Under Sin or Under Grace: A Spiritual Division

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound biblical truth that every human being is either under sin or under grace. This is the fundamental division recognized in the Bible, and it is crucial for understanding the Christian faith. The Bible does not categorize people based on their actions or moral standing but rather on their spiritual condition. We are either in the kingdom of God or the kingdom of this world, under the dominion of sin or under the grace of God.

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, emphasizes that all humanity, both Jews and Gentiles, are under sin. This means we are born with the guilt, power, and pollution of sin. This condition is universal and affects every individual since the fall of Adam. Understanding this is essential to grasp the necessity of the Gospel and the coming of Jesus Christ. Without recognizing the depth of our sinful condition, we cannot fully appreciate the grace and salvation offered through Christ.

Paul uses a series of Old Testament quotations to substantiate his claim of universal sinfulness. These scriptures highlight the tragic blindness of the Jews to their own scriptures and the universality of sin. The Apostle's method of evangelism involves not only proclaiming the Gospel but also showing people their need for it by convicting them of their sin. This approach underscores the importance of repentance and the recognition of our sinful state before we can truly understand and accept the Gospel.

The absence of righteousness is what places every human being under sin and under the wrath of God. It is not about being good or moral by human standards but about being in perfect conformity to God's law. The Gospel is essential because it is the only means by which we can be saved from this condition. The grace of God shines all the more brightly against the backdrop of our sinfulness, and it is through understanding our sin that we can truly appreciate the love and mercy of God.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Fundamental Division: Every person is either under sin or under grace, a division that transcends moral actions and focuses on spiritual condition. This understanding is crucial for grasping the Christian faith and the necessity of the Gospel. [05:37]

2. Universality of Sin: All humanity, regardless of moral standing, is born under sin due to the fall of Adam. This universal condition highlights the need for salvation through Jesus Christ. [09:38]

3. The Role of Scripture: The Apostle Paul uses Old Testament scriptures to prove the universality of sin, demonstrating the importance of knowing and using scripture in evangelism. [14:33]

4. Conviction Before Salvation: True evangelism involves convicting people of their sin before presenting the Gospel, emphasizing the need for repentance and understanding of one's sinful state. [26:59]

5. Grace Against Sin's Backdrop: The grace of God is magnified against the darkness of our sinfulness, and understanding our sin deepens our appreciation for God's love and mercy. [28:28]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [05:37] - Under Sin or Under Grace
- [06:56] - Kingdoms and Belonging
- [08:27] - Jews and Gentiles Under Sin
- [10:31] - The Fall and Its Consequences
- [12:28] - Scriptural Evidence of Sin
- [14:33] - Using Scripture in Evangelism
- [17:18] - The Blindness of the Jews
- [19:55] - Universality of Sin
- [22:40] - The Terrible Character of Sin
- [23:37] - Understanding the Gospel
- [26:11] - Evangelism and Conviction
- [28:08] - The Glory of God's Grace
- [30:25] - Quotations and Classifications
- [35:49] - The State of Man in Sin
- [44:00] - The Preacher's Perspective
- [47:13] - Closing Prayer and Blessing

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Romans 3:10-18
2. Psalm 14:1-3
3. Isaiah 59:7-8

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Observation Questions:

1. According to the sermon, what are the two spiritual conditions that every human being is categorized into according to the Bible? ([05:37])

2. How does the Apostle Paul use Old Testament scriptures to support his claim about the universality of sin? ([12:28])

3. What is the significance of the term "under sin" as explained in the sermon? ([10:15])

4. What does the sermon say about the blindness of the Jews regarding their own scriptures? ([17:18])

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does understanding the universality of sin help us appreciate the necessity of the Gospel? ([09:38])

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that recognizing our sinful state is essential before we can truly understand and accept the Gospel? ([26:59])

3. How does the sermon describe the role of scripture in evangelism, and why is it important? ([14:33])

4. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between understanding our sinfulness and appreciating God's grace? ([28:28])

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own life: Do you see yourself as being under sin or under grace? How does this understanding affect your daily walk with God? ([05:37])

2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing our sinful state before accepting the Gospel. How can you cultivate a heart of repentance in your daily life? ([26:59])

3. How can you use scripture more effectively in your conversations with others about faith? Are there specific passages you feel you should memorize or study more deeply? ([14:33])

4. Think about a time when you were blind to a truth in scripture. What steps can you take to ensure you are not missing the message God has for you in His Word? ([17:18])

5. The sermon highlights the contrast between our sinfulness and God's grace. How can you remind yourself of God's grace in moments when you feel overwhelmed by your shortcomings? ([28:28])

6. How can you help others understand the necessity of the Gospel in a way that is both truthful and compassionate? ([24:29])

7. Consider your current understanding of righteousness. How does it align with the biblical definition provided in the sermon, and what changes might you need to make in your life to pursue true righteousness? ([38:06])

Devotional

Day 1: Spiritual Condition Over Moral Actions
Every person is fundamentally categorized by their spiritual condition rather than their moral actions. This division is crucial for understanding the Christian faith and the necessity of the Gospel. The Bible emphasizes that we are either under sin or under grace, which transcends our actions and focuses on our relationship with God. This understanding helps us see the importance of the Gospel, as it is the only means by which we can transition from being under sin to being under grace. Recognizing this division allows us to appreciate the transformative power of God's grace in our lives. [05:37]

"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." (Romans 14:17, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways do you find yourself focusing more on moral actions rather than your spiritual condition? How can you shift your focus to deepen your relationship with God today?


