All People Are Sinners: The Testimony of Scripture and the Purpose and Limitation of the Law
Romans 3:9–20 (NLT) 9 Well then, should we conclude that we Jews are better than others? No, not at all, for we have already shown that all people, whether Jews or Gentiles, are under the power of sin. 10 As the Scriptures say, “No one is righteous— not even one. 11 No one is truly wise; no one […]
When Human Reasoning Tries to Justify Sin
Romans 3:5–8 (NLT) 5 “But,” some might say, “our sinfulness serves a good purpose, for it helps people see how righteous God is. Isn’t it unfair, then, for him to punish us?” (This is merely a human point of view.) 6 Of course not! If God were not entirely fair, how would he be qualified to judge […]
God Remains Faithful Even When We Fail
Romans 3:3–4 (NLT) 3 True, some of them were unfaithful; but just because they were unfaithful, does that mean God will be unfaithful? 4 Of course not! Even if everyone else is a liar, God is true. As the Scriptures say about him, “You will be proved right in what you say, and you will win your […]
Entrusted With the Revelation: Israel’s Unmatched Advantage
Romans 3:1–2 (NLT) 1 Then what’s the advantage of being a Jew? Is there any value in the ceremony of circumcision? 2 Yes, there are great benefits! First of all, the Jews were entrusted with the whole revelation of God. Message I. The Advantage of Being a Jew: Entrusted with God’s Word (1–2) In Romans 2:25–29, […]
The Spirit’s Cut: A Changed Heart
Romans 2:25–29 (NLT) 25 The Jewish ceremony of circumcision has value only if you obey God’s law. But if you don’t obey God’s law, you are no better off than an uncircumcised Gentile. 26 And if the Gentiles obey God’s law, won’t God declare them to be his own people? 27 In fact, uncircumcised Gentiles who keep God’s […]
Knowing the Law vs. Living the Law
Romans 2:17–24 (NLT) 17 You who call yourselves Jews are relying on God’s law, and you boast about your special relationship with him. 18 You know what he wants; you know what is right because you have been taught his law. 19 You are convinced that you are a guide for the blind and a light for people […]
God’s Law Written on the Heart and His Final Judgment
Romans 2:12–16 (NLT) 12 When the Gentiles sin, they will be destroyed, even though they never had God’s written law. And the Jews, who do have God’s law, will be judged by that law when they fail to obey it. 13 For merely listening to the law doesn’t make us right with God. It is obeying the […]
God’s Impartial Judgment According to Deeds
Romans 2:6–11 (NLT) 6 He will judge everyone according to what they have done. 7 He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers. 8 But he will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey […]
Repentance Before the Day of Anger
Romans 2:5 (NLT) 5 But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. Message I. God’s Kindness Rejected (5a) See verse 5a. 5a But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn […]
A Call to Repent, Not to Judge
Romans 2:2–4 (NLT) 2 And we know that God, in his justice, will punish anyone who does such things. 3 Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God’s judgment when you do the same things? 4 Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does […]
