Introduction

Good morning, family of God. As we gather here today, let us embrace the warmth of fellowship and the comfort of knowing that we are all cherished children of our Heavenly Father. Let us allow the Holy Spirit to guide us as we seek to understand His Word and apply it to our lives.

Today, we turn our hearts and minds to the book of Romans, specifically chapter 3, verses 1 through 20. This passage, penned by the Apostle Paul, is a powerful reminder of the faithfulness of God in the face of human faithlessness, and the transformative power of the Gospel in our lives.

As we prepare to delve into this passage, let's remind ourselves of the words of the revered preacher Charles Spurgeon. He once said, "When you go through a trial, the sovereignty of God is the pillow upon which you lay your head." This quote is a testament to the unchanging faithfulness of God, even when we falter.

Faithlessness of Humanity

In the passage we've just read, we see a stark picture of humanity's failings. The Apostle Paul doesn't mince words. He lays bare the truth of our condition, highlighting our shortcomings and our inability to live up to God's standards. This isn't a pleasant picture, but it's an honest one. It's a picture that we need to confront if we're to truly understand our need for God's grace.

Paul begins by addressing the Jews, those who were entrusted with the very words of God. Yet, even they, despite their privileged position, were unfaithful. This unfaithfulness wasn't a minor slip-up. It was a significant failing, a turning away from God and His commands. This is a sobering reminder for us. Even those who are closest to God, who have been given the greatest spiritual advantages, can fall short.

We might be tempted to think that this unfaithfulness is limited to the Jews, but Paul makes it clear that this is a universal problem. This is known as total depravity. Jews and Gentiles alike, he says, are all under the power of sin. No one is righteous, not even one. This is a hard truth to swallow. We like to think of ourselves as good people, as decent, moral individuals. But Paul's words challenge this self-perception. They force us to confront the reality of our sinfulness, our inherent tendency to turn away from God and pursue our own desires.

But why is this the case? Why are we so prone to unfaithfulness and sin? Paul gives us a clue when he describes humanity as having "throats like open graves" and "tongues that practice deceit." These vivid images speak to the corruption that lies within us, a corruption that affects our words and actions. We are not just unfaithful because of external influences or circumstances. We are unfaithful because of the sin that dwells within us, a sin that taints our thoughts, our words, and our deeds.

This corruption has real, tangible consequences. Paul describes these consequences in stark terms. "Their feet are swift to shed blood," he writes, "ruin and misery mark their ways, and the way of peace they do not know." These are the fruits of our unfaithfulness, the results of our sin. They are a far cry from the peace, joy, and love that God desires for us.

Yet, despite this bleak picture, Paul's words are not without hope. He reminds us that our unfaithfulness does not nullify God's faithfulness. Even when we are unfaithful, God remains true. He continues to speak truth, to judge righteously, and to extend His grace to us. This is the hope that we cling to, the hope that sustains us in the face of our failings.

Faithfulness of God

As we immerse ourselves in the words of Romans 3, we are drawn to the steadfast faithfulness of God ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO