Good News part 6 Sermon Audio & Questions

On Sunday, September 20, 2015 at Wildwood Community Church, I preached a sermon based out of Romans 3:1-20.  This message was part 6 in the “Good News” series.  Below you will find the sermon audio (in case you missed this message) and questions for personal reflection or group discussion based on the message.

To download the audio of the sermon to listen to later, click on the link below:

Good News part 6

To listen to the audio online, use the media player below:

Sermon Questions:

1. Read Romans 3:1-20
2. For the past 4 weeks, we have been walking through Romans 1:18-3:20.  These verses detail mankind’s sinfulness in a graphic way.  Have you found yourself getting restless in this section of God’s Word, wondering “are we there (to the good news) yet?”  Why do you think Paul has taken so much time explaining mankind’s sinfulness?
3. In Romans 3:1-8, Paul is having a hypothetical argument with a Jewish person who may have tried to “talk their way” out of God’s judgment.  What are some of the arguments Paul’s hypothetical counterpart is making in this section?  How does Paul answer them?
4. What are some examples you can think of today from people you know who try to “talk their way” out of being under God’s judgment?
5. From 3:9-18, Paul quotes a number of Old Testament passages concerning sin.  Up to this point, Paul has largely argued for the sinfulness of mankind based on logic or natural revelation.  If you had no Bible, would you be able to understand that you were a sinner living in a world of sinners?  Why or why not?
6. The Old Testament passages listed in Romans 3:9-18 reveal how sin is universal and effects people’s relationships with others and with God.  How have you seen the effects of sin in your life?
7. In 3:19-20, mankind is silent before God, unable to argue that we are not sinners (based on the argument Paul has been making for the past 2 chapters.)  Mankind’s condition (sinner) and the cost of that condition (being under God’s wrath) are two things that have been clearly demonstrated in Romans 1-3.  Have you ever come to grips with your condition as a sinner and the consequences that sin deserves?  How does understanding these points help prepare you to understand the Good News of Jesus Christ?
8. Have you ever trusted in Christ for the forgiveness of your sins?  If so, when?  If not, why not?
9. What stood out to you most from today’s message?

To access the entire “Good News” study, click here.