Day 2: The Universality of Sin
All humanity, regardless of moral standing, is born under sin due to the fall of Adam. This universal condition highlights the need for salvation through Jesus Christ. Understanding that sin affects everyone equally helps us see the necessity of the Gospel and the coming of Jesus Christ. Without recognizing the depth of our sinful condition, we cannot fully appreciate the grace and salvation offered through Christ. This realization should lead us to a deeper sense of humility and gratitude for the redemptive work of Jesus. [09:38]

"Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned." (Romans 5:12, ESV)

Reflection: How does understanding the universality of sin change your perspective on your need for Jesus? What steps can you take today to embrace His salvation more fully?


Day 3: Scripture as a Tool for Evangelism
The Apostle Paul uses Old Testament scriptures to prove the universality of sin, demonstrating the importance of knowing and using scripture in evangelism. By grounding his message in scripture, Paul shows the tragic blindness of the Jews to their own scriptures and the universality of sin. This approach underscores the importance of using scripture to convict people of their sin and show them their need for the Gospel. As believers, we are called to know and use scripture effectively in our evangelistic efforts, helping others see their need for repentance and salvation. [14:33]

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate scripture more effectively in your conversations with others about faith? What specific scripture can you memorize this week to aid in your evangelism efforts?


Day 4: Conviction Before Salvation
True evangelism involves convicting people of their sin before presenting the Gospel, emphasizing the need for repentance and understanding of one's sinful state. This approach highlights the importance of recognizing our sinful condition before we can truly understand and accept the Gospel. By acknowledging our need for repentance, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God's grace. This process of conviction and repentance is essential for genuine spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with God. [26:59]

"Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord." (Acts 3:19-20, ESV)

Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you need to experience conviction and repentance? How can you invite God to reveal this to you and guide you towards His grace today?


Day 5: Grace Against Sin's Backdrop
The grace of God is magnified against the darkness of our sinfulness, and understanding our sin deepens our appreciation for God's love and mercy. By recognizing the depth of our sin, we can more fully appreciate the transformative power of God's grace in our lives. This understanding leads us to a greater sense of gratitude and worship, as we see the incredible love and mercy God has extended to us through Jesus Christ. Embracing this grace allows us to live in the freedom and joy that comes from being in a right relationship with God. [28:28]

"But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved." (Ephesians 2:4-5, ESV)

Reflection: How does understanding the depth of your sin enhance your appreciation for God's grace? What specific ways can you express gratitude for His love and mercy today?

Quotes


The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, emphasizes that all humanity, both Jews and Gentiles, are under sin. This means we are born with the guilt, power, and pollution of sin. This condition is universal and affects every individual since the fall of Adam. Understanding this is essential to grasp the necessity of the Gospel and the coming of Jesus Christ. [00:08:27]

The Apostle uses a series of Old Testament quotations to substantiate his claim of universal sinfulness. These scriptures highlight the tragic blindness of the Jews to their own scriptures and the universality of sin. The Apostle's method of evangelism involves not only proclaiming the Gospel but also showing people their need for it by convicting them of their sin. [00:14:33]

The absence of righteousness is what places every human being under sin and under the wrath of God. It is not about being good or moral by human standards but about being in perfect conformity to God's law. The Gospel is essential because it is the only means by which we can be saved from this condition. [00:22:40]

True evangelism involves convicting people of their sin before presenting the Gospel, emphasizing the need for repentance and understanding of one's sinful state. It is wrong to say to people that they can come to Christ as they are and later on repent and learn something about sin. [00:26:11]

The grace of God is magnified against the darkness of our sinfulness, and understanding our sin deepens our appreciation for God's love and mercy. It is in spite of the fact that all of us by nature are as we are described here that God sent forth his own son. [00:28:08]

The Bible does not categorize people based on their actions or moral standing but rather on their spiritual condition. We are either in the kingdom of God or the kingdom of this world, under the dominion of sin or under the grace of God. [00:05:37]

The Apostle Paul uses Old Testament scriptures to prove the universality of sin, demonstrating the importance of knowing and using scripture in evangelism. This approach underscores the importance of repentance and the recognition of our sinful state before we can truly understand and accept the Gospel. [00:14:33]

The grace of God shines all the more brightly against the backdrop of our sinfulness, and it is through understanding our sin that we can truly appreciate the love and mercy of God. The greater your understanding of the sinfulness of your condition, the greater will be your understanding of the love and the grace and the compassion and the mercy of God. [00:28:28]

The Apostle's method of evangelism involves not only proclaiming the Gospel but also showing people their need for it by convicting them of their sin. This approach underscores the importance of repentance and the recognition of our sinful state before we can truly understand and accept the Gospel. [00:14:33]

The grace of God is magnified against the darkness of our sinfulness, and understanding our sin deepens our appreciation for God's love and mercy. It is in spite of the fact that all of us by nature are as we are described here that God sent forth his own son. [00:28:08]

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, emphasizes that all humanity, both Jews and Gentiles, are under sin. This means we are born with the guilt, power, and pollution of sin. This condition is universal and affects every individual since the fall of Adam. Understanding this is essential to grasp the necessity of the Gospel and the coming of Jesus Christ. [00:08:27]

The absence of righteousness is what places every human being under sin and under the wrath of God. It is not about being good or moral by human standards but about being in perfect conformity to God's law. The Gospel is essential because it is the only means by which we can be saved from this condition. [00:22:40]

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Transcript
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