Excluding Boasting: Salvation Through Faith Alone
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the latter part of Romans 3, where the Apostle Paul addresses the nature of boasting in light of the gospel. Paul emphasizes that boasting is entirely excluded because our justification comes by faith, not by works. This faith is a gift from God, not a self-generated effort, which means that even our faith is not something we can boast about. Paul uses a series of clarifying questions to deepen our understanding of the gospel, showing that salvation is entirely the work of Christ and not of ourselves.
Paul's argument is that the gospel excludes all forms of human boasting because it is based on the work of Christ alone. He clarifies that the law of works, which includes any system of human effort to achieve righteousness, is not the basis for our salvation. Instead, it is the law of faith—believing in Jesus Christ—that justifies us. This faith is a gift from God, ensuring that no one can boast about their own righteousness.
Paul also addresses the unity of God and His redemptive plan, emphasizing that God is the God of both Jews and Gentiles. This means that salvation is available to all through faith in Christ, eliminating any form of elitism or discrimination. Finally, Paul clarifies that faith does not overthrow the law but upholds it by showing its true purpose: to reveal our sin and our need for Christ.
In conclusion, Paul wants us to see the gospel with greater clarity, understanding that our salvation is entirely of God. This deeper understanding should produce in us a profound humility, a decimation of pride, and an ongoing awe of God's grace. It should lead us to heartfelt worship and obedience, knowing that we offer nothing to God but receive everything in Christ.
### Key Takeaways
1. Boasting is Excluded by the Gospel: The gospel leaves no room for boasting because our justification comes entirely from Christ's work, not our own. This means that we cannot claim any credit for our salvation, as it is a gift from God. This understanding should lead us to a profound humility and a recognition that all glory belongs to Christ alone. [12:35]
2. Faith as a Gift from God: Even our faith is not something we can boast about because it is a gift from God. This means that our ability to believe in Christ is not a self-generated effort but a divine gift. Understanding this should deepen our gratitude and reliance on God's grace, knowing that our faith itself is a testament to His work in us. [16:34]
3. Unity of God's Redemptive Plan: God is the God of both Jews and Gentiles, and His plan of salvation is unified and consistent. This means that salvation is available to all through faith in Christ, eliminating any form of elitism or discrimination. Recognizing this unity should lead us to embrace the inclusivity of the gospel and share it with all people. [27:22]
4. The Law's True Purpose: The law was never meant to be a means of salvation but to reveal our sin and our need for Christ. By understanding this, we see that faith does not overthrow the law but upholds it by fulfilling its true purpose. This insight should lead us to a deeper appreciation of the law's role in pointing us to Christ and our need for His atoning work. [32:17]
5. A Deeper Understanding of the Gospel: Paul wants us to see the gospel with greater clarity, understanding that our salvation is entirely of God. This deeper understanding should produce in us a profound humility, a decimation of pride, and an ongoing awe of God's grace. It should lead us to heartfelt worship and obedience, knowing that we offer nothing to God but receive everything in Christ. [34:03]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[02:06] - Personal Story: Moving to Grandparents' Farm
[05:21] - The Gospel: A Closer Look
[07:02] - Paul's Method: Clarifying Questions
[08:55] - The Exclusion of Boasting
[12:35] - Faith as a Gift from God
[16:34] - The Law of Faith vs. The Law of Works
[20:31] - Justification by Faith Alone
[25:45] - God of Jews and Gentiles
[27:22] - Unity in God's Redemptive Plan
[30:43] - The Law's True Purpose
[32:17] - Faith Upholds the Law
[34:03] - Deeper Understanding of the Gospel
[36:10] - Call to Humility and Worship
[38:14] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Romans 3:27-31 (ESV): "Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, since God is one—who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Romans 3:27, what becomes of our boasting and why?
2. What does Paul mean by the "law of faith" in Romans 3:27-28?
3. How does Paul address the unity of God in relation to Jews and Gentiles in Romans 3:29-30?
4. What is Paul's conclusion about the relationship between faith and the law in Romans 3:31?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize that boasting is excluded by the gospel? How does this relate to our understanding of salvation? ([12:35])
2. How does understanding faith as a gift from God change our perspective on our own belief and salvation? ([16:34])
3. What implications does the unity of God's redemptive plan have for how we view and treat others, especially those different from us? ([27:22])
4. How does Paul’s clarification that faith upholds the law rather than overthrows it deepen our understanding of the purpose of the law? ([32:17])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt proud of your spiritual achievements. How does the understanding that boasting is excluded by the gospel challenge that pride? ([12:35])
2. In what ways can you cultivate a deeper gratitude for the gift of faith in your daily life? How can this gratitude be expressed in your actions and attitudes? ([16:34])
3. How can you actively embrace the inclusivity of the gospel in your community? Are there specific actions you can take to eliminate elitism or discrimination in your church or social circles? ([27:22])
4. How does recognizing the true purpose of the law as revealing our need for Christ affect your approach to obedience and moral living? ([32:17])
5. Think about an area of your life where you might be relying on your own efforts rather than on faith in Christ. How can you shift your focus to rely more on God's grace?
6. How can you foster a sense of awe and humility in your worship and daily walk with God, knowing that your salvation is entirely of Him? ([34:03])
7. Identify one specific way you can demonstrate heartfelt worship and obedience this week, acknowledging that you offer nothing to God but receive everything in Christ. ([36:10])
Devotional
Day 1: Boasting is Excluded by the Gospel
The gospel leaves no room for boasting because our justification comes entirely from Christ's work, not our own. This means that we cannot claim any credit for our salvation, as it is a gift from God. This understanding should lead us to a profound humility and a recognition that all glory belongs to Christ alone. Paul emphasizes that boasting is entirely excluded because our justification comes by faith, not by works. This faith is a gift from God, not a self-generated effort, which means that even our faith is not something we can boast about. Paul uses a series of clarifying questions to deepen our understanding of the gospel, showing that salvation is entirely the work of Christ and not of ourselves. [12:35]
Jeremiah 9:23-24 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord: 'Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.'"
