Today Pastor John shares from a section of Scripture Martin Luther said was “the chief point and very central place of the epistle to the Romans and the whole Bible.” The “but now” in Romans 1:21 announces to the reader that something good is coming – and it is! It’s God’s good news of grace! It’s a “righteousness” made known to us from God. How do we get it? Who actually needs it? And what difference could it make for how we live our life? May the Holy Spirit allow us to discover these wonderful truths today! 

Romans 3:21-31

The Righteousness of God Through Faith

21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it - 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by His grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by His blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in His divine forbearance He had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show His righteousness at the present time, so that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. 27 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. 28 For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. 29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is He not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, 30 since God is one - who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. 31 Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.

For Adult Homes & Groups

1. Icebreaker: How close have you come to getting in trouble with the law? How did you feel? 

2. Read Romans 3:21-31. How would the average Joe (or Jill) on the street react to the statement, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (v. 23)? 

3. How does the passage break down the barriers between Jews and Gentiles? 

4. As you reflect on vv. 21-24, how does the Gospel offer something that is very different from every other religion or belief system? Why would Martin Luther suggest that this section of Romans is the “chief point and the very central place of the epistle to the Romans and the whole Bible”? 

5. How does the statement, “You need to surrender your life to Christ and follow Him” refute the truth of these verses? 

6. Pastor John suggested that you might “stop looking or focusing on your sins and start looking at your boasting.“ (See v. 27, Jeremiah 9:23-24, 1 Corinthians 1:31). Share the reasons you have in your life for boasting in God’s protection, provision, and blessing in your life.

7. Close in prayer, sharing prayer requests and interceding for one another. 

For Families with Kids

1. Read Romans 3:21-31 together.

2. Why is knowing about sin important for knowing and appreciating the Gospel?

3. Why do you think people might prefer to work their way to heaven instead of accepting God’s free gift of grace (v. 24)? What is the gift of God’s grace?

4. What would it look like to replace an “I’m better than you” attitude, with a “Jesus is better than us” attitude? How would it change the way you interact with people inside and outside our church community?

5. Take time to pray together and thank Jesus for His grace and for giving us His righteousness.