Romans 3:19-20

Passage

Having known that whatever the Laws says it says to those in the Law, in order that every mouth should be silenced and all the world should become liable to judgment by God – because all flesh will not be declared righteous in His presence out of works of the Law.  For the full recognition of sin is through the Law.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Paul gets very specific in these verses with respect to the function of the Law.  The Law has one purpose: to expose sin.  It is through the Law that we understand just how miserable of a sinner we actually are.  It is through the Law that we can see just how far we fall short of God and just how much of a mockery we make of His ways.  It is through the Law that we see ourselves for who we really and truly are.  That is the purpose of the Law.  The Law exposes us for the frauds and charlatans that we genuinely are.

How does this point make you feel about life?  Why is it painful to realize just how far you fall with respect to God’s standard?  When you look into the Law, where do you fail?

Second Thought:

Because of this reality, Paul tells us that every mouth shall be silenced.  Because God’s Law has been given, nobody will have any excuse when they stand before God.  Every single one of us will only be able to stand under the “guilty as charged” banner.  We might like to try and rationalize our behavior, justify our actions, and diminish the results of our actions but the truth is that we are all guilty.  Whatever the reason, we are guilty.

Why is it hard to stay too long in the place where we realize our guilt before God?  Why do you think many people jump straight out of this place and into a place where they can think about God’s grace?  Is there any value in reflecting on this point for a while before remembering God’s grace?

Third Thought:

Paul lowers the boom once and for all.  He says that not one person will be declared righteous out of the Law.  When we are in His presence, not one person will measure up.  Not me, not you, not any high priest, not King David, not any of the prophets, and not even Paul himself.  Not one of us will be justified by the Law before God.  Not one of us will be able to step forward and say, “Yep, I followed that perfectly!”  No, we will all be humbled before God, every single one of us.

How does this point make you think about humanity in general?  Do you feel sad that not one person can do it?  Do you feel comfort in knowing you aren’t alone?  How does understanding this point help us understand the need for Christ?

Passage for Tomorrow: Romans 3:21-24