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Living in Denial

For God’s wrath is revealed from heaven against all godlessness and unrighteousness of people who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth, since what can be known about God is evident among them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, that is, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen since the creation of the world, being understood through what he has made. As a result, people are without excuse. For though they knew God, they did not glorify him as God or show gratitude. Instead, their thinking became worthless, and their senseless hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man, birds, four-footed animals, and reptiles. ROMANS 1:18-23 CSB

What are we in denial about?

We know God but suppress the truth

For God’s wrath is revealed from heaven against all godlessness and unrighteousness of people who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth, since what can be known about God is evident among them, because God has shown it to them. ROMANS 1:18 CSB

Our culture doesn’t need more evidence for God, we need less suppressing of what we already have.

Why do we live this way? 

We worship the creation rather than the Creator

Claiming to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man, birds, four-footed animals, and reptiles. ROMANS 1:23 CSB

I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the place of slavery. Do not have other gods besides me. EXODUS 20:2-3 CSB

What happens when we do this?

Our idols rob us of our life

Instead, their thinking became worthless, and their senseless hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools ROMANS 1:21-22 CSB

Their idols are silver and gold, made by human hands. They have mouths but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see. They have ears but cannot hear, noses, but cannot smell.They have hands but cannot feel, feet but cannot walk. They cannot make a sound with their throats. Those who make them are just like them, as are all who trust in them. PSALM 115:4-8 CSB

How do we move forward?

Allow our idols to reveal our deeper longings that only God can fulfill

For though they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God or show gratitude. ROMANS 1:21a CSB

We need to name our idols so we can begin to heal

If only I had ____________________, then I know my soul and life would be good.

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Find a quiet place and reflect on this week's message. Ask God to meet you in this time and show you what you need to see. Idols are often difficult for us to detect in our lives. An idol is anyone or anything that we depend on to meet our needs rather than God. They can include significant people in our lives, career success, and pleasures. Ask yourself, "Who do I rely on to start my day? What do I depend on to get through a crisis?" Recall a recent difficult experience. What are your thoughts and feelings as you remember the experience? Ask God to help you discern if you relied on him or an idol to go through the time. Ask God," Show me anyone I depend on too much to meet my needs. Do I rely on success more for my worth than my relationship with you?  Do my priorities reveal my commitment to the truth—that you have given us everything pertaining to life and godliness?"  Have a conversation with God regarding these questions. Ask him to impress upon you any idols you may have. Pray he will enable you to take action this week to gain greater freedom from these idols. Thank him for his help when you have experienced freedom in this area.

Discussion Questions

  1. What opportunities have you had this week to be real with yourself, God, and others? How have these opportunities challenged you this week?
  2. Describe a time in your life when you have lived in denial. How was your life better as a result of coming out of denial and into an acceptance of the truth?
  3. What has been a truth in your spiritual journey that you used to deny? How has accepting this truth benefited you?
  4. Take a minute to examine the various areas in your life. Describe any area where you might be unintentionally suppressing God's truth.
  5. We all have idols we need to get rid of; it's why God talks about it so often. Are there any areas in your life where your dependence on idols might be robbing you of greater joy and experience of God?
  6. Fill in the blank: "If only I had _____________, then I know my soul and life would be good." Often, our desires are from God, but we substitute something "lesser than" God to meet those desires. How can you avoid doing this and experience God's love more deeply in this area? Invite your community group to speak to you in this area.