Reflection: Think of a recent achievement or success in your life. How can you shift the focus from your own efforts to giving glory to God for His work in and through you?
Day 2: Faith as a Gift from God
Even our faith is not something we can boast about because it is a gift from God. This means that our ability to believe in Christ is not a self-generated effort but a divine gift. Understanding this should deepen our gratitude and reliance on God's grace, knowing that our faith itself is a testament to His work in us. Paul clarifies that the law of works, which includes any system of human effort to achieve righteousness, is not the basis for our salvation. Instead, it is the law of faith—believing in Jesus Christ—that justifies us. This faith is a gift from God, ensuring that no one can boast about their own righteousness. [16:34]
Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV): "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
Reflection: Reflect on your journey of faith. How can you express your gratitude to God today for the gift of faith He has given you?
Day 3: Unity of God's Redemptive Plan
God is the God of both Jews and Gentiles, and His plan of salvation is unified and consistent. This means that salvation is available to all through faith in Christ, eliminating any form of elitism or discrimination. Recognizing this unity should lead us to embrace the inclusivity of the gospel and share it with all people. Paul also addresses the unity of God and His redemptive plan, emphasizing that God is the God of both Jews and Gentiles. This means that salvation is available to all through faith in Christ, eliminating any form of elitism or discrimination. [27:22]
Galatians 3:28 (ESV): "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: Think of someone from a different background or culture than your own. How can you reach out to them and share the inclusive love of Christ today?
Day 4: The Law's True Purpose
The law was never meant to be a means of salvation but to reveal our sin and our need for Christ. By understanding this, we see that faith does not overthrow the law but upholds it by fulfilling its true purpose. This insight should lead us to a deeper appreciation of the law's role in pointing us to Christ and our need for His atoning work. Paul clarifies that faith does not overthrow the law but upholds it by showing its true purpose: to reveal our sin and our need for Christ. [32:17]
Romans 7:7 (ESV): "What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, 'You shall not covet.'"
Reflection: Reflect on a specific commandment or teaching from the Bible. How has it revealed your need for Christ and His grace in your life?
Day 5: A Deeper Understanding of the Gospel
Paul wants us to see the gospel with greater clarity, understanding that our salvation is entirely of God. This deeper understanding should produce in us a profound humility, a decimation of pride, and an ongoing awe of God's grace. It should lead us to heartfelt worship and obedience, knowing that we offer nothing to God but receive everything in Christ. This deeper understanding should produce in us a profound humility, a decimation of pride, and an ongoing awe of God's grace. [34:03]
Colossians 1:13-14 (ESV): "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."
Reflection: Spend time in prayer today, asking God to deepen your understanding of the gospel. How can this deeper understanding transform your daily worship and obedience to Him?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, since God is one. He will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith." (19 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Paul has made it very clear. There is none righteous, no, not one, which makes us ask, so where is salvation? Where is deliverance? Where is escape from the wrath of God to be found? Paul has made that clear, has he not? He has declared all the elements of our salvation, all the aspects of being made right with God, they all come from outside of us, and they all come from Jesus Christ." (29 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Simply put, for the Christian who believes the gospel, there's nothing to boast about. There is no accomplishment or act before God that you can claim as your own. There's nothing to promote ourselves over and against anyone else. This simple Q&A then tells us some very significant things, clarifies some very significant things about the work of Christ and about faith." (33 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So in the end, all boasting in ourselves, and Paul's pretty clear, all boasting in ourselves is excluded. All the Christian has left is to boast in Christ, and what Christ has done. And again, he's not saying, oh, something in me made Christ do that. No, he's just saying, to Christ be the glory, great things he has done." (32 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Paul declares, God is the God of Gentiles also, since God is one. He will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. Now, many of you are going to say, well, what does that mean? Well, it means that God is one. What God requires of the Jew is faith, and what God requires of the Gentile is faith. Faith is the only way, and all who believe are saved, Jew and Gentile." (88 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Paul wants us to have a repeated, he gots eyes. He gots a nose moment with respect to the gospel. And one of the ways Paul facilitates such moments throughout the book of Romans is he will declare an element of the gospel so that we have before us core gospel content, and then he will circle around that declaration, and then begin to ask a series of clarifying questions about what he's just said." (35 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Paul's declaring here, God is one being, he has one purpose, he has one redemptive plan, and he has one way of salvation, and that is for all. It's a great statement of the implication and application of the gospel. Paul's saying, God is necessarily then the God of all people, Jew and Gentile, and he saves them all, he saves us all in the same way, through faith in Christ." (88 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Paul is emphatic here. That's not the case, because salvation was never by the law. No one has ever been justified by law-keeping. Now, to be sure, the law always had a profound purpose to play in God's salvation, but it was never the means or the ground of our salvation. What was the law's purpose? Paul makes it clear throughout Romans. Number one, he says it shows us our sin." (31 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Paul wants us to understand, through all these questions and answers, he wants us to understand in a deeper way that our salvation is all of God. That Christ, Christ's work in his life, death, and resurrection, it's all of God. That our faith in Christ is all of God. So that there's no room for boasting of any kind. There's no appeal to works of any kind on our part. There's no inconsistency or limitation in God of any kind." (38 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "This gospel, clarification should produce a decimation of our pride like we have never known. And it should then, I think, produce an ongoing awe in the grace of God that grows deeper and deeper and deeper. It should produce in us a zeal for heartfelt worship and obedience, because we know that we offer nothing to God, but in Christ we've received everything." (34 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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