In this sermon, we delve into Romans 3:9-20, where Paul summarizes the universal condition of humanity under sin. Paul emphasizes that both Jews and Gentiles are under the power of sin, making it clear that no one is righteous on their own. This passage underscores the necessity of understanding our sinful state to fully grasp the need for salvation through Jesus Christ.
Today, we focus on Romans 3:9-20, where Paul provides a comprehensive diagnosis of humanity’s sinful condition. This passage is crucial because it lays the foundation for understanding why we need the gospel.
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Universality of Sin (Verses 9-12):
- Paul asserts that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under the power of sin. He supports this statement with a series of Old Testament quotations, emphasizing that there is no one righteous, no one who understands, and no one who seeks God. This universality of sin means that every person, regardless of their background, is inherently sinful and in need of salvation.
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Pervasiveness of Sin (Verses 13-18):
- Sin affects every part of our being: our minds, our wills, our words, and our actions. Paul describes how our throats, tongues, lips, and mouths are corrupt, highlighting the deceit and malice that characterize human speech. He also describes how our feet are swift to shed blood, indicating the destructive nature of our actions. This total depravity means that sin pervades every aspect of our lives, making us completely incapable of achieving righteousness on our own.
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Conviction of Sin (Verses 19-20):
- The law makes us conscious of our sin, serving as a mirror that reveals our true condition. Paul explains that no one will be declared righteous by the works of the law; instead, the law shows us how far we fall short of God’s standards. This realization silences all excuses and defenses, leaving us guilty and accountable before God.
Lessons for Us:
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Acknowledge Our Sinful Nature: Understanding the universality and pervasiveness of sin is essential. We must recognize that we are all under sin, regardless of how moral or religious we appear.
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The Law Reveals Our Need for a Savior: The law cannot save us; it only exposes our sin. This conviction should lead us to seek salvation outside of ourselves, in Jesus Christ.
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Total Dependence on God’s Grace: Since we cannot achieve righteousness on our own, we must rely entirely on God’s grace. This passage prepares us for the good news of the gospel, highlighting our desperate need for a Savior.
Paul’s message in Romans 3:9-20 is a sobering reminder of our sinful state and the futility of self-righteousness. It strips away any illusion of moral superiority and directs us towards the only source of true righteousness—faith in Jesus Christ.
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