2.3. ALL ARE LOST SINNERS (Romans 3:9-20)

Romans 3:9 "... For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin."

The Scriptures uphold the fact of the universality of sin. "There is none righteous, no, not one" (Romans 3:10 ). (Psalm 14:1-3; Psalm 53:1; Ecclesiastes 7:20 ). The terrible effects of sin are evident all around, yet worldly-wise men do not understand the cause to be sin. "There is none who understands" (Romans 3:11 ). Such is a man's lost condition, that he deliberately, of his own will chooses to sin. "There is none who seeks after God" (Romans 3:11 ). The inclination of the lost is not after godliness or God Himself (Romans 3:12 ).

Romans 3:13 "Their throat is an open tomb; With their tongues they have practiced deceit; The poison of asps is under their lips;"

The sweeping sway of sin is seen in the use of lying and deceit to gain selfish advantage in dealings at every level - commercial - political - social. Evil speaking is widespread. Those who would not think of doing bodily harm willingly take part in character assassination. "Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness" (Romans 3:14 ). This social scourge is called sin by God, and is an evidence of man's depravity.

Romans 3:15 "Their feet are swift to shed blood; "

The destruction, misery, restlessness (Romans 3:16-17 ) are proving this to be true in these modern times when the restraints of godliness are being thrown off. Removal of the fear of God from the heart, and there remains nothing to check participation in every kind of evil.

Romans 3:18 "There is no fear of God before their eyes"

Without reverence for God and His word, man is on a course of self-destruction, and his cities are filled with corruption and rush onto disaster. All the world has become guilty before God, and those under the law, by the law have knowledge of sin (Romans 3:19-20 ). The law cannot save from sin - it can only bring knowledge of sin. Having established that all are sinners, the good news of full salvation in Christ alone, is presented.

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. What kind of speech betrays those whose hearts are turned away from God (Romans 3:13 )?

2. What are the consequences to you and your family when the restraints of godliness are thrown off (Romans 3:15-17 )?