Romans 3:21-31

What is the point of this text? Why is it in the Bible?

How does this text preach the Gospel?

Intro - AG

Draw Jewish Church and Gentile Church

The timeline of the church in Rome's composition and its relation to the writing of the Book of Romans can be outlined as follows:

Early Church Formation (ca. 30-49 CE): The church in Rome likely began with Jewish converts who had been in Jerusalem for Pentecost and brought their faith in Jesus as the Messiah back to the synagogues in Rome7. This initial church would have been predominantly Jewish.

Claudius' Expulsion of Jews (49 CE): This forced Jewish Christians, to leave Rome6.

Gentile-Dominated Church (49-54 CE): With Jewish Christians expelled, the Roman church became predominantly Gentile. This period significantly altered the church's direction and thinking7.

Return of Jewish Christians (54 CE): Following Claudius' death in 54 CE, Jews were allowed to return to Rome7. This led to tensions between returning Jewish Christians and the now-established Gentile Christian community.

Writing of the Book of Romans (ca. 56-57 CE): Paul wrote his letter to the Romans during this period of tension and transition25. He addressed the divided community, seeking to unify Jewish and Gentile believers3.

The New International Version Chapter 3

21 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, m through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—26 he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.

27 Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. Because of what law? The law that requires works? No, because of the law that requires faith. 28 For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law. 29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, 30 since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. 31 Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.

Paul gives us three analogies:

One Faith – Be a bridge-builder in a world of division.

One Family – Build deep cross-cultural relationships.

One Foundation – Prioritize racial reconciliation as a lifelong calling.

1.verb - AG One Faith – We Are Justified by Faith

Be a bridge-builder in a world of division.

“This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile.” – Romans 3:22

Paul is writing to a divided church. Jews and Gentiles are at odds, each with their own traditions, histories, and assumptions about what it means to follow God. Yet Paul makes it clear: salvation doesn’t come through culture, race, or religious tradition—it comes through faith in Jesus.

• Sin is an autoimmune disease in the body of Christ – Instead of fighting the real enemy, sin, we attack each other.

• Peacemakers vs. Peacekeepers – Peacekeepers ignore division; peacemakers confront it with truth and love. Racially divided churches exist because people settle for keeping the peace rather than making peace.

• Jesus put hostility to death on the cross – He didn’t return evil for evil. When persecuted, He responded with love. That’s our calling too.

2. verb - AG One Family – We Are Adopted as Equals

Build deep cross-cultural relationships.

Practical steps – Learn another culture. Ask questions. Invite people different from you into your home.

“There is no difference… for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” – Romans 3:22-23

Paul makes it clear: No one is superior. We all fall short. And because of Christ, we all have equal access to the Father.

• One Father, One Spirit, One Family – The same Spirit that saved a Jew saves a Gentile. The same Spirit that saves a Black person saves a White person.

• Deep cross-cultural relationships should be as natural as family – You don’t just “tolerate” your brother or sister; you love them, know them, and fight for them.

• Who is in your wedding party?

3. verb - AG One Foundation – We Are Being Built Together

Prioritize racial reconciliation as a lifelong calling.

Buildings stand the test of time – The church is meant to last, not just for years but for eternity.

“All are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” – Romans 3:24

If salvation is by grace, not by race, then the church must reflect that truth.

• One building, one purpose – The church isn’t just individuals—it’s a collective, joined together as a dwelling for God.

• Worship together. Disciple together. Evangelize together. Pray together.

• Solomon’s Temple vs. Herod’s Temple – Solomon built the temple for God’s glory; Herod built it for politics. Which kind of church are we building?

• Exposure therapy – Bring your friends into spaces where they experience other cultures. That’s evangelism.

Alter - Command the Altar call - Baby Steps - Foreshadow the Altar - where is the Gospel? Where’s the apologetics?- AG

Drip in values

Bow your heads and close your eyes - just to give everyone a moment of privacy

Conclusion: What Are Your Walls?

Paul tells us: there is no difference between people when it comes to salvation. Yet we still build walls—racial, cultural, denominational. What walls do you need to tear down?

If you’ve experienced racism at Ole Miss, stand up. If you’ve seen division, acknowledge it. Then, let’s commit to living as one faith, one family, and one foundation.

Practical examples of responsibility to serve God together:

• Serve together. Find ministries and mission trips that reflect the diversity of the kingdom.

• Listen to someone different from you. Have lunch with someone whose story you don’t know.

• Challenge division in your own circles. Don’t let ignorance or prejudice go unchecked.

Jesus didn’t just call us to believe in unity—He died to make it happen. Let’s live in that reality.