“Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God” (Romans 3:19)
God isn’t looking for you to explain your choices. He isn’t looking for you to rationalize how you are better than others or justify how you deserve to go to heaven. The people of Matthew 25 will try to talk their way through the Judgment Day, and it won’t work.
God wants us to STOP talking. No more excuses, no more rationalizations, no more arguments or self-delusions. Own that you are a sinner and need help. Own that you need the help only Jesus can give and that you don’t deserve it and never will. Own that you can’t fix what you’ve broken; only He can. Less talking, more listening.
Jew and Gentile alike needed to stop talking and stop justifying and stop pointing fingers at the other people who are worse. Sin is sin, and finding another criminal doesn’t make you less of one yourself.
Romans reminds us that no one ever makes it to heaven without Jesus. It’s time to listen to Him and follow.
Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites
Today’s Reading: Romans 3:9-20
Questions to ask:
- How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
- What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
- How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
- What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
- How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?
This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul. If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision