Romans 5:6-11

A problem in our world affects every living person. It has been with us since nearly the beginning of time; it has been the subject of much conversation; it influences our daily practice; and it has caused great suffering and even death. People have worked at finding a solution. Many possible solutions have been proposed, but few have freed us from the problem. What is it? A little three-letter word that spells big trouble: sin.

• The need to solve the problem of sin
  • It is a universal need
    • Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”

In preparation for a large city evangelistic crusade, Billy Graham wrote to the mayor, asking for names of people he knew who had spiritual problems and needed prayer. A few days later, the mayor sent him the city telephone book.

• It has the potential for fatal consequences
  • Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

If we do not resolve this problem, we are hopelessly doomed.

• Man’s attempts at solving the problem
  • Reform
  • Good deeds
    • Ephesians 2:9 “not by works, so that no one can boast.”
  • Depravation
  • Call it something else

Wilbur Chapman, a preacher of a previous generation, often spoke on sin. He minced no words, but called sin, “the abominable thing God hates”. A leader in his congregation came to him urging him to soften his tone and stop using the ugly word. He said, “Our young people, hearing you, will be more inclined to indulge in sin. Call it something else, such as error or mistake.”

Chapman said, “I understand what you mean.” Then, going to his desk, he pulled out a bottle. “This bottle contains strychnine. You will see the label reads ‘poison’. Would you suggest I change the label to read ‘wintergreen’? The more harmless the name, the more dangerous the dose will be.

Man’s attempt at solving sin doesn’t work. It doesn’t solve the core problem. Our fallen nature leads us to choose sin over obedience to God. Left to ourselves, we will choose sin.

What is God’s solution to sin? While our answer fails, God’s answer is complete.

• God does have an answer
  • He provided a substitute
    • Romans 5:6
  • A declaration (Romans 5:9)
    • Justification
  • The availability
    • How do I avail myself of this solution?

During the Spanish-American War, Teddy Roosevelt, then a colonel in the US Army, commanded a regiment of Rough Riders in Cuba. He became attached ot hte men under his command, and when one was wounded or fell sick, he wanted to provide for them.

Hearing that Miss Clara Barton, who devoted herself to caring for wounded soldiers, had received a supply of delicacies for the men under her care, Roosevelt asked her to sell some to him for his sick men. His request was refused. Roosevelt was troubled. He pleaded, “I must have proper food for my men.”

“Just ask for them, Colonel.” She replied.

• Believe
  • Acts 16:31 “They replied, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.'”
• What will it do for us? (Romans 5:1)
  • Peace with God

Therefore, having confronted the problem of our sin, each of us needs to follow the truth of Romans 5 and place our confidence in what has been done for us, which we could not do for ourselves.