Rom 3:9–18

3:9

What then? Are we better off? Certainly not, for we have already charged that Jews and Greeks alike are all under sin,

10

Just as it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one,

11

There is no one who understands, there is no one who seeks God.

12

All have turned away, together they have become worthless; there is no one who shows kindness, not even one.

13

Their throats are open graves, they deceive with their tongues, the poison of asps is under their lips.

14

Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.

15

Their feet are swift to shed blood,

16

Ruin and misery are in their paths,

17

And the way of peace they have not known.

18

There is no fear of God before their eyes.”

 

One thought:

Knowing that we are all by nature evil is helpful in reminding us that salvation does not come from within ourselves, it is God’s grace to sinners.

 

Three questions:

Chase up where this quotation comes from (a variety of Psalms) as a good practice for reading the Bible.

Do you believe that this is actually true of your unbelieving neighbour?

Take a moment to think of what you would be like if God hadn’t saved you.

 

Prayer:

Acknowledge God in His patience toward sinners. Give thanks that by His grace, in Christ Jesus, He has saved you through His gift of faith. Ask God to help you and other Christians see humanity for how it really is.

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