The following are sermon notes from Romans Soli Deo Gloria. This is a study of the book of Romans. To read more about this series, including the introduction, download the study guide, resources and listen to audio content click here.
The Bible is strikingly honest and real. In fact, it is so much so that most won’t even read Romans 3:10-18. Yet, we at Paradox believe the Bible when it says, “all Scripture is God breathed”. Therefore, we will not shy away from controversial portions of Scripture. Rather, we will move through them with a humble heart and an open mind allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to us and change us.
Are people inherently good? Is what’s deep down inside us, by default, good?
Depending on who you ask, the answers will vary.
Man’s answer, “We’re inherently good”. God’s answer through the Bible is, “You are inherently evil”.
No One is Righteous
The Bible is clear, there is no one who is righteous, there is no one who does good (Romans 3:10; Romans 3:12). No amount of self righteous justification can make what the Bible says untrue.
Furthermore, Romans 3 is clear that all people are unrighteous. Every person’s proclivity is towards evil, not good. The easiest way to understand this truth practically played out is to take a look at small children. Do parents have to teach their children how to disobey? Of course not! They know that intrinsically, instinctively, it is their default. The job of the parent is primarily to teach obedience. This is what they slave away doing. No child has ever had to learn how to lie to their parents or hit their sibling, this is precisely what they must be taught NOT to do.
Romans 3:10-20 primarily reveals to us the scope of sin in relation to man. It has touched, marred and distorted every human. Whereas Romans 1:18-32 reveals the depth and seriousness of sin in relation to God.
Total Depravity
Total depravity is the Biblical theology that states all humans are totally sinful and totally deserving of punishment for our sin. This is not to be confused with “Utter Depravity” which means mankind is as sinful as he could possibly be. While we are totally depraved, all of us can easily sin more frequently and to a greater degree. We can certainly be more sinful. What is meant my total is that we are sinners to our core. There is no part of our person that has not been marred by sin, we are totally sinful.
This means that we are sinners by default. Therefore, it is our proclivity, nature and strongest desire to sin.
You, Yes You
The Bible is talking about you. You cannot, will not wiggle your way out of this. It’s important to know and be reminded of the fact that you are a sinner. You are no better than anyone. Those who can admit they are sinners are those who can grow, repent and be sanctified (made more like Jesus). Those who cannot admit they are sinners are liars and too weak to repent.
For more information about this series click here.
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