1:18 to 32 The dark side of humanity

This section lays the foundation of guilt by exposing the causes and effects of turning from the Creator and towards creation. This, Paul argues is not an accidental ignorance of God and His nature. It is the result of rejecting God and what was clearly revealed about Him in nature. As a result, darkened hearts and foolish minds plunge into more and more decadence. This paragraph is highly relevant to our society today. It touches on issues like homosexuality and a list of other sins that are the result of rejecting God. Yet the terminology in the beginning of 18-32 matches the dovetail from the previous section. This shows us that God’s righteousness is revealed just as God’s wrath is revealed. Both are good. It is a good thing for justice to be served. God’s wrath against evil is not like human anger at all. God’s wrath is pure and good. His wrath against the dark side of humanity presents the right response to wickedness. And dovetailed to this wrath is the revelation of righteousness. God doesn’t leave the world groaning under His good and just wrath. No, He presents a wonderful gift. But before that can be explored, Paul will lay out the desperate need for that righteousness. Like someone who knows how deceptive hearts can justify themselves, Paul strengthens the case of the gospel. His order is not insignificant either. He presents the Gentiles problems first. This draws in the Jewish mind, with a hearty amen. It also humbles the Gentiles so that they do not become haughty about the Jews, who will be dealt with very powerfully in chapter three. So simultaneously he prepares both sides of this Jewish/Gentile Church with reasons to listen to his message. The result will be joy, unity, and a stronger fellowship in Rome.