Renewing Your Mind Podcast Summary

Episode Title: God’s Wrath
Host/Author: Ligonier Ministries
Release Date: January 19, 2025
Speaker: Nathan W. Bingham presenting R.C. Sproul’s sermon

Introduction

In the January 19, 2025, episode of Renewing Your Mind, hosted by Nathan W. Bingham, listeners are immersed in R.C. Sproul’s profound exploration of God’s Wrath as presented in the Book of Romans. This episode is part of a sermon series that delves into the theological depths of Romans, emphasizing the necessity of understanding God’s nature and the implications of His righteous anger towards human unrighteousness.

Understanding God’s Wrath Against Unrighteousness

R.C. Sproul begins by addressing Paul's assertion in Romans that “everyone in this world stands without an excuse” (A: [00:00]). He underscores that ignorance is not a valid defense before a holy and just God because God Himself has made His truth evident to humanity.

Sproul elaborates on how the Apostle Paul juxtaposes the revelation of God’s righteousness with the revelation of His wrath (A: [01:14]). This dual revelation serves to highlight the gravity of human sin against the backdrop of God’s goodness. By emphasizing God’s anger towards “all unrighteousness and ungodliness of men” (A: [01:14]), Sproul explains that God’s wrath is not arbitrary but a righteous response to universal sin.

The Universal Sin: Suppression of Truth

A central theme in Sproul’s sermon is the suppression of truth. He interprets Paul’s message to mean that humans inherently suppress the truth of God that is manifest in creation (A: [03:45]). This suppression is not due to a lack of information but a deliberate rejection of God’s revealed nature. Sproul challenges contemporary philosophical notions, particularly those of Immanuel Kant, asserting that God's invisible attributes are "clearly seen" (A: [04:30]) through His creation, directly contradicting Kant’s idea that God cannot be known through theoretical reason.

No Excuse for Ignorance

Sproul anticipates and refutes the common human plea of ignorance. He posits that even if individuals claim “I didn’t know”, this excuse is rendered void because God has plainly revealed Himself (A: [06:15]). The clarity of God’s revelation means that everyone is culpable for their sin, having had ample knowledge of God’s existence and attributes.

The Foundational Sin: Idolatry and Refusal to Honor God

Delving deeper, Sproul identifies idolatry as the fundamental sin that encapsulates humanity’s rebellion (A: [09:00]). This rejection involves refusing to honor God as He is and worshiping created things instead of the Creator. Sproul emphasizes that denying God’s holiness and omnipotence while selectively embracing His attributes (e.g., viewing God solely as a being of love) is a distortion that leads to spiritual corruption.

Consequences of Suppressing Truth

The repercussions of suppressing God’s truth are dire. Sproul describes the human condition as one with a "futile mind" and a "foolish heart" that is darkened (A: [12:00]). This spiritual darkness leads to a life "of radical corruption" where individuals are "exposed to God’s displeasure". Without acknowledgment of God’s truth, humanity is left in a state of perdition, highlighting the necessity of divine intervention through the Gospel.

The Gospel as the Solution

In response to humanity’s sin and the resultant wrath of God, Sproul points to the Gospel as the sole remedy. He asserts that forgiveness and the gospel message provide the only true refuge from guilt (A: [23:45]). The Gospel offers a pathway to reconciliation with God, addressing the root of human despair and the need for divine grace.

Notable Quotes

• A: [00:00]
  “Paul says that everyone in this world stands without an excuse. There's no excuse of ignorance before God, not when he himself has given you the information, so that any plea of ignorance will be an empty plea and will have no effect with God.”

• A: [01:14]
  “The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all unrighteousness and ungodliness of men.”

• A: [04:30]
  “The Greek word here is phoneros. It means to show plainly. That is, the knowledge that God gives of himself is not obscure.”

• A: [09:00]
  “The most fundamental, foundational sin in our fallen, corrupt nature is the sin of idolatry, the sin of refusing to honor God as He is.”

• A: [12:00]
  “When you do that, you join the throng of humanity that suppresses the truth of God and refuse to honor him as God or to be thankful.”

• A: [23:45]
  “The only refuge from guilt is forgiveness. It's the gospel.”

Conclusion

In this compelling episode, R.C. Sproul articulates the stark reality of God’s righteous wrath against the universal sin of suppressing His truth. By thoroughly interpreting Paul’s message in Romans, he highlights humanity’s culpability and the futility of ignorant excuses. The episode culminates in the affirmation that the Gospel is the indispensable solution to redeeming a fallen world, offering forgiveness and reconciliation with God. For listeners seeking to deepen their understanding of Scripture and apply its truths to their lives, this episode serves as a foundational exploration of divine justice and mercy.

Further Engagement

Listeners are encouraged to request R.C. Sproul’s line-by-line commentary on Romans for a more comprehensive study. Donations and requests can be made at renewingyourmind.org. Additionally, Sproul’s hardcover commentary and free booklet “What is the Gospel?” are available to aid in grappling with questions of guilt and forgiveness.