Studies in Romans Presentation 06

Summary of Contents OPENING REMARKS: 1:1-17 BAD NEWS : Universality of sin and its condemnation 1:18 - 3:20 GOOD NEWS : A gospel that changes our relationship to God 3:21- 5:21 HOW TO GROW AS A CHRISTIAN : 6: Sanctification 6:1-23 The Place of the Law 7:1-25 Life in the Spirit 8:1-39 A SHORT DETOUR : Questions concerning Israel 9:1-11:36 HOW A CHRISTIAN OUGHT TO LIVE : 12:1-15:13 In our various relationships 12:1-13:14 Dealing with the ‘weak’ and the ‘strong’ 14:1-15:13 PAUL’S GENTILE MINISTRY, POLICY AND PLANS : 15:14-33 GREETINGS AND CLOSING DOXOLOGY : 16:1-27 Presentation 06

Studies in Romans Universality of Sin and its Condemnation Chap.1v18 - 3v20 Presentation 06

Studies in Romans Summing up the Case for the Prosecution Presentation 06

Sin and its Condemnation Summing up the Case for the Prosecution. 3: The case made by the O.T. Scriptures. In order to reinforce his charge of the sinfulness of all men Paul cites a string of O.T. quotations. The whole of our humanity is affected by sin- a condition known as 'total depravity'. This does not mean that all men are as bad as they can be but that every part of man is tainted by sin; his intellect, his emotions, his will etc. So much so, that there is no such thing as human goodness. The belief of many, that there is both good and bad struggling in their heart for ascendancy, is false. Man, by nature, is incapable of 'pure goodness'. Presentation 06

Even man's best deeds are tainted in some way. When the philanthropist donates a new wing to the hospital, his motive may be a desire to be well thought of, or he may be attempting to placate the guilt produced by thoughts of the suffering he has caused when building up his financial empire. The illustration that Paul uses to begin to persuade his readers of the universal nature of sin is not the gross immorality that marked the heathen world, but the sin of the tongue v Sin and its Condemnation Summing up the Case for the Prosecution. 3: The case made by the O.T. Scriptures. Presentation 06

How often our speech betrays our sinfulness, not only when we speak in anger attempting to hurt others, but also when we flatter or paint fanciful stories in order to deceive. Paul moves from our daily speech to our actions in v15-18, reminding us of the catalogue of pain and the bruised emotions we leave in our wake, to say nothing of the physical harm we do others. The reason for such a proliferation of wanton violence, verbal and physical, is given at the end; 'there is no fear of God before their eyes’.' Sin and its Condemnation Summing up the Case for the Prosecution. 3: The case made by the O.T. Scriptures. Presentation 06

Paul had earlier shown that everyone was under the law. Every man, Jew and Gentile, has been reminded of his failure to keep the law. Why? In order that the whole world might be silenced before God. When the prosecution finishes his case before the bar of God's justice, there is no case for the defence. No excuses are made; no one dares to justify his sinful behaviour. There is only a dramatic silence! Sin and its Condemnation Summing up the Case for the Prosecution. 3: A world silenced before God. Presentation 06

It is only when men are silent and faced with the seriousness of their condemnation before God, and their inability to do anything about it, that their ears are attentive to hear the good news of the gospel. The clamouring heart, that is constantly justifying itself and making excuses for itself, and busily running about trying to redeem itself, will not be receptive to the gospel. But the man who has nothing to say in his defence, and who sees the folly of his past, is ripe for the grace of God. Sin and its Condemnation Summing up the Case for the Prosecution. 3: A world silenced before God. Presentation 06

In our evangelism we need to earnestly pray that men and women might be brought to this kind of silence. Until men's mouths are stopped by a real awareness of their sinfulness, Their lives cannot experience God's grace And forgiveness. When our hearts and mouths are silenced, we begin to recognise our need, and we begin to see God's ability to meet it. This gives added meaning to Habakkuk’s words, Let all the earth keep silence before him'. Hab Sin and its Condemnation Summing up the Case for the Prosecution. 3: A world silenced before God. Presentation 06