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21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus (Romans 3.21-26).[1] Memory Verse: Romans 3.23 – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Over the next few weeks, we are going to look at various topics within the Bible and see how they apply to our lives. We will also have a memory verse from within the passage of scripture which is key for us. It might be key to the passage, or the topic, or to a greater theme, but it will be important for us to begin to memorize scripture. The Psalmist said, “I hide Thy Word in my heart, that I might not sin against Thee” (Psalm 119.11). “Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me” (Psalm 119.133, NIV).[2] “Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble” (Psalm 119.165).[3] “Indeed, I have kept all His ordinances in mind and have not disregarded His statutes. I was blameless toward Him and kept myself from sinning” (Psalm 18.22-23, HCSB).[4] “Also keep back Your servant from presumptuous sins; Let them not rule over me; Then I will be blameless, And I shall be acquitted of great transgression” (Psalm 19.13, NASB95).[5] Finally, Then you will go safely on your way; your foot will not stumble” (Proverbs 3.23, CSB).[6] As we can see there are plenty of reasons we should and must desire to learn scripture. But just in case these verses are not enough for us, here is one more from Jesus Christ, It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4.4, ESV).[7] We must have the Word of God within us, so, when the time comes it can come out of us. It is the energy that drives our spiritual soul, and it is the energy that keeps us moving forward for Christ. Allowing us to share His gospel to any and all we come into contact with each and every day. Some might say, “the Holy Spirit will tell me what to say when the time is right.” True, but if we are empty of the right things to say, then how will the Holy Spirit be able to have us say anything. Now before we go off our rockers, lets understand Who God is, Who Jesus Christ is and Who the Holy Spirit is. They are all God, yet separate entities, in other words, they All have Their Own attributes yet They share many things. For example, They are All, all knowing, all powerful and everywhere at the same time. But when Jesus was on earth in His human body, He was not everywhere at the same time. He set aside that right for a time. This is what Paul was writing about in Philippians 2.5-11, “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness” (Philippians 2.6-7, NIV).[8] The Holy Spirit’s job is to provide us with a connection to the Father, through Jesus Christ, and help us to understand the Word of God. He is our interrupter; He also helps us do the tasks God has given to us and share the gospel of Jesus Christ with others. Therefore, we must place God’s Word within our lives if we are going to be the best witness for Christ. Today’s verse is Romans 3.23, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” This verse is part of a collection of verses known as the Romans Road (Romans 3.23, 5.8, 6.23, 10.9-10, 10.13). Each of these verses add to the gospel and tell us how and why Jesus Christ came, sacrificed Himself in our place. They also speak of God’s love, mercy and grace for the world, and the sin debt we owed Him. Finally, they show how we can have eternal life through Jesus Christ, and this is possible not for just a few people or a select group but for all who call upon the name of the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 10.13). We will break down these verses, understand what they mean and have a better understanding of them so we will not just know them but we will know them, deep down. This way when we are quoting them back, as we talk with someone about what God has done, what Jesus Christ has done, it will really mean something to us and they will sense this, understand its more than memorization but a true passion and something we are living every day. This is what the gospel needs to be, it needs to be in our every day lives, it needs to be us, in us, coming out of us, shining bright for all the world to see no matter what happens. Henceforth, we will study scripture, breaking it down, so we know it better and understand what God wants from us and for us so we are better prepared for the things to come. So, pray up, study up and get a pen and paper as we begin this journey together as we look into the Word of God and see what He has to offer. Application
Prayer My dear Father of Heaven, Savior of My Soul, and Lord of My Heart. Thank You for Your loving kindness, and generous mercy and grace. I thank You for not holding my sins against me but sending Your Son, Your Only Son to die in my place and making a way for me to come into Your Presence today. Lord give me the wisdom to memorize scripture, and the understanding to know what it means and use it for Your glory. I know You have given me Your Holy Spirit to help me know and understand all things for Your Word, so help me to listen, and learn from Him. Use me today as Your servant in sharing Your gospel message with others. All this I pray in Jesus Christ’s Name, Amen. [1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Ro 3:21–26). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles. [2] The New International Version. (2011). (Ps 119:133). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. [3] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Ps 119:165). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles. [4] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Ps 18:22–23). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers. [5] New American Standard Bible: 1995 update. (1995). (Ps 19:13). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation. [6] Christian Standard Bible. (2020). (Pr 3:23). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers. [7] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Mt 4:4). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles. [8] The New International Version. (2011). (Php 2:6–7). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. You Can Download This Post Here - October 21 - Rom. 3.21-26
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