OUR INNER SENSE OF GOD!

Tuesday, March 26, 2019

OUR INNER SENSE OF GOD!

Rom 1:20-23

20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

           All persons everywhere have a deep, inner sense that God exists, that they are his creatures, and that he is their Creator. Paul said that even Gentile unbelievers “knew God.” With nothing but creation to observe, humanity confirms and concludes that God exists because “God has shown it to them” (Romans 1:19) There are no true atheists; only those who deny and fight against what they know to be true deep down inside.

           Since the knowledge, and near presence, of God is inconvenient and uncomfortable to the wicked person, he first curses and then renounces the Lord. Foolishly he declares that there is no God; not because he is convinced of it, but because that is more comfortable. Because of his wickedness, he suppresses the truth. (Romans 1:18)

Ps 10:3-4

3 For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the Lord abhorreth.

4 The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.

           Sometimes truth is twisted conveniently around a particular sin. While the word “homosexual” or “homosexuality” is not used in Romans 1, certainly it is described in verses 26 and 27. The word “vile” refers to practices that are infamously disgraceful and shameful. A series of active verbs indicates that this is a willful suppression of the truth (Rom.1:23, 25, 28, 32). Changed in verse 23 means “to make different.” Changed in verse 25 means “to exchange” or to trade one thing for another. The word “commit” in verse 32 means “to repeatedly and habitually practice.” Homosexuality is a learned behavior that is disgusting to God who created both males and females.

           In the life of a Christian this inner awareness of God becomes stronger and more distinct. We begin to know God as our loving Father in heaven (Rom. 8:15), the Holy Spirit bears witness with our spirits that we are children of God (Rom. 8:16), and we come to know Jesus Christ living within our hearts (Eph. 3:17; Phil. 3:8, 10; Col. 1:27; John 14:23). The intensity of this awareness for a Christian is such that though we have not seen our Lord Jesus Christ, we indeed love him (1 Peter 1:8). – Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem.

Dear Lord, I know that you are God. I can feel you deep inside of me and I can see your handiwork all around me. While your presence may be often uncomfortable when I sin, I cannot deny you. Thank you for pressing in on me and demanding my attention. AMEN