Is Religion An Advantage?

None Righteous, Not One

Romans 3:1-20

• Introduction: Humanity was not designed to know sin, but Genesis 3 changed that.
• Human Nature: People try to justify themselves and appear righteous, but Scripture shows all are guilty.
• Main Proposition: Faith must be placed in Christ, as there is no hope in ourselves.
• Big Idea: Our only hope is Christ.
• Scriptural Background:
  • Romans 1: Gentiles are condemned.
  • Romans 2: Jews are also condemned.
  • Romans 3: Paul uses rhetorical questions to show all are under sin.
• Series of Questions Addressed by Paul:
  • Is there benefit to being a Jew? Yes, chiefly the oracles of God, but no advantage at judgment.
  • Does Jewish faithlessness nullify God’s faithfulness? No, God remains true.
  • Is God unjust to show wrath if our unrighteousness highlights His righteousness? No, God is a just judge.
  • If God is glorified by our sin, why are we judged? Paul rejects this logic and those who slander him.
  • Are Jews better off than Gentiles? No, all are under sin.
• Three Main Reasons We Must Place Faith in Christ:
  1. Our Character is Corrupted (v. 10-12):
  • No one is righteous, understands, or seeks God.
  • Human nature is fallen and cannot redeem itself.
  • Only Christ’s righteousness can save us.
  1. Our Conduct is Wicked (v. 13-17):
  • Our words and actions are destructive.
  • Fallen nature is shown through wicked behavior.
  • Our destructive behaviors lead to eternal destruction.
  1. Our Condition is Doomed (v. 18-20):
  • We neither seek nor fear God.
  • The Law reveals our sin but cannot justify us.
  • Only God’s standard matters, not our own.
• Conclusion & Application:
  • We have no hope but Christ.
  • Softening this truth risks eternal consequences.
  • Faith in Christ brings rejoicing.
  • Acknowledge our sinful character, behavior, and doomed condition.
  • We need a righteousness not our own.