Series: Action [#125]
THE CURE- WHY BOTHER?
Romans 3:1-20
Introduction:
Most of us are at Church each time we have a service. Sometimes we come to Church and we’re sick. Other times we come to Church and we’re tired; and sometimes we come to Church, and we really don’t want to be here. So why do we bother coming to Church, reading our Bibles, spending time in prayer, etc… What’s the point?
Romans 3:1-2
Why bother…
1. Serving God?
If there was no value of being a Jew, (or in our situation, being a Christian); why bother? If their attending Church, giving of their money, studying Scripture, etc… meant nothing- Then why bother? But, we are told differently. God has entrusted us with His Word. Although we are sinful; God trusts us with His Word anyway. We need to continue to serve Him.
Because of their frustration, they began to question the very nature of God.
Romans 3:3
* Is God faithful?
"What if some were unfaithful?” They were afraid that because of their unfaithfulness, that God would not be faithful to His promises. Will God just give up on the Jewish people? Will God give up on Christians?
Romans 3:4
The question Paul asks now is, “Since we didn’t follow God's Word completely, does that mean that God doesn’t have to keep His promises anymore”? The answer is no. God doesn’t break His promises even when we don’t deserve them. We may all be liars; but God is always truth.
Let’s remember that some of God’s promises are conditional- If you do your part, then God will do His; but there are also promises that are unconditional. When God says that Jesus will return, that will happen regardless of your choices- That’s unconditional.
Romans 3:5
* Is God righteous?
Some of the people had decided that if God is faithful to us when we are unfaithful; then when I sin, I will make God look good for forgiving me. In fact, the more I sin the better God looks- So I might as well live however I want. If our sin makes God look good and more gracious, why should we be judged for it?
I do like that Paul tells us that he was using human logic. This is the same logic that would say, “The more that I cheat on my wife the better she looks”. When we think like this, we are questioning the righteousness of God. Does God just let sin slide?
Romans 3:6
The answer is very clear and concise- No. If God was unrighteous, He could not judge us. Trust me, when you sin there are consequences. You get away with nothing. God sees all.
Romans 3:7
* Is God truthful?
This is similar to the last question. If my sinning makes God look good, it must make Him happy; and if my sin pleases God why would He condemn me for it?
Romans 3:8-9
We must remember that forgiveness is not a license to sin. Never confuse forgiveness with approval. Forgiveness from God does not mean approval. God is truth and He can forgive us and yet allow us to suffer the consequences. As it says in this verse, “You get what you deserve”.
Why bother…
2. Trying to please God?
I know that this sounds like a crazy question; but why try to please God with your life? Just live however you would like. No matter how hard we try to be perfect, it’s not going to happen.
Romans 3:10-12
Why is it impossible for us to be perfect?
* Because we are all sinners.
None of us are perfect. We have all sinned. None of us search for God. It’s the opposite- God seeks us out. Remember that when Jesus was asked why He was here, His answer was, “He came to seek and save that which was lost”.
Romans 3:13-18
* Sin destroys.
Here we have the characteristics of a sinner. They hurt other with their words. They lie, gossip, use profanity, etc… They have no problem hurting people physically either. They don’t mind drama and hurting others. They have no concern about God.
Romans 3:19-20
* We are held accountable for sin.
As I said earlier, “We don’t get away with sinning”. There is a price for sin. Therefore, we all deserve the price of sin- Eternal death.
Conclusion:
Before you get depressed about how sorry and worthless you are, don’t forget that through Christ you are justified. God sees you just as if you had never sinned. While none of us are perfect, we have a reason to live for Christ. Not only do we find peace and joy through obedient living, we lift up Jesus before the world; and if we lift Christ up, He will draw all men to Himself.
