BOTTOM LINE: Sins cannot be removed by good deeds.

INTRO

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Story: Drowning in Miss Joan’s pool

  • Tried to thrash my way out
  • Someone had to pull me up

TENSION

G.O.S.P.E.L. Review

Tonight: Sins cannot be removed by good deeds

Good Deeds = Me thrashing in Miss Joan’s pool.

TRUTH

Scripture: Romans 3:9-26 (Section at a time)

  • Background: Obstacles – Antisemitism (Claudius expelled Jews from Rome), Roman Empire wary of Christianity, divisions in the church caused by ungodly people (16:17) Opportunities – Rome could be the Western Antioch if they would embrace the gospel; they could affect the movers & shakers in the Roman empire
  • Context: It’s all about the gospel…righteousness revealed
    • (1:17) “The wrath of God is revealed…” (1:18)
    • Chapter 3 begins Paul’s closing argument for our condemnation (3:20).
    • 3:21 begins Paul’s argument for salvation only coming from Jesus.
    • This passage is a bridge.

Why can’t sins be removed by good deeds?

  1. Because we could never be good enough to enter God’s presence (v.9-18).

Rev. 21:27- “But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”

What can’t God do?

  • Can’t lie.
  • Can’t fail.
  • Can’t build a rock so big he can’t pick it up.
  • Can’t change.
  • God cannot tolerate sin in his presence.
  • It’s that sin destroys God, but that he destroys sin.

The absurdity of trying to be good enough to enter God’s presence…

  • Pole vaulting the Grand Canyon.
  • A camel going through the eye of a needle (Matt. 19:24).

None of us are righteous enough for God (v.10)

  • We can’t even comprehend how unrighteous we are (v.11).
  • We don’t really seek after God for the right reasons (v.11).
  • We have turned away from God (v.12)
  • We say and think terrible things (v.13-14).
  • We make life terrible for ourselves and others (v.15-17).
  • We do not respect the holiness of God (v.18).

Our good works cover our sins like icing on a nasty cake; like cologne on a corpse. 

  1. Because God’s law is a mirror, not a ladder (v.19-20).

Absurdity of climbing the ladder, using the 10 Commandments.

  • Rich young ruler – Matthew 19: Jesus demonstrated the impossibility of keeping the law.

Jesus broadened the law in Matthew 5.

  • You shall not murder -> If you insult your brother verbally, you’re liable to the hell of fire (5:21-22).
  • Do not commit adultery -> If you look lustfully, you’ve committed adultery in your heart (5:27-28).
  • Eye for an eye -> If someone slaps you, turn the other cheek (5:38-39).
  • Love your neighbor and hate your enemy -> Love and pray for your enemies (5:43-44).
  • ***You must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect (5:48).***

Should we throw it out? No! It has a purpose.

  • Cf. 3:20 – “Through the law comes knowledge of sin…” MIRROR
  • The mirror exposes the mess, but it’s the gospel that saves you.
  • It’s like God’s blacklight. It exposes areas of your life that others, and even you, don’t see.
  1. Because even our good deeds come from selfish motives.

God’s standard of holiness goes beyond the external.

  • God will judge our thoughts (Matt. 5:27-28).
  • God judges not just our thoughts, but our motives (1 Cor. 4:5).
  • God will judge every word we speak (Matt. 12:36-37).
  • Our righteousness, compared to God’s holiness, is like filthy rags (Is.64:6) DIRTY UNDIES

All world-religions have a problem: they’re based on good deeds.

  • Islam – 5 Pillars (Affirmation; Prayer; Giving 2.5%; Fasting during Ramadan; Pilgrimage
  • Hinduism – Karma
  • Buddhism – Rid yourself of all desires to eliminate suffering.
  • Atheism – Benefit humanity

Cain tried to earn God’s favor (Gen. 4).

  • Rejected because it represented his human effort.
  • Accepted Cain’s sacrifice because it pointed to Jesus’ effort.

It’s not a ladder; it’s a cross (v.21-26).

Salvation is received, not achieved (v.22-24).

  • As a “GIFT”

Salvation is trusting, not trying (v.25).

  • Trusting in Jesus’ atoning sacrifice.
  • To be received by faith.

Salvation is possessing, not confessing (v.26).

  • Confess sins…what sins? How can I keep track of them?
  • Jesus is the “Just Justifier”
  • Believers possess the righteousness of God (Repeating word).
  • Confessing your sins is for believers to restore their fellowship with God.

Salvation is effort, not earning.

  • “Created in Jesus to do good works” (Eph. 2:10)
  • What’s your ONE THING, that God has prepared for you to do?
  • Your work for God doesn’t earn your salvation. If your parents gave you a PS5 and made you pay for it, it wouldn’t be a gift.

Only Jesus can remove the sin that separates us from God.

APPLICATION – The ABC’s of Salvation

#1 – Advance it.

People need the gospel.

  • Ask-Admire-Admit
  • Serve Together – 1/29
  • One Night – 2/3

#2 – Believe it.

Trust Jesus to save you tonight.

Text YES to 304-208-4543.

#3 – Cling to it.

Hang on to the cross when you doubt your salvation.

LANDING

As the music plays…

  • Pray for people in your cause circle.
  • Settle your doubts.
  • Ask Jesus to be your Savior.