelation chapter 3, where it is stated that those who have a pure heart and gracious speech will have the King as their friend. The speaker encourages the audience to abide in Christ and walk in the light to avoid stumbling in darkness.
Be Thankful
By Bill McLeod3.4K43:57ThankfulnessMAT 7:7ACT 13:52ROM 1:21ROM 15:4PHP 2:14In this sermon, the preacher shares a powerful story about a man in Chile who was struggling to support his family despite working two full-time jobs. The man lived in a small, makeshift house and could not afford basic necessities like dental care. The preacher emphasizes the importance of gratitude and contentment, highlighting the problem of thanklessness and dissatisfaction in North American society. He warns against the belief that material gain equates to godliness and urges listeners to turn away from such thinking. The sermon also references biblical passages that speak to the unfaithfulness and unholy behavior characteristic of the last days.
(A Heavenly Church) 6. Contentment
By Zac Poonen3.3K1:04:06GEN 12:2MAT 6:33LUK 17:15ACT 1:8ROM 1:21PHP 2:13HEB 2:12In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a father in heaven who provides for our needs. He encourages the audience to be faithful and righteous with money, as this is a testimony of our trust in God. The speaker paraphrases Luke 16:11, stating that if we are faithful with money, God will entrust us with true riches. He also highlights the need to be content in all circumstances, whether we have little or much, and warns against comparing ourselves to others.
Sermon at Barbara Washer's (Paul's Mother) Funeral Service
By Paul Washer3.1K19:07ISA 64:6MAT 6:33JHN 14:6ROM 1:21ROM 3:23ROM 6:23EPH 2:8In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of a prince in C.S. Lewis' book "The Silver Chair" who is captured by a wicked witch. The prince lives a life of luxury and entertainment, but every night he goes mad for a few minutes, realizing the vanity of his existence. The preacher relates this story to our own lives, highlighting how we often get caught up in the pleasures and comforts of the world, but occasionally have moments of clarity where we recognize the fallen nature of humanity and the reality of death. He emphasizes that death is not natural, but a result of sin and God's judgment. The preacher challenges the audience to question the common beliefs about the afterlife and to seek the truth.
God Gave Them Up by Brian Bordersen
By Brian Brodersen1.9K1:07:10ROM 1:21This sermon delves into Romans 1, highlighting the wrath of God against ungodliness and unrighteousness, the suppression of truth, the rejection of God's revelation, and the descent into depravity. It emphasizes the cycle of sin throughout history and the need for the gospel as the only hope for salvation. The speaker underscores the power of the gospel to transform lives and bring deliverance from sin and judgment.
Man Made Gods
By Chuck Smith1.6K31:31ROM 1:21REV 9:20This sermon delves into the book of Revelation, focusing on chapters 8 and 9 which detail the trumpet judgments. It highlights the hardened hearts of those who refuse to repent despite witnessing God's judgments, drawing parallels to the Pharaoh of Egypt. The message emphasizes the danger of worshiping false gods, including worshiping oneself, and the emptiness that comes from seeking fulfillment in anything other than a meaningful relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
The Contented and the Discontented Man
By Geraint Fielder1.4K49:16DiscontentROM 1:212CO 12:9PHP 4:5PHP 4:11PHP 4:14PHP 4:18In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of contentment and its connection to the element of surprise. He shares the story of Michael Cassidy, a young man who had a remarkable conversion and was able to convert others through his testimony. The preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing that God is near and therefore there is no reason to be anxious. He encourages cultivating an attitude of thanksgiving and appreciation, even when God seems to say no to our requests.
Draw Near to Your Father as a Dear Child
By Hans R. Waldvogel1.3K31:49Children Of GodROM 1:21In this sermon, the preacher reflects on two wonderful meetings where everyone worshipped God in the Spirit. The preacher emphasizes that it was God who orchestrated this powerful worship experience, comparing it to the harmonious sound of a pipe organ in heaven. The sermon then delves into the state of humanity, drawing from Romans 1, and highlighting how people have turned away from God and instead worship the created rather than the Creator. The preacher also shares a story about a continuous revival in a Pentecostal church, attributing its success to the constant prayer of an old saint. The sermon concludes with a call to seek a deep relationship with God and to be filled with the Holy Spirit.
