Romans 3:9-31
1) No one will stand righteous before God by their own justification, behavior and determination.
a) We all have a tendency to use the Word of God, religious behavior and personal arguments to justify our own self righteous.
b) No one will be declared righteous by the works of the Law, rather the law makes us aware of our sinful nature.
c) Righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.
2) The Gospel of Jesus Christ is built on the foundation of the Old Testament law (Exodus, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy), the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ’s body on the cross, and the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit.
a) What the law was incapable of performing, Jesus accomplished on the cross (perfection, holiness, righteousness).
b) Jesus said He did not come to abolish the law, but to establish it. He actually raised the standard of righteousness to include our thought life, desires and motives. The law deals with our spiritual nature and not just our behavior (Matthew 5:17-30).
c) The law requires justice and holiness because it reflects the nature of God.
3) The establishment of the Old Testament law was necessary before Jesus arrival earth.
a) A weak view of sin results in a weak view of the Gospel message.
b) The law was necessary to explain our need for salvation. The law promotes the righteousness of God while revealing our sinful nature.
c) The cross was necessary to deal properly with sin in the world. God’s justice requires perfection or blood. God offered His Son’s blood to pay the price for our sinful behavior so that we can be reconciled to our Creator.
Discussion Question: What are the methods the world uses to deal with the guilt of sin... and how can we use those methods to explain the importance of the Gospel?
Creator, Researcher and Host: Rob Fell
Production, Editor and Cover Art: Susan Cofer Fell
Contact: susan@susancoferfell.com
