Date: Friday 11th May, 2018.

Topic: No One!

Bible Reading: Romans 3: 9–20 (The Holy Bible, New Living Translation®. Copyright © 2007 by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.)

1. Well then, should we conclude that we Jews are better than others? No, not at all, for we have already shown that all people, whether Jews or Gentiles, are under the power of sin.

2. As the Scriptures say, “No one is righteous—not even one.

3. No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God.

4. All have turned away; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one.”

5. “Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave. Their tongues are filled with lies.” “Snake venom drips from their lips.”

6. “Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.”

7. “They rush to commit murder.

8. Destruction and misery always follow them.

9. They don’t know where to find peace.”

10. “They have no fear of God at all.”

11. Obviously, the law applies to those to whom it was given, for its purpose is to keep people from having excuses, and to show that the entire world is guilty before God.

12. For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are.

Word for Today: As the Scriptures say, “No one is righteous—not even one. No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God. All have turned away; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one.” – vv. 10-12.

Inspiring Commentary:

Paul in v.9 concluded what he stated in 1:18 by saying that all Jews and Gentiles are under the power or control of sin. He then used the scriptures in vv. 10-18 to affirm that humanity in its present condition, is unacceptable before God. Yes, all are valuable and created in the image of God but no one is innocent. Kindly read through vv. 10-18 again and see whether you will come out clean. You will discover that in thoughts, words and deeds, you and I, like everyone else in the world, stand guilty before God.

We are all sinners separated from Him – accepting this reality will move us to seeing Him and the salvation He has provided for us. But maybe you are like the man that came to Jesus and said that he has kept all the law; vv. 19-20 has an answer for you. The law has two purposes; to show us where we have gone wrong – we see that we are helpless sinners in need of a Saviour. While the moral code revealed in the law provides a guide for our actions by enabling us to live according to God’s standards.

Beloved, there is no salvation in keeping the law but there is salvation in accepting the giver of the law.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for your provisions to help me see who I truly am.