Bible Study on Romans: Without Excuse: Romans 1:19-23

Summary:  As Paul describes man’s ungodliness, it is a picture of our society today.  All ungodliness flows from a false understanding of God and His holiness.  That thinking then leads on a downward spiral resulting in foolish speculations, darkness and idolatry.

1. A. How did God expect mankind to know “the truth” before Jesus Christ came into the world (vv. 19-20)?

B. Consider the human hand.  What can you say about God from studying your hand?

C. What causes you to stand in awe of God when you consider His creation?

2. A. What are “His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature” from v.19?

B. How does the creation point to God being the creator?

C. How can we use this knowledge to share God’s truth with others?

3. A. What words can you find in verses 19 and 20 which explain that God is “knowable”?

B. What does man do with such knowledge?  Why?

C. What is your response to truth about God?

4. A. Who is Paul referring to in v.21?

B. What’s the difference between a person who just knows God and someone who honors Him as God and gives thanks?

C. How can we let this verse help us keep us on track in our relationship with Christ?

5. A. What are man’s “speculations” referred to in v.21?

B. Why do these speculations lead to a darkened heart? What is the danger of following man’s teachings or reasonings?  What did these lead Christ’s enemies to do in His day?

C. Is this darkened heart a permanent state?  If not, what can we do about it?

6. A. Given all the evidence of God around them, what do people do?

B. How do people view this as being wise (v 22)?

C. What kind of things can get between people and their worship of God?

Additional study:  Proverbs is very illustrative in its contrast of the wise and foolish.  List 5 differences between the wise and the foolish man from this book.

Romans 1:19-23 (ESV)

19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them.
20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.
21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools,
23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.