Lesson 13 - Romans 3:9-20

Read Romans 3:9-20

9 What then? Are we better than they? Not at all; for we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin;

10 as it is written, "THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE;

11 THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS, THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD;

12 ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME USELESS; THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD, THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE."

13 "THEIR THROAT IS AN OPEN GRAVE, WITH THEIR TONGUES THEY KEEP DECEIVING," "THE POISON OF ASPS IS UNDER THEIR LIPS";

14 "WHOSE MOUTH IS FULL OF CURSING AND BITTERNESS";

15 "THEIR FEET ARE SWIFT TO SHED BLOOD,

16 DESTRUCTION AND MISERY ARE IN THEIR PATHS,

17 AND THE PATH 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 closed and all the world may become accountable to God;

20 because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin. (Rom. 3:9-20 NAU)

Discuss:

Vs 9 -

What does the phrase “under sin” mean?

Is there anyone who has ever been alive that is left out of this verse?

What do 1Kings 8:46, Gal. 3:22, Ecc. 7:20 confirm with verse 9?

Vs 10-12 -

Paul quotes an OT passage that lists 4 ways every human has sinned; what are they?

What do each of these areas Paul says we are guilty of sin mean?

What passage is Paul quoting?

Vs 13-14 -

What specifically does verse 13 + 14 address?

How does Proverbs 17:19+20 help us understand these verses even better?

What does James say about the tongue?

Why is it the tongue described so harshly in scripture?

Vs 15-18 -

These verses use an euphemism concerning feet. What does this mean?

How are these verses a complete contradiction of the purpose for which man was created?

What does verse 18 mean?

Vs 19+20 -

What does “Now We Know” mean?

Who is Paul speaking of now when he says “everyone under the law”?

No matter what who is everyone accountable too?

Since there is no one who can keep the whole law perfectly (James 2:10) can any one actually use this as a legitimate defense?

What ultimately is the good that the law does for us?

Application:

Romans All People are Sinners / 3:9-20

Paul uses the Old Testament references in this passage to show that humanity in general, in its present sinful condition, is unacceptable before God. The personal danger is revealed when we catch ourselves thinking, Well, I’m not too bad. I’m a pretty good person. These verses provide a checklist for character evaluation. They apply to us. Have we ever lied? Have we ever hurt someone’s feelings by our words or tone of voice? Are we bitter toward anyone? Do we become angry with those who strongly disagree with us?

In thought, word, and deed, we, like everyone else in the world, stand guilty before God. We must remember who we are in his sight-alienated sinners. We must not deny that we are sinners. Instead, we ought to allow our desperate need to point us toward Christ.

Ask yourself these questions:

Romans All People are Sinners / 3:9-20

• How well do we understand God? (3:11)

• How diligently are we seeking God? (3:11 )

• How much goodness would God find in our daily life? (3:12)

• In the wake of our actions and words, do we leave people helped or hurting? (3:13–15)

• What is our record of peacemaking? (3:17)

• In what sense do we fear God? (3:18)

Are you continuing to grow holy or have you grown comfortable and stagnant? If so are you growing holy or holier than thou?

Romans All People are Sinners / 3:9-20

The last time someone accused you of wrongdoing, how did you react? With denial, argument, and defensiveness? The Bible says the world stands silent and accountable before Almighty God. No excuses or arguments are left. Have you reached the point with God where you are ready to put away your defenses and await his decision?