When God Becomes Friend - Assurance
By Dennis Kinlaw1.3K33:40AssuranceGEN 3:6PRO 14:12ISA 55:8MAT 6:33JHN 14:6ROM 1:21ROM 3:23In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that Christianity is not a simple or easy doctrine, but rather a complex and demanding one. He highlights the lack of knowledge about the teachings of the Church in society, even in a Christian country. The speaker shares his experience of ministering to an upper-class congregation and the challenges he faced in presenting the message of Jesus Christ to educated individuals. The sermon also touches on the universal sense of wrongness and anger that arises when death affects loved ones, and the need to impart values and improve moral character in education.
Dealing With Deception - Part 2
By Winkie Pratney1.3K1:00:19ROM 1:21This sermon delves into the progression of deception and spiritual downfall, starting from an independent spirit leading to a desire for power, a seared conscience, fantasy, emotional perversions, and ultimately personal, social, and spiritual destruction. It emphasizes the importance of humility, servant-heartedness, and reliance on God to avoid falling into the traps of pride and self-deception.
Habitation or Visitation?
By David Ravenhill1.2K1:02:30Presence of GodGEN 22:1PSA 68:19LAM 3:22MRK 6:3ROM 1:211CO 10:311TH 5:18In this sermon, the speaker begins by discussing the significance of the earthly tabernacle as a representation of God's dwelling place throughout eternity. He then uses the analogy of visiting someone's home to illustrate how we can learn about a person by observing their living space. The speaker describes a hypothetical scenario of visiting a friend's house and being able to discern details about their family and lifestyle. Drawing from this analogy, the speaker transitions to Revelation chapter 4, where he explores the concept of entering into God's house. He emphasizes that this chapter provides profound insights into the nature and character of God.
Immediate Imputation Part 2 - Death/condemnation Causal Connection
By John Murray1.1K51:57ImputationPSA 92:2PSA 145:4ROM 1:21ROM 5:12ROM 5:18EPH 5:15In this sermon, the preacher discusses the doctrine of immediate imputation and its parallel to the doctrine of justification. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the character of the thing that is imputed and its connection to condemnation and death. The preacher highlights the need to recognize the core qualities of condemnation and death and their relationship to each other. The sermon encourages listeners to embrace the grace of God and walk in wisdom, redeeming the time.
The Truth of God
By Jeff Noblit1.0K48:39ROM 1:21In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that God is truth and all that He speaks is truth. The revelations and manifestations of God are in perfect agreement with His character and mind. The speaker refers to Romans 3:4, which states that God should be found true even if every man is found a liar. The speaker highlights that the Jews' rejection of Christ as the promised Messiah does not negate the truth and faithfulness of God, but rather reveals the fallenness and error of man. The sermon aims to humble and glorify God, promoting passionate praise and worship.
Psalm 36
By Carl Armerding97332:40PsalmsPSA 36:1MAT 6:33MAT 25:41ROM 1:21In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the behavior of people and asks why they act the way they do. He uses a recent murder in Dallas as an example and emphasizes the need to surrender to God's loving grace. The speaker also discusses God's decisions and judgment, referencing the twenty-fifth chapter of Matthew. He concludes by highlighting the heavenly source of God's loving kindness and the importance of God's faithfulness.
Where Are the Nine
By Jim Cymbala96115:28ThanksgivingLEV 13:45MAT 6:33LUK 17:11ROM 1:21In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being thankful to God. He highlights that when people are not thankful, they lack grace in their lives. The preacher encourages the congregation to be grateful for God's mercy and forgiveness, as well as the times He has rescued them from difficult situations. He warns against ingratitude and urges the congregation to praise and thank God for His blessings.
