Beware of Truth Suppressors -- Romans 1:18-23
18 The wrath of God is indeed being revealed from heaven against every impiety and wickedness of those who suppress the truth by their wickedness. 19 For what can be known about God is evident to them, because God made it evident to them. 20 Ever since the creation of the world, his invisible attributes of eternal power and divinity have been able to be understood and perceived in what he has made. As a result, they have no excuse; 21 for although they knew God they did not accord him glory as God or give him thanks. Instead, they became vain in their reasoning, and their senseless minds were darkened. 22 While claiming to be wise, they became fools. 23 And they exchanged the glory of the immortal God for the likeness of an image of mortal man or of birds or of four-legged animals or of snakes.
In Romans 1:18-23, Paul speaks powerfully about the nature of God’s revelation and the consequences of humanity’s rejection of divine truth. God’s wrath is revealed against all impiety and wickedness, not arbitrarily, but as a response to those who suppress the truth by their wickedness. The truth of God is evident to all because He has made it plain through His creation. From the beauty and order of the universe, God’s eternal power and divine nature are clearly seen, leaving humanity without excuse for not acknowledging Him. Despite knowing God, many fail to honor Him or give thanks, leading to futile thinking and darkened hearts. They exchange the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man, birds, animals, and reptiles. This idolatry, both literal and metaphorical, represents the human tendency to prioritize created things over the Creator.
Today, we see parallels to Paul’s description. Our age is marked by a turning away from God and an embrace of ideologies and beliefs that distort or deny divine truth. Many people seek out teachings and narratives that align with their preconceptions and desires, often ignoring or rejecting the more challenging truths of faith. In modern times, the suppression of truth can be seen in the rejection of absolute moral standards, promoting a relative morality that shifts based on personal or cultural preferences, ignoring the timeless truths revealed by God. Despite scientific advancements that reveal the complexity and order of the universe, pointing towards a Creator, many choose to attribute existence to random chance. The intricacies of nature, which should lead us to worship God, are often overlooked.
Today’s idols may not be statues of animals, but they manifest in different forms: materialism, the pursuit of wealth and status, the idolization of celebrities, or the blind adherence to political ideologies. These replace God’s central place in our lives, leading to a moral and spiritual void. Claiming to be wise, many in our society adopt philosophies that lead them further from God. The prevalence of misinformation, conspiracy theories, and false teachings that “tickle the ears” exemplifies the vain reasoning and darkened minds Paul describes.
We are called to live in the light of God’s truth and share this truth with others. This involves seeking and embracing the truth of God as revealed in Scripture and creation, and avoiding the temptation to conform to ideologies that distort or deny this truth. Regularly honor and thank God for His presence and work in your life, recognizing His hand in the beauty of creation and the blessings you receive. Identify and reject the idols in your life, ensuring that God remains your primary focus. Equip yourself with knowledge of the faith and engage thoughtfully with others, helping guide those misled by false teachings back to the truth of the Gospel.
Paul’s words in Romans 1:18-23 remind us of the dangers of turning away from God and the importance of acknowledging His truth. In a world filled with distractions and deceptions, let us remain steadfast in our faith, honoring God, and living out His truth in every aspect of our lives. By doing so, we can be beacons of light, guiding others back to the eternal truth found in Christ Jesus.
