Rest in Jesus

Sermon Text

Romans 3:21-26

God’s Righteousness Through Faith

21 But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, 26 to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved.

“Receive the Righteousness of Christ”

Key Sermon Points

• Romans 1:16–17 serves as the thesis statement for the entire section:

  • The gospel is the power of God unto salvation.

  • The righteousness of God is revealed through faith.

• Paul’s argument from Romans 1:18–3:20 establishes the universal condemnation of humanity:

  • Gentiles are condemned through suppressing the truth revealed in creation.

  • Jews are condemned because possessing the law does not equal obedience.

  • Every person stands guilty before God.

• Romans exposes the futility of self-righteousness:

  • No one is justified by works of the law.

  • Every mouth is stopped before God.

  • All have sinned and continually fall short of God's glory.

• Recognizing our sinfulness is not meant to produce despair but humility:

  • We can stop pretending.

  • We can be honest with God, ourselves, and others.

  • We no longer need to justify ourselves.

• God alone is righteous:

  • His righteousness is revealed throughout Scripture.

  • His law reflects His holy character.

  • He is perfectly just and morally flawless.

• God demonstrates His righteousness by saving sinners:

  • Christ fulfilled all that the Law and Prophets anticipated.

  • Jesus is the redemption purchased by God.

  • Jesus is the propitiation whose blood satisfies divine justice.

• God’s love is not based on human performance:

  • God chose to love His people while they were still sinners.

  • His favor rests upon believers because of Christ, not personal merit.

• The call of the gospel is simple:

  • Receive Christ.

  • Rest in Christ.

  • Stop striving to earn what God freely gives through grace.

• True peace with God is found only in Jesus Christ.

• Why does Paul spend so much time establishing humanity’s guilt before God?

• How does recognizing your sin create freedom rather than despair?

• What forms of self-righteousness are most tempting in your life?

• Why can no one be justified through works of the Law?

• How does God’s righteousness differ from human righteousness?

• What does redemption teach us about God’s love?

• How does Christ’s propitiation provide assurance?

• Why is it difficult to rest in Christ rather than striving for acceptance?

• What practical ways can believers preach the gospel to themselves daily?

• How does the doctrine of justification transform relationships with others?

Righteousness

Perfect conformity to God’s holy character and standards.

Justification

God’s legal declaration that a sinner is righteous through Christ.

Redemption

Deliverance from bondage through the payment of a price.

Propitiation

Christ’s sacrifice satisfying God’s righteous wrath against sin.

Faith

Receiving and resting upon Christ alone for salvation.

Grace

God’s undeserved favor toward sinners.

Self-Righteousness

Attempting to establish acceptance before God through personal merit or performance.