Romans 3 - Justified by Grace

We do NOT earn the righteousness of God by our 'faith' - we receive righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ.

Summary of Romans 3

• God's faithfulness (vs 1-8)

• Not one of us is righteous (vs 9-20)

• Righteousness through faith (vs 21 - 31)

Let's explore what the above words mean in biblical terms to better understand Romans 3:

• Faith is not trusting or expecting God to do something. Faith sees what God has done. Believes God's Word and has a conviction it is true and true for us. Faith does not mean that we sit back and do nothing, but we do everything with trust and reliance in God.

"True faith is directing the mind and will to align in agreement with God!"

Now its your turn

Look up and write out the biblical definitions of the following words:

• Faithfulness

• Righteousness

• Redemption

• Atonement

• Justification

Now, re-read Romans 3 keeping in mind the definitions you have looked up and underline each of the above words (including faith and unrighteousness) in your Bibles.

Read verse 9 - which people are under the power of sin?

Verses 10 to 12 describe the divine diagnosis of us ALL, not just the 'bad' guys, and unfortunately, very indicative of the times we live in now to. What are your thoughts - do you see yourself in some of these verses?

Note verses 13 to 17 are often referred to as an 'x-ray' study of the lost sinner. These verses describe actions of sinners and the consequences of such sin. Wherever there is sin, there is no respect or fear of God (vs 18).

"Where there is sin, there is no respect for God." David Guzik

The solution to sin and a sinful, lost life is described between verses 21 and 26 - these verses describe the principles of salvation! Are you saved? Have you given your life to Jesus?

In Verse 23 we see once again Paul reiterates that we "ALL have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God". Here are two ways we "fall short of the Glory of God":

• When we fail to give God the Glory in our words, thoughts and actions.

• When we fail to properly reflect God's Glory by conforming to the world and not to Christ's image.

Can you think of other ways where we fall short of the God's Glory? Make a list and repent of each one of these, pray for strength and guidance to give God His due Glory every day.

Jesus stands between us guilty sinners and the Holiness of God - He is our 'mercy seat - and He paid for our sins on the cross.

Need to understand Romans better?

1. Wednesday In the Word Romans Bible Study Resources site has a host of useful resources to refer to , such as maps, key words, commentaries etc.

2. Watch The Bible Projects video on Romans 1 - 4. If you are a 'visual' person then this video is definitely a must.

Take time this coming week to read Romans 4 and see you back here on Monday for another quick study.

Graciously yours in Christ.