What a Monster! - Charles Spurgeon (Read )
By Paul West75702:21Acknowledgment of GodThe Nature of SinPSA 14:1ISA 53:6ROM 1:21EPH 2:1HEB 10:31Paul West reflects on Charles Spurgeon's sermon, emphasizing the monstrous nature of sin that leads people to live as if God does not exist. He highlights the alarming reality that many individuals neglect God entirely, failing to consider His presence in their actions or the consequences of their choices. Despite the evidence of God's providence and the reminders of His authority in their lives, they continue to act without reverence or acknowledgment of Him. This defiance against God is portrayed as a grave sin, illustrating the deep-seated character of sin that blinds humanity to the divine. The sermon calls for a recognition of God's sovereignty and a return to a life that honors Him.
Being Faithful With God's Gifts
By Zac Poonen54252:17GEN 12:2DEU 21:23MAT 25:14JHN 7:38JHN 14:15ROM 1:21GAL 3:13This sermon emphasizes the importance of faithfulness, gratitude, and humility in our walk with God. It delves into the parable of the talents, highlighting the need to be faithful with what God has entrusted to us, to avoid comparing ourselves with others, and to cultivate a heart of thankfulness towards God and others. The speaker stresses the significance of understanding God as a loving father rather than a harsh taskmaster, encouraging a life of submission, humility, and being a blessing to others.
To Hope Against All Hope
By Jim Cymbala52122:59HopeGEN 32:26ROM 1:16ROM 1:21ROM 1:23ROM 2:1ROM 4:20ROM 8:24In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Romans chapter 4 as a crucial chapter in the Bible. He begins by discussing Paul's description of humanity's lostness, including both the idolatrous practices of the Gentiles and the self-righteousness of the Jews. The preacher emphasizes that all have sinned and fallen short of God's glory. He also highlights the importance of gratitude and thankfulness towards God, as well as the descent of humanity into sin and idolatry. The sermon concludes with a call to trust in God's promises and to hold onto them steadfastly.
On Eagles' Wings Pt 162
By Don Courville34026:08Radio ShowPRO 1:21PRO 12:20MAT 26:38ROM 1:212CO 10:51PE 3:81PE 4:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the church being a place of fellowship, encouragement, growth, and building up. He highlights the seven things that God hates, including a heart that divides and sows discord among brethren. The preacher emphasizes the need to cast down evil imaginations and bring every thought into obedience to Christ. He also emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and fervent charity among believers, as it covers a multitude of sins. The preacher encourages listeners to seek reconciliation and unity in their church, as strife and pride hinder growth and grieve the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, the sermon emphasizes the freedom and abundant life found in Christ and the importance of having a deep fellowship with Him.
Debtors
By Paris Reidhead14439:04LoveACT 26:16ROM 1:1ROM 1:13ROM 1:16ROM 1:21In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being a willing servant of Jesus Christ. He warns against the danger of a hardened heart and encourages listeners to recommit themselves to God's unfinished task. The speaker shares a personal experience of being charged by God to deliver a message to a group of people in Minnesota. He then discusses the concept of being a debtor and highlights the need to fulfill our obligations to God and others in various aspects of life, such as work and education. The sermon emphasizes the importance of glorifying God in all tasks, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant.
Church of Vidor Friday
By David Ravenhill491:19:40Christian LifeWorship and HolinessGod's PresenceEXO 25:82CH 7:14PSA 100:4ISA 57:15MAT 6:10JHN 4:24ROM 1:211CO 3:161PE 1:16REV 4:8David Ravenhill shares his journey and experiences across various cultures, emphasizing the importance of understanding God's habitation and the environment He desires to dwell in. He discusses the concept of revival as a return to a God consciousness, highlighting that God longs to dwell among His people but requires a holy and clean place for His presence. Ravenhill stresses that true worship involves radical obedience and surrendering the throne of our lives to God, allowing Him to reign in every aspect. He encourages the congregation to cultivate an atmosphere of holiness, thanksgiving, and worship, which are essential for experiencing God's presence.
