The Stamp of Approval: Understanding God's Wrath and Grace
In his sermon delivered on January 4th, 2026, Pastor TJ Joyner explored the profound themes of God’s approval, the nature of sin, and the wrath of God as presented in Romans chapter one. The message was a call to recognize the importance of living in alignment with divine truth, rather than succumbing to societal pressures and misconceptions about God’s character.
Not Ashamed of the Gospel
Pastor Joyner began by referencing Romans 1:16-18, emphasizing Paul's declaration of being unashamed of the gospel. This gospel is described as the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, highlighting the need for faith to access righteousness. However, he juxtaposed this with the stark reality of God's wrath being revealed against ungodliness and unrighteousness.
- Key Points:
- God’s Righteousness: The gospel reveals God's righteousness, which is available to all through faith.
- God’s Wrath: Understanding God’s wrath is crucial for a balanced view of His love. Pastor Joyner encourages deep reflection on the implications of divine displeasure with sin.
The Suppression of Truth
A significant part of the sermon focused on how truth is often suppressed in modern society. Pastor Joyner cited Mark Twain's observation that lies can travel faster than the truth. This highlights a pervasive challenge faced by believers today: the battle between societal acceptance and divine truth.
- Truth vs. Deception: Many present themselves as followers of Christ while living contrary to biblical teachings. The pastor cautioned against the dangers of a false sense of righteousness, which can lead to spiritual deception.
Understanding God’s Wrath
Pastor Joyner provided a sobering definition of God's wrath as His divine displeasure with sin. He illustrated how a life marked by sin—characterized by selfishness, ingratitude, and rejection of God's truth—ultimately leads to separation from God.
- Consequences of Sin: Living outside of God's approval results in serious spiritual implications. The pastor encouraged the congregation to reflect on their lives in light of scripture.
- The Importance of Justice: Just as society needs laws for justice, God’s wrath serves as a divine justice against sin, ensuring that unrighteousness does not go unpunished.
The Reality of Idolatry
Pastor Joyner pointed out humanity's tendency to create God in our own image. This idolatry results in a distorted understanding of His nature and leads to moral decline. He reminded the congregation that true worship must be directed towards the Creator rather than created things.
The Necessity of God’s Wrath
The sermon emphasized that God’s wrath is a holy and just response to sin, essential for understanding His love. Without wrath, there is no genuine opportunity for salvation or justice.
- God’s Wrath as a Good Thing: Recognizing God’s wrath helps believers appreciate His commitment to righteousness. It serves as a call for repentance and a reminder of the gravity of sin.
The Cross as an Expression of Wrath and Love
The climax of Pastor Joyner’s message revolved around the cross, which serves as the ultimate display of God’s wrath against sin and His love for humanity. Jesus bore the punishment for our sins, making a way for reconciliation with God.
- Illustration of Salvation: He used a powerful analogy of a family escaping a wildfire by taking refuge in a burned-out area, representing how believers can find safety in Christ, who absorbed God’s wrath on our behalf.
The Call to Repentance
Pastor Joyner concluded with a heartfelt call to repentance, urging the congregation to acknowledge their sin and turn to Christ for salvation. He emphasized that true repentance results in life change and a renewed commitment to living according to God’s will.
- Reflection Questions:
- Are you more concerned with societal approval than with God’s?
- Have you experienced genuine repentance that leads to transformation?
In closing, Pastor Joyner invited the congregation to seek a deeper understanding of God’s character—recognizing both His love and His wrath—and to embrace the truth of the gospel in their lives. The sermon was a powerful reminder of the importance of aligning one's life with God’s truth, understanding that His approval far outweighs any human validation.
As we reflect on this message, let us consider our own lives. Are we living in a way that seeks God’s approval? Are we willing to stand firm in the truth, even when it is challenging? The grace offered through Christ is available to all who seek Him sincerely.
(This blog post was created from Pastor Joyner's sermon transcript using AI)
