8. Romans 3:9-20 - All Under Sin

September 21st, 2024
by Jongseung Park

Paul concludes that both Jews and Gentiles are under the power of sin, and no one is righteous on their own. The law reveals sin but cannot save from it. This sets the stage for Paul’s introduction of justification by faith.

1. SCRIPTURE

9 What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, 10 as it is written:
“None is righteous, no, not one; 11 no one understands;
no one seeks for God. 12 All have turned aside; together they have become worthless;
no one does good, not even one.” 13 “Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive.” “The venom of asps is under their lips.” 14 “Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.” 15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood; 16 in their paths are ruin and misery, 17 and the way of peace they have not known.” 18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” 19 Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. 20 For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.

2. OBSERVATIONS :

All people, whether Jew or Gentile, are under sin. This means that no one can claim moral superiority based on their background, knowledge of the law, or religious heritage. Everyone is subject to sin’s power (v. 9).

No one is righteous by their own merit—not a single person. No one seeks God on their own initiative, and all have turned away from His standards (v. 10-12).

The power of sin has corrupted every aspect of human nature, from our thoughts to our speech to our actions. Paul describes how sin affects: Speech(v. 13), Behavior(v. 15), Relationships(v. 17), and Reverence for God(v. 18).

The law was never intended to make people righteous. Instead, it was given to reveal sin and hold people accountable to God. The law makes us conscious of our sinfulness, but it cannot justify us before God((v. 19-20). By observing the law, no one can be declared righteous; it simply exposes our need for God’s grace.

3. APPLICATION:

God challenges me to confront my own sinfulness. It is easy to compare myself to others and think that I’m doing "better" or "follow the rules," I’ll be acceptable to God, but God's words cut through that illusion. I must acknowledge that apart from God’s grace, I am sinful, guilty, and in desperate need of a Savior. There is no room for self-righteousness.

The fact that no one is righteous and the law cannot save us highlights the incredible gift of salvation through Christ. I should respond with gratitude for the grace God has shown in Christ, knowing that I cannot earn His favor on my own. The righteousness I have comes from God, not from my own efforts.

If all are equally in need of God’s grace, I have no basis for feeling superior to others. I should extend grace and compassion to those around me, recognizing that we are all broken and in need of God’s mercy.

4. PRAYER:

Gracious Father,
I come before You today, deeply aware of my sinfulness and my need for Your grace. Your Word tells me that no one is righteous—not even one. I confess that too often I rely on my own efforts or compare myself to others, but today I recognize that without You, I am lost. I cannot make myself right before You, and I acknowledge that I fall short of Your standard every day.

Thank You, Lord, that Your faithfulness is not dependent on my actions. Thank You for sending Jesus to do what I could never do for myself. I am so grateful for the gift of Your righteousness through faith, and I want to live in a way that reflects my gratitude for what You’ve done.

Help me, Holy Spirit, to resist the temptation to fall into self-righteousness or legalism. Teach me to depend on Christ alone for my righteousness and to trust in Your work within me. As I interact with others, give me a heart of compassion and humility, knowing that we all share in the same brokenness. May I extend the grace I have received to others, and may my life be a testimony of Your mercy and love.

Thank You, Father, for revealing the truth of my condition through Your Word. Keep my heart soft and teachable, and lead me in the way of humility. I ask this in Jesus' name,
Amen.

Posted in Book of Romans