The content discusses Romans 3:9-20, emphasizing humanity’s universal sinfulness and the inadequacy of self-righteousness. It highlights that both Jews and Gentiles are equally in need of God’s grace for salvation. The law reveals sin but does not justify. The passage serves as a reminder to rely on faith for righteousness.

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with humble hearts, seeking wisdom and understanding as we study Your Word in Romans 3:9-20. Lord, guide us by Your Holy Spirit, opening our minds to grasp the truth of Your message. Help us to approach this passage with reverence and sincerity. May we grow in our faith and relationship with You.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Romans 3:9-20 (ESV)

No One Is Righteous

9 What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin,

10 as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one;

11 no one understands; no one seeks for God.

12 All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.”

13 “Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive.” “The venom of asps (snakes) is under their lips.”

14 “Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.”

15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood;

16 in their paths are ruin and misery,

17 and the way of peace they have not known.”

18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”

19 Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God.

20 For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.

Romans 3:9-20 was chosen for analysis today. It confronts a fundamental question about the human condition: Are we all equally in need of salvation? This passage speaks directly to our need for grace and the universality of sin. In a time when people often compare themselves to others, this text provides a sobering reminder. It emphasizes that relying on one’s own efforts to feel justified is not enough. No one is righteous apart from God. Its message lays a foundation for understanding salvation through faith, which is central to the gospel.

The book of Romans was written by the Apostle Paul. It is a profound letter that addresses key themes. These include sin, salvation, faith, grace, and righteousness. Chapter 3 is part of Paul’s argument. He claims both Jews and Gentiles are equally under the power of sin. They are in need of God’s righteousness. In the earlier chapters, Paul dismantles any claims to self-righteousness or superiority, emphasizing that all people stand accountable before God. Romans 3:9-20 is a climax to this argument. It summarizes humanity’s fallen state. It also prepares the reader for the revelation of God’s saving grace later in the chapter. Understanding this broader context helps us fully grasp the weight and importance of this passage.

Romans 3:9-20 vividly illustrates the universal sinfulness of humanity. In verse 9, Paul declares that both Jews and Gentiles are under sin, leaving no one exempt. Verses 10-18 contain a collection of Old Testament quotes. These quotes come from Psalms, Isaiah, and Ecclesiastes. They describe the sinful nature of humanity in detail. These verses highlight our inability to seek God, speak truthfully, or live righteously. Paul concludes in verses 19-20 by pointing out that the law reveals our sin but can’t justify us. This passage strips away any pretense of self-sufficiency, showing our total dependence on God for salvation.

Isaiah 64:6: All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags. This reinforces the idea that no human effort can earn righteousness before God.

Ecclesiastes 7:20: Indeed, there is no one on earth who is righteous, no one who does what is right and never sins. Aligns with Romans 3:10, confirming the universality of sin.

Psalm 14:1-3: There is no one who does good, not even one. Directly quoted by Paul in this passage, emphasizing humanity’s fallen nature.

Jeremiah 17:9: The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? Supports the description of human nature in verses 10-12.

Galatians 3:24: So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. Highlights the role of the law mentioned in verse 20.

Matthew 5:20: Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. Underscores the insufficiency of self-righteousness.

Ephesians 2:1-3: Describes humanity as being dead in trespasses and sins. Echoes the hopeless state of humanity without Christ.

John 3:19-20: People love darkness instead of light because their deeds are evil. Aligns with Paul’s depiction of humanity’s rejection of God.

James 2:10: For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. Reinforces the impossibility of achieving righteousness through the law.

Romans 7:7: I would not have known what sin was had it not been for the law. Affirms the purpose of the law mentioned in verse 20.

Romans 3:9-20 delivers a message about human sinfulness. It emphasizes the need for grace. This theme is seen in passages across both the Old and New Testaments. In Psalm 51, David acknowledges his sinfulness, saying, Surely I was sinful at birth. In the New Testament, 1 John 1:8 states, If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves. The truth is not in us. Both scriptures align with Paul’s assertion that no one is righteous. Similarly, Jesus’ teachings in the Sermon on the Mount challenge the idea of outward righteousness. He calls for a deeper, heart-level transformation that only God can give.

In today’s world, Romans 3:9-20 remains incredibly relevant. People often strive for self-sufficiency or measure themselves against others to feel morally superior. This passage reminds us that all have fallen short and that no amount of effort can reconcile us to God. Modern issues like pride, injustice, and broken relationships stem from the sinfulness Paul describes. A good study guide for this passage include questions about personal accountability. It also explores the role of grace and ways we can confront sin in our lives without despairing.

• All humanity is equally under the power of sin.

• No one can claim righteousness or moral superiority before God.

• The law reveals sin but can’t save us.

• We are utterly dependent on God’s grace for salvation.

Gracious Father,

Thank You for the wisdom and clarity You have provided through the study of Romans 3:9-20. We are humbled by the reminder of our need for Your grace and mercy. Help us trust not in our own strength or works. Let us find righteousness through faith in Jesus. Guide us as we continue to grow in our understanding of Your Word, and Your truth shape our lives.

We pray this in the name of Jesus, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

be the

Light

M A T T H E W 5 : 16

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