On Living Godly and Righteous Lives (7/5/2026)

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness” (Romans 1:18).

The message of this passage makes it quite clear that what we do makes a difference not only in our own spiritual success but also in the success of the gospel message—that is, “the truth.”

“Ungodliness” describes a life that is characterized by “self-obsession, lust, and pleasure”; and “unrighteousness” describes one who is “wicked, morally wrong, and even vicious.” These encompassing definitions give us a clear picture of a person who does not live according to God’s precepts.

And the fact that living in such a way stirs up the “wrath” of God—that is, “extreme anger”—leaves no doubt that God expects us to live lives that are the opposite of what is described here. So, we cannot say, “I will do what I want to, regardless of what others say.”

A key word here is “suppress.” When we sin, we prevent the truth from having the impact upon others that it should have, perhaps even being responsible for others being lost eternally.

The impact of the powerful teaching packed into this verse should be sobering: may it cause us to re-think our decisions and re-kindle the awareness of our impact upon the lives of others. And then may we be determined to live godly and righteous lives.