Church of Vidor Friday 2
By David Ravenhill371:14:31Habitation of GodRevivalChristian LifeEXO 25:82CH 7:14PSA 100:4ISA 57:15MAT 6:10JHN 4:24ROM 1:211CO 3:161PE 1:16REV 4:8David Ravenhill shares his diverse life experiences and ministry journey, emphasizing the importance of creating an environment conducive for God's habitation. He discusses the concept of revival as a restoration of God consciousness and the necessity for believers to prepare their lives as a dwelling place for God. Ravenhill highlights that God desires to dwell among His people but requires holiness, obedience, and a heart of thanksgiving. He illustrates how cultural understanding and personal surrender are vital for experiencing God's presence and power in our lives. Ultimately, he calls for a radical commitment to allow God to take the throne in our hearts.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Because that when they knew God - When they thus acquired a general knowledge of the unity and perfections of the Divine nature, they glorified him not as God - they did not proclaim him to the people, but shut up his glory (as Bishop Warburton expresses it) in their mysteries, and gave the people, in exchange for an incorruptible God, an image made like to corruptible man. Wherefore God, in punishment for their sins, thus turning his truth into a lie, suffered even their mysteries, which they had erected for a school of virtue, to degenerate into an odious sink of vice and immorality; giving them up unto all uncleanness and vile affections. They glorified him not - They did not give him that worship which his perfections required. Neither were thankful - They manifested no gratitude for the blessings they received from his providence, but became vain in their imaginations, διαλογισμοις, in their reasonings. This certainly refers to the foolish manner in which even the wisest of their philosophers discoursed about the Divine nature, not excepting Socrates, Plato, or Seneca. Who can read their works without being struck with the vanity of their reasonings, as well as with the stupidity of their nonsense, when speaking about God? I might crowd my page with proofs of this; but it is not necessary to those who are acquainted with their writings, and to others it would not be useful. In short, their foolish, darkened minds sought God no where but in the place in which he is never to be found; viz. the vile, corrupted, and corrupting passions of their own hearts. As they did not discover him there, they scarcely sought him any where else.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Because that, when they knew God--that is, while still retaining some real knowledge of Him, and ere they sank down into the state next to be described. they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful--neither yielded the adoration due to Himself, nor rendered the gratitude which His beneficence demanded. but became vain--(compare Jer 2:5). in their imaginations--thoughts, notions, speculations, regarding God; compare Mat 15:19; Luk 2:35; Co1 3:20, Greek. and their foolish--"senseless," "stupid." heart--that is, their whole inner man. was darkened--How instructively is the downward progress of the human soul here traced!
John Gill Bible Commentary
Because that when they knew God,.... Though they had such a knowledge of the being and perfections of God, yet they glorified him not as God. They neither thought nor spoke honourably of him; nor did they ascribe those perfections to him, which belonged to him; they did not adhere to him as the one and only God, nor honour him as the Creator of all things out of nothing, and as the sole Governor of the universe; they did not glorify him by the internal exercise of fear of him, love to him, or trust in him, nor by any external worship suitable to his nature, and their own notions of him, Seneca is an instance of this, of whom Austin (f) says, "that he worshipped what he found fault with, did what he reproved, and adored that which he blamed.'' Neither were thankful; neither for the knowledge of things they had, which they ascribed to themselves; nor for their mercies, which they imputed to second causes: but became vain in their imaginations; the vanity or their minds was the spring and source of their evil conduct; which may design the wickedness of their hearts, and the imaginations thereof, which were evil, and that continually; the pride of their natures the carnality and weakness of their reasonings, and the whole system of their vain philosophy; and hence they ran into polytheism, or the worshipping of many gods: and their foolish heart was darkened; where they thought their great wisdom lay: darkness is natural to the hearts and understandings of all men, which is increased by personal iniquity; Satan is concerned in improving it, and God sometimes gives up the hearts of persons to judicial blindness, which was the case of these men. (f) De Civitate Dei, l. 6. c. 10.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:21 To know God in Scripture usually means to have an intimate, saving relationship with him (see 2 Cor 5:16; Gal 4:9; Phil 3:8, 10). Here, however, they knew God means that people knew about God. All people have some understanding of God through creation, yet they do not do what is right based on that knowledge. Rather than learn more about God, they worship gods of their own making.