Sermon Breakdown

1. The apostle Paul is explaining why he is eager to preach the gospel. It is because of the greatness and character of the gospel, but also because the wrath of God has been revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness.
2. There are difficulties people have with the doctrine of God's wrath, but it is taught throughout Scripture. God's wrath is revealed as much as His righteousness.
3. God's wrath is revealed against ungodliness and unrighteousness. This is a comprehensive statement about the nature of sin and its inexcusability.
4. Ungodliness refers to our relationship with God. Any failure to live for God's glory is ungodliness. Righteousness refers to our relationships with other people. Any failure in our conduct towards others is unrighteousness.
5. Ungodliness and unrighteousness must always be taken together, but ungodliness comes first. Our relationship with God is primary.
6. The real essence of sin is ungodliness - failing to live for God's glory. This is what makes sin truly sinful.
7. Ungodliness was the first sin of Adam and Eve. They questioned God before disobeying His command.
8. Unrighteousness only becomes possible because of ungodliness. If our relationship with God is right, our conduct will be right. Ungodliness leads to unrighteous acts.
9. The only way to convict all people of sin is to focus on ungodliness. Many think they are not sinners because they have not committed certain unrighteous acts. But all have sinned by failing to live for God's glory.
10. It is sinful and insulting to God to believe righteousness is possible apart from Him. Morality comes from godliness, not the other way around.
11. Our relationship with God is the primary matter on which we will be judged. Our works follow from this relationship.
12. The world's problems stem from separating godliness and righteousness - being religious without truly knowing God. Some want the benefits of religion without commitment to God.
13. The world today proves you cannot have righteousness without godliness. Immorality abounds because people thought they could have Christian conduct without knowing God.
14. Even the church is not free from separating godliness and righteousness. Focusing on man instead of God, being subjective instead of reverent before God, leads to a lack of true joy and praise.
15. There is no true evangelism without putting godliness first. The primary purpose is bringing people into a right relationship with God. We must start here, not with benefits or experiences.