Judged and Justified
Romans 3:21-31 NIRV
21 But now God has shown us his saving
power without the help of the law. But the Law and the Prophets tell us about
this. 22 We are made right with God by putting our faith in Jesus Christ. This
happens to all who believe. It is no different for the Jews than for the
Gentiles. 23 Everyone has sinned. No one measures up to God’s glory. 24 The
free gift of God’s grace makes us right with him. Christ Jesus paid the price
to set us free. 25 God gave Christ as a sacrifice to pay for sins through the
spilling of his blood. So God forgives the sins of those who have faith. God
did all this to prove that he does what is right. He is a God of mercy. So he
did not punish for their sins the people who lived before Jesus lived. 26 God
did all this to prove in our own time that he does what is right. He also makes
right with himself those who believe in Jesus. 27 So who can brag? No one! Are
people saved by the law that requires them to obey? Not at all! They are saved
because of the law that requires faith. 28 We firmly believe that a person is
made right with God because of their faith. They are not saved by obeying the
law. 29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Isn’t he also the God of Gentiles? Yes,
he is their God too. 30 There is only one God. When those who are circumcised
believe in him, he makes them right with himself. Suppose those who are not
circumcised believe in him. Then God also will make them right with himself. 31
Does faith make the law useless? Not at all! We agree with the law.
1. Judged: All, Jews and Gentiles, are
sinners (v. 23)
Discussion 1: Do you agree when the
Bible says that YOU are a sinner? Why?
2. Justified part 1: mercy, blood of
Jesus Christ, “passing over” of sin (v. 25-26)
Discussion 2: Redemption by Jesus’
blood is the only way to be saved. Do you agree? How about obeying the Law and
performing religious duties?
3. Justified part 2: personal faith in
Jesus Christ
Invitation: putting YOUR faith in
Jesus Christ
