Unholy Togetherness
Notes
Transcript
Introduction
Introduction
What are some of the groups we run with and why do we choose to be with them?
Family: born into them
Friends: affiliation, like and dislikes, proximity
Church: beliefs, programs, leadership, location, facilities
Civic groups: affiliation, beliefs, commoraderie
Paul speaks of a grouping we are all a part of, an unholy togetherness.
“What then? Are we better than they? Not at all. For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin.” (, NKJV)
Let’s look at his assessment of the unholy togetherness of all mankind.
As it is Written (3:10-18)
As it is Written (3:10-18)
Paul follows here a common rabbinical practice of stringing passages together like pearls. He supplies seven Old Testament quotations, one from Ecclesiastes, five from the Psalms, and one from Isaiah. All bear witness in different ways to human unrighteousness.
Three features of this grim biblical picture stand out.
It declares the ungodliness of sin.
There is none who seeks after God. (11)
There is no fear of God before their eyes. (18)
Identifies the essence of sin as ungodliness.
We do not seek Him.
We make no room for Him in our lives.
We do not love Him with all our being.
Sin is the revolt of self against God.
It declares the pervasiveness of sin.
Sin effects our whole being.
In verses 13-17, certain body parts are mentioned to reinforce this truth. (Read passage and highlight)
God gave us these parts to glorify Him and serve others.
Instead, they are used to harm others and rebel against God.
Total depravity defined!
It declares the universality of sin.
Twice: all have gone their own way.
Four times: no one is righteous.
Twice: not even one is an exception.
There has never been a man who could stand up to the test of the law.
No one is justified by the law (3:19-20)
No one is justified by the law (3:19-20)
Speaks only to those who are under it.
Purpose: keep people from having excuses.
Purpose: to demonstrate that the whole world is guilty before God.
“Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.” (, NKJV)
No one is justified by the law.
It serves only to show how sinful mankind is and how much mankind needs a Savior. Including:
The idolatrous and immoral Gentiles
The critical moralist
The Jew, God’s chosen
All mankind (3:19)
Luther
The Message of Romans 7. The Whole Human Race (3:9–20)
The principal point … of the law … is to make men not better but worse; that is to say, it sheweth unto them their sin, that by the knowledge thereof they may be humbled, terrified, bruised and broken, and by this means may be driven to seek grace, and so come to that blessed Seed [sc. Christ].15
How should we respond?
How should we respond?
Ignore it
Play the blame game
Except it
Embrace it
Share it