Guilty As Charged Pt. 1. Romans 3:9-20.
One of my favorite forms of entertainment is the courtroom drama. Whether in the movies or on t.v. I like to see the tension, and suspense in the courtroom as two sides articulately, precisely, and passionately argue their case before a jury. The climax of most courtroom dramas is the announcement of the verdict.
After the evidence has been presented, the witnesses have testified, and the case has been argued the judge gives the jury their instructions and then everybody awaits the verdict. Once the jury has reached a verdict they enter the courtroom at which time the judge asks them ‘ladies and gentlemen of the jury have you reached a verdict?’ The foreperson then responds, yes your honor we have. After silently reading the verdict the judge then passes it back to the foreperson so it can be read publicly. The judge then tells the defendant to stand for the reading of the verdict. At that time the foreperson announces the verdict by saying we the people find the defendant (they state his or her name). . .
Romans 1:18 through 3:20 is God’s case against those who have committed high treason against His rule, His Word, His Person and His Son. God Himself has presented the evidence, served as His own witness, and now in vss. 9-20 of chapter 3 makes His closing argument. What does that passage teach about God’s view of humanity and why does it matter?
The passage begins by declaring that everyone whether he or she is religious or irreligious is under sin. To be under is to be subject to the power of or under the authority of sin. This is true of everyone, religious or not religious.
We are powerless to stop doing the very things that arouse God’s anger. This happened because of Adam’s act of disobedience. We have inherited a sinful nature, one that is bent toward doing evil. We define evil as that which is specifically, and consciously opposed to the will, word, and agenda of God. The result is that even when we know right from wrong, we are driven to do and practice that which is contrary to the Word of God. This depravity affects every area of our being. Our will, thoughts, emotions, words, motivations, and actions are all under the controlling power of sin. Being under sin’s domineering power has at least three negative ramifications.
Sin’s power keeps us from responding to the gracious gift of life offered by Jesus Christ. We hear the gospel but because our minds are captured under sin’s power it sounds like nonsense. Because our will is under sin’s power we are unable to exercise the needed faith to embrace the gospel. Because our appetites crave sinful desires we have no wish to change our lifestyle and live under God’s agenda. Thus, when we hear the gospel we dismiss and disregard it.
We are unable to live a life that would please God enough so that we would be in right standing with Him.
We are under the penalty of sin. Since God has promised judgment on those who break the law, all of us can expect His judgment.