Topic: None is Righteous
Reading: Romans 3:5-18
Introduction and Overview
Ever since the beginning in the Garden of Eden, man has been under the power of sin. When Adam and Eve fell into the snare of the serpent and chose to listen to the devil rather than to God, sin has been the ruling power dominating all of mankind.
We are all born into sin, and no man born on earth has ever been sinless or able to remove the power of sin through their own strength.
Jesus, of course, was the one exception. The Son of God who lived as a man but without ever succumbing to the temptation of sin. Even when in a weakened position after forty days without food in the wilderness and the powerful temptations of the devil, still Jesus did not sin. (Read Matthew chapter 4, as there are many lessons in how to defeat Satan in it).
In this section of scripture we see that the fall of man into sin is described. Man chose sin over righteousness, and to this day they still do the same. It is important to understand these things as they are the precursor to how we can have our sins removed and live a life without sin, through entering into the sacrifice of Jesus. But that will come in the next few Bible Studies. For now though, we will look at the problem all of mankind faces: None is righteous.
Key points from reading:
- None is righteous and no-one of their own power can claim to be righteous
- God will judge the world by His standard
- Just because we are born under the power of sin, does not mean we cannot escape it because God has provided a way out. So, we cannot consider God to be unjust as He has offered the solution through Jesus Christ.
Discussion:
- Scripture: Romans 3:5-8
- Man is born under sin and none is righteous. But we cannot say it is unjust of God to judge us because we are born this way.
- People today often say that they are a certain way because they were born that way, or their DNA is “wired” to do what they do. It is a ploy for those who live evil or sinful lives to justify their wrongdoing.
- None is righteous, but God provides us with the way to be transformed or to “rewire” our life so that we do not have to succumb to sin. That process is by accepting Jesus Christ as Saviour and believing that God raised Him from the dead.
- When there is a way out, then we cannot judge the one who provided it because we want to live in sin. We cannot say He is unjust because we are born into sin.
- Instead, we must learn His path out of sin because His Day of Judgement is coming whether we like it or not.
- Scripture: Romes 3:9
- In this world no-one has an advantage over anyone else.
- The Jews believed that they were the chosen people of God, and initially that was the case. But today they are no better or worse than anyone else. When Jesus came to proclaim the Gospel of Salvation, it was offered to all mankind.
- Sin is the leveller that places all mankind in the same place. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God,” (Romans 3:23)
- But Jesus is the one who by the power of God and the working of the Holy Spirit lifts us out of our sin and offers the way to righteousness so that we do not have to continue to follow the ways of sin in this world.
- Scripture: Romans 3:10-18
- If ever there was a powerful indictment of the state of mankind, this section of scripture is it.
- None is righteous. None are even close to being righteous, and the things described here are the ways of man that lead to more and more unrighteousness.
- This world is filled with sin. Man’s inhumanity to his fellow man is everywhere. And God’s judgement will fall on all who follow the paths of unrighteousness.
- As we consider these words, look around at what is happening in the world today. Man is at war with his fellow man, but for what reasons? Man takes advantage of one another for their own personal gain, whether that is financial gain or power. Hatred abounds. Love grows cold. Death and destruction occur at the hands of men daily.
- But God is already executing His judgement. He stated that He would give signs for us to watch prior to the second coming of Jesus. (Read Matthew chapter 24 and Mark chapter 13). He told us to watch for His signs that would preceded the Second Coming, and we are seeing them unfold today. Wars, rumours of wars, earthquakes, pestilence, famine, and more. All of these were prophesied by Jesus as the initial “birth-pangs” pointing to His return, and they are all happening now.
- So, when you see these things, knowing they are the retribution and payback to man for his sinfulness, do not fear or become discouraged. It is all part of God’s plan and He will protect His people. Instead, look up and be encouraged and take hope knowing that what God said He would do, He is doing, and we can be confident that it will take place and Jesus will return soon for those who are waiting for Him.
Key Takeaways:
- None is righteous and all of mankind is born under the power of sin
- It is not right to blame God for our sinful condition or to think we should be able get away with sin because we are “wired” this way. Rather, God has provided the way to become “rewired” by the power of Jesus’ Gospel of Salvation.
- Judgement is coming and has already begun as we await the return of the Lord.
Prayer Points
- Pray that you can find the true path of salvation offered by Jesus and ask God to steer you in the right direction.
- Pray that you do not fall in the temptations of sin but find the path out to resist the devil’s temptation as Jesus did during His forty days in the wilderness.
- Pray for strength, hope and encouragement in the face of opposition and remember that Jesus is coming soon and pray that you will be prepared.