This is a Blogger Small Group entry in partnership with Run’n Like a Vagabond.
Romans 3:21-31 = This is going to sound really simplistic, but my take on these verses this week came as a subtle but pointed reminder. There’s a whole lot of theology going on in this set of verses, but here’s what’s resonating with me.
We’re all sinners, all of us. No one is exempt from that label: Sinner.
Being a sinner should humble us. The more imperfect we realize we are, especially in relation to perfect, holy God, we should be humbled all the more.
Here’s the deal, those of us who have faith in Christ and redemption through His grace should be the most humble of all.
We’re not better, we’re forgiven. Let’s never forget that fact.
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Excellent point, Jeff. It’s easy to feel superior when we think about “those” sinners. We always have to guard against that.
Yet, we need to also remember that, though we’re all saved by grace through faith (which is itself the gift of God), we’re saved to purity, sanctity, holiness–not to endless penance. Jesus’ blood is enough. It is, after all, the blood of GOD. Selah.
We all fall victim (well, I do) to both extremes, either of which probably pleases our enemy equally (unless he can get us to alternate between them). On the one hand, we easily forget where we came from and begin thinking of ourselves as better than the “common sinners”. On the other, we never forget where we came from and spend our time wallowing in self-pity for our unworthiness.
And what else would we be but unworthy? Either of these paths is ego. We think we’re good enough or else we think it’s our responsibility to be good enough–as if we could.
Jesus did it all–we did (and apart from Him can do) nothing.
Grace and Peace,
Cindy