Humanity’s Universal Problem
Primary Text
Romans 3:23
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”
Opening Prayer
Heavenly Father,
As we open Your Word, grant us understanding and wisdom. Help us see ourselves honestly in the light of Your truth. Teach us what sin truly is, why it separates us from You, and why we desperately need the salvation found in Jesus Christ. May Your Holy Spirit guide our hearts and minds as we study Your Word together.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Introduction
Every person has an opinion about sin.
Some view sin as merely making mistakes.
Some define sin as breaking rules.
Others believe sin is simply whatever society considers wrong.
The Bible presents a very different picture.
Sin is not defined by culture, public opinion, or personal feelings. Sin is defined by God.
Before we can understand salvation, grace, forgiveness, justification, or eternal life, we must first understand the problem that made those things necessary.
Romans 3:23 provides one of the clearest statements in all Scripture concerning humanity’s condition before God.
This verse reveals both the universality of sin and the standard by which sin is measured.
Reading The Text
Romans 3:23
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”
Context Of The Passage
Romans chapters 1 through 3 build a powerful argument.
In chapter 1, Paul demonstrates that the Gentile world stands guilty before God.
In chapter 2, Paul shows that the Jewish people also stand guilty before God.
By chapter 3, Paul reaches his conclusion: