Romans_3-21-28_Sermon.docx

of the Sermon:**

In this sermon, we explored the incomparable gift of Jesus’s righteousness, a gift that far surpasses any material present we might receive at Christmas. Using Paul’s letter to the Romans, we examined the human problem of sin and our inability to achieve God’s standard of righteousness through our own efforts. The sermon highlighted that Jesus’s righteousness is a gift with a blank nametag—offered to anyone who believes, regardless of their background or past. We considered the infinite value of this gift, purchased at the cost of Christ’s sacrificial death, and how it should transform our lives and relationships. Finally, we reflected on the utter undeservedness of this gift, emphasizing that our only contribution is our need, and that justification comes by faith alone, not by works.

**K

---

Key Takeaways

• 1. The Gift with a Blank Nametag: God’s righteousness is not reserved for a select few, but is offered freely to all who believe in Jesus. This means that no matter your past or present, the invitation stands. The church is meant to be a place where people with nothing in common but Christ are united, and this unity is a powerful witness to the world. The diversity of those who receive this gift is a testament to the breadth of God’s grace.
• 2. The Depth of Our Need: The law of God is good and reveals His character, but it also exposes our inability to live up to His standard. Even if we could keep one commandment perfectly, Jesus shows us that sin runs deeper than outward actions—it’s a matter of the heart. Recognizing the depth of our need is not meant to drive us to despair, but to point us to the sufficiency of Christ. Only when we see our true condition do we truly appreciate the gift of righteousness.
• 3. The Infinite Value of Redemption: Our sin debt is not something we can repay, no matter how many good deeds we perform. Jesus’s sacrifice is the only payment sufficient to redeem us, and it was given at the highest cost—the life of God’s own Son. Understanding the price paid for our redemption should move us to humility, gratitude, and a sacrificial love for others. The knowledge of this love is meant to transform not just our beliefs, but our daily actions and relationships.
• 4. The Scandal of Grace: God’s justice and mercy meet at the cross. He does not ignore sin, but deals with it fully in Jesus, who takes our place. This means that forgiveness is not a light thing—it is costly and just. When we grasp this, it changes how we view ourselves and others: we cannot look down on anyone, nor can we boast in our own goodness. Instead, we are called to extend the same grace we have received.
• 5. Justification by Faith Alone: The heart of the gospel is that we are justified—declared righteous—by faith, apart from any works. This truth excludes all boasting and levels the ground at the foot of the cross. Even our faith is a gift from God, so our only response can be worship and gratitude. Let us, like the Reformers before us, treasure and proclaim this truth, making God’s Word central in our lives and communities.

**Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Incomparable Gift of Jesus’s Righteousness**

---

### Bible Reading

**Romans 3:21-28 (ESV)**
21 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify.
22 This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile,
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—
26 he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
27 Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. Because of what law? The law that requires works? No, because of the law that requires faith.
28 For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.

---

### Observation Questions

1. According to Romans 3:22, who is the gift of God’s righteousness offered to?
2. In verses 23-24, what is said about the human condition and how justification is received?
3. What does Paul say is the only way a person can be justified before God (v.28)?
4. In the sermon, what examples were given to show how deep our need for righteousness really is?

---

### Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Paul emphasize that there is “no difference between Jew and Gentile” when it comes to receiving God’s righteousness? What does this mean for the way we view others in the church?
2. The sermon talked about the law exposing not just our actions but our hearts. Why is it important to recognize that sin is deeper than just outward behavior?
3. The pastor described Jesus’s righteousness as a “gift with a blank nametag.” What does this image communicate about who can receive this gift and how it should shape our church community?
4. Paul says boasting is excluded because justification is by faith, not works. How does this truth challenge the way we think about our own goodness or spiritual achievements?

---

### Application Questions

1. The sermon said the church is meant to be a place where people with nothing in common but Christ are united. Are there people in our church or small group that you find it hard to connect with? What would it look like to pursue unity with them because of your shared faith in Jesus?
2. The law reveals our inability to meet God’s standard. When was the last time you were confronted with your own inability to “measure up”? How did you respond—did it lead you to despair, or to depend more on Christ?
3. The pastor described Jesus’s sacrifice as the only payment sufficient for our sin debt. How does understanding the cost of your redemption affect the way you view your own life and the way you treat others?
4. The sermon challenged us to let the knowledge of God’s love move us to humility, gratitude, and sacrificial love. Can you think of a specific relationship or situation this week where you could show sacrificial love because of what Christ has done for you?
5. Paul says that justification by faith alone “levels the ground at the foot of the cross.” Are there ways you find yourself looking down on others or feeling superior because of your background, choices, or spiritual habits? How can you remind yourself that all boasting is excluded?
6. The pastor encouraged us to make God’s Word central in our lives and communities. What is one practical step you could take this week to treasure and proclaim the truth of justification by faith alone—either in your family, your friendships, or your workplace?
7. The sermon compared Jesus’s righteousness to a Christmas gift that sometimes gets put on a shelf and forgotten. Are there ways you have “put aside” the gift of Jesus’s righteousness in your daily life? What would it look like to receive and live out this gift more fully this week?

---