January 12, 2018
Science Points to God. Faith Follows Him.
Romans 1:13–20
Scott Breedlove
Central Truth
Fundamental attributes of God have always been apparent, but living by faith goes far beyond merely recognizing the obvious.
Romans 1:13–20
13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, 1 1:13 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated brothers) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles. 14 I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, 2 1:14 That is, non-Greeks both to the wise and to the foolish. 15 So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.
The Righteous Shall Live by Faith
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, 3 1:17 Or beginning and ending in faith as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” 4 1:17 Or The one who by faith is righteous shall live
God's Wrath on Unrighteousness
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 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, 5 1:20 Or clearly perceived from the creation of the world in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.
Footnotes
[1] 1:13 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated “brothers”) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters[2] 1:14 That is, non-Greeks
[3] 1:17 Or beginning and ending in faith
[4] 1:17 Or The one who by faith is righteous shall live
[5] 1:20 Or clearly perceived from the creation of the world
Dive Deeper | Romans 1:13–20
In the verses we have covered this week, belief and faith (verses 16-17) are followed by perception and understanding (verses 18-20). You could say the passage juxtaposes faith and science. Our culture teaches us that we can choose to believe a fairytale (faith), or we can believe the facts (science). This dichotomy, it turns out, is a lie—from the father of lies, no doubt (see John 8:44).
Paul confirms what would be clear to everyone if, “by their unrighteousness,” they did not “suppress the truth” (verse 18): God has “shown” everyone “what can be known about God,” so that it “is plain to them” (verse 19); specifically, “His eternal power and divine nature” have always been “clearly perceived . . . in the things that have been made” (verse 20). The NIV translation refers to these “invisible qualities” of God as “being understood from what has been made.”
Perceiving the material universe to gain understanding? Sounds like science to me. Unbiased science points directly to God, and it always has.
Science says the universe began at a finite point in the past from a diminishing small dot of nothingness with no known material cause. We now know the DNA programming in the simplest life forms is more complex than your coolest computer app. Nanomachines in organisms are more sophisticated than any nanotechnology intelligent humans could ever hope to design. Come on, folks. There is a Being of incomprehensible creative power, who transcends space and time. That's God!
Then what’s the role of faith? It’s paramount. The gospel of Christ is what holds the power to save believers. Eternal glory in the presence of God does not await all who acknowledge the facts and believe God has “eternal power and divine nature” (verse 20). Read James 2:19 to learn what even the demons believe. We must receive Christ as Lord (Romans 10:9; John 1:12) and “live by faith” (verse 17).
Study science, history, and philosophy, and prepare to be awed by the attributes of God. Then consider the true gospel of Christ and respond in faith.
This month's memory verse
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
– Romans 6:23
Discussion Questions
1. What nagging doubt about Jesus and His gospel do you keep tucked away in the dark recesses of your heart? Expose it to the light by writing it down, praying about it, talking with trusted Christian community, and researching it with an open mind and heart. If you are exploring Christianity, consider attending Great Questions on Monday evenings at Watermark Dallas or Plano. No question is off-limits.
2. How do doubts impact your ability to live by faith? How might they impact your ability to look out for the interests of others, give generously, serve sacrificially, and worship authentically?
3. God is perfect. Does that mean He requires a perfect faith? Or faith in a perfect Savior? James 2:22 tells us Abraham’s “faith was made complete by what he did.” (James 2:22, NIV) See Genesis 12:10-20 and 20:1-18 for a glimpse of how imperfect Abraham’s faith was.
4. I have loved getting a glimpse of the intelligence and creativity of the Designer in Stephen C. Meyer’s books Signature in the Cell and Darwin’s Doubt. And Lee Strobel’s books investigating claims about Jesus and the Bible were eye-opening for me when I first read them many years ago. In the “comments” section, share what extra-biblical books have pointed you toward the God of the Bible in exciting ways.