Breaking Down Paul’s Message Into Everyday Language
Introduction: Understanding Romans 1:18 in Plain Terms
When you come across the phrase “suppress the truth in unrighteousness” in Romans 1:18, it might sound like a mouthful. But put simply, it’s about people knowingly rejecting what’s true about God because they’d rather follow their own way. Let’s unpack what Paul meant and how it connects to our daily lives—no heavy theology required.
What Does “Suppress the Truth” Mean?
To “suppress the truth” is like trying to keep a beach ball underwater. The ball wants to pop up, but you’re pushing it down with effort. In the same way, some people see clear evidence about God and what’s right, but they actively ignore or reject it. Paul is saying this isn’t an accident—it’s a choice.
· Deliberate Choice: People aren’t missing the truth by mistake; they’re purposefully turning away from what they know is right.
· Resistance to Evidence: Even when the world around us points to a Creator, some choose not to see it.
· Rejection of God’s Authority: At the heart of this is not wanting to answer to God or follow His rules.
Suppressing Truth “in Unrighteousness”: What Drives This?
Paul goes further by saying this happens “in unrighteousness.” That means the reason people ignore God’s truth is because they’re drawn to things that go against what’s good and right.
· Love of Sin: People turn away from the truth because they prefer things that are wrong, even if it means ignoring God.
· Unrighteous Desires: The pull to do what feels good, even when it’s not right, makes it easier to ignore the truth.
This pattern has real effects. The more people ignore what’s right, the harder it becomes to recognize the truth and the easier it is to slip deeper into wrong choices.
“Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?”— Romans 6:16 (ESV)
What Truths Are Being Suppressed?
According to Romans 1 and other parts of the Bible, there are some basic truths people push aside:
· God’s Existence: The world’s design and beauty point to a Creator, but some ignore this truth.
· God’s Power: Nature reveals God’s strength, but refusing to see this is part of suppressing the truth.
· Moral Standards: Deep down, we all know right from wrong, but ignoring that inner guide is another way of suppressing truth.
· The Need to Be Thankful: Instead of thanking God for what we have, suppression leads people to focus on themselves.
“For He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”— Matthew 5:45 (ESV)
The Difference Between Righteous and Unrighteous People
The Bible often compares two types of people: the “righteous”—those trying to do what’s right and follow God—and the “unrighteous”—those who ignore or reject God’s ways. It’s not about being perfect, but about the direction your heart is headed.
· Righteous People: They listen to their conscience, try to do what’s right, and aim to live according to God’s teachings—even when it’s tough.
· Unrighteous People: They push aside what’s right because they want to do things their own way.
The choices you make shape who you become. If you keep ignoring the truth, it gets harder to see what’s right. But the more you seek what’s good and true, the more you’ll grow and understand.
The choices we make and the words we speak are a mirror of the true condition of our hearts, revealing our deepest values and intentions.
Let us always nurture truth in our hearts, for it guides our actions and brings light to every corner of our lives.
October 2025
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