Key Truth: God graciously provides clear truths about Himself in Creation and the Creator-Creature distinction proving that He is just and that we are all without excuse in our rebellion.

Introduction:

“In our imaginings, in our longings, at our best and at our worst, we are people whose identities are formed by a narrative that begins at the beginning and ends at the ending- the story of Scripture itself, of creation, fall, redemption, and consummation- and from beginning to end we are torn by the tensions of our humanity, glorious ruins that we are.”

Steven Garber, Visions of Vocation: Common Grace for the Common Good

Q: Where does your story truly begin? How much of it have you been in control of? What are the controlling elements of your narrative? What would be the best ending?

The Purpose of Natural Revelation in Creation:

Romans 1:18-20

“Men have imprisoned and encased the truth- the righteousness of God; they have trimmed it to their own measure, and thereby robbed it both of its earnestness and significance. They have made it ordinary, harmless, and useless; and thereby transformed it into untruth.”

Karl Barth, The Epistle to the Romans

“These words mean that the universe has always borne upon it the imprint of God’s handiwork...Order in the heavens as well as on earth bears witness to God. This whole mighty universe has always reflected its Creator.”

Leon Morris, The Epistle to the Romans: Pillar Commentary

Q: What is the role of Creation in the Redemptive Story as Paul uses it in these verses? What foundational truths does natural revelation establish?

Humanity’s Response to Natural Revelation in Creation:

Romans 1:21-23

“Whoever enjoys God’s gifts as though he had not graciously received them, forgetting the Donor, will soon find himself filled with self-complacency. The next step is vanity: they ‘became vain in their imaginations.’ In this stage men delight in themselves and in creatures, enjoying what is profitable to them.”

Martin Luther, Commentary on Romans

Q: Have you ever known something to be true but chose to ignore it? Does what you know about God result in you honoring and thanking Him? If not, why?

The Cost of Reversing the Creator-Creature Distinction: Creation Undone:

“Turning away from true knowledge of God means cutting ourselves off from any ultimately accurate understanding of this world and our place within it.”

Douglas J. Moo, The NIV Application Commentary: Romans

Q: What is the cost of seeking to undo Creation and reverse the Creator-Creature distinction?

Application:

“The whole issue of salvation involves our creature-Creator relationship with God. God made us to love Him, to believe Him, to have fellowship with Him...We either take our place as a creature before Him, and believe Him; or like Satan we try to put ourselves, instead of God, at the center of the universe.”

Francis A. Schaeffer, The Finished Work of Christ: The Truth of Romans 1-8

God reveals Himself by natural revelation in Creation and through the Creator-Creature distinction in order that:

-He would be just in punishing ungodliness and unrighteousness, and we would be without excuse for our active suppression and rebellion

-We would be humbled by our finiteness and frailty and turn to our infinite and omnipotent Creator for provision and life

-We would honor Him and give thanks for His goodness and faithfulness

Benediction:

Psalm 8