Romans 3:1-18

Young Tommy sat in his Junior class at Vacation Bible School as the teacher explained that everyone is a sinner because we have disobeyed God. Suddenly, the words came tumbling out of his mouth: “Not me!” We smile at a little boy’s reaction to the truth, but don’t we have the same attitude toward ourselves? We often recoil from the truth that shows we are sinners.

While this isn’t a pleasant subject, we need to be reminded of it. As we look at today’s Scripture, we face two clear thoughts: the power of sin and the product of sin.

• The power of sin (Romans 3:9-18)
  • The effects of sin
    • The mind
      • None understand; none seek after God.
    • The heart
      • No one seeks after God; He has to seek us
    • Will
      • There is no one that does good
  • The extent of sin (Romans 3:13-18)
    • Sin extends to what we say
    • Sin extends to what we do
    • Sin extends to what we think
      • Thoughts – there is no peace of mind
      • Pride – there is no reverence for God

Sin controls the whole being of man.

• The product of sin (Romans 3:3-8)
  • Sin charges God with unfaithfulness
    • The argument: because everyone has faith, God is unfaithful
  • Our sin shows God’s righteousness
    • Some would say, “Well, if I sin and God forgives me, that demonstrates how righteous God is. Therefore, if I keep sinning, God’s mercy will be shown more.”

Sin warps our reasoning so we don’t even think correctly.

Since the Bible reveals that man’s ways are sinful and that we cannot justly excuse our sin, we must conclude that Romans 3:23 is true. We have all sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. What course of action is left?

The only course of action is to turn to God and plead for His mercy. His mercy is demonstrated in the fact that He made a sacrifice for our sin available, which He has already done in His Son, Jesus Christ.