Watch a two minute overview of Romans Chapter 3
Dig In:
Passage: Romans 3
Dig Deeper:
Chapter Summary
v1-8 - The end of chapter 1 illustrated the spiral of depravity that people who rebel from God fall into, and chapter 2 indicated that people who think they're better than others are often actually worse. Paul is working towards the conclusion that all people are hopeless sinful and unable to save themselves. Chapter 3 begins with a reminder that there is value, however, in living a godly lifestyle; primarily because it keeps people close to the Word of God which convicts us of your sin and points you to salvation in Christ.
v9-20 - This passage, which is a compilation of Old Testament passages, can be hugely depressing, but since most of us live with a 'pull yourself up by your bootstraps' attitude, we need this ugly reminder that "no one will be declared righteous by the works of the law (v20)."
v21-26 - Two simple words in v21 usher in the heart of the gospel: But now. The righteousness you need to once again be in relationship with your creator has been supplied for you apart from your futile efforts to earn it on your own. This section really can't be summarized any better than what Paul has written. It's worth memorizing.
v27-31 - Since it's not your efforts that have saved you, you have nothing to boast about. Jesus has perfectly upheld the law that you were obligated to, but unable to, fulfill on your own.
Old Testament Reference -
Notice in the footnotes of v12-18 how many different OT passages are referenced. Pick one and read it in its full context.
Discuss:
Use the comment box below to discuss one or more of these questions. For every comment or reply you post, you will receive an entry for this month's prize: a gift certificate to Lakeside Deli. - Congratulations to Lisa Sampson for winning the February Contest!
Try to summarize this chapter in a sentence or two.
After reading v10-18, how would you respond to the phrase 'all people are basically good?'
Which verse in this chapter stands out the most to you? Try to paraphrase it in your own words.
Which phrase did you choose to dwell on yesterday? Did your understanding of that phrase change throughout the day? How did God speak to you as you thought about those words while going about your regular activities?
NEW:
Dwell:
Keep one of these phrases in your mind throughout the day and come back to it often, asking God to speak to you through these words:
v1-2 - What advantage is there in living with the very words of God?
v10-20 - There is no one - righteous; who understands; who seeks God; who does good; who knows peace; who fears God; who will be declared righteous - on their own
v21 - But now...
v23-24 - ALL: have fallen short / are justified by grace
v27 - Boasting is excluded
Follow the AAA Prayer Pattern:
ACKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS: Our perfectly holy and righteous Father in heaven, who is both the one who is just and the one who justifies (v26)
ALIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Pray that you will uphold God's law by fully trusting in Jesus to supply your righteousness (v31)
ASK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED:
Comments