Righteousness:
What the Gospel Offers
Michael Ryan Stotler
Part of Romans
April 3, 2024

Romans 3:21-31

righteousness.png

What is the key to receiving God’s righteousness?

Faith

All men and women are made equal by three things:
- First, our equality in need (all are guilty).
- Second, our equality in what we receive (redemption is one gift; the same for all).
- Third, our equality in how we receive redemption (by faith; everyone receives it the same way).

Justification

after a day of dirty yard work, a hot shower and a bar of soap renders one clean. It is tempting to say, “ ‘Ah, it’s just as if I’d never been dirty.’ But that would not have adequately conveyed the power and the value of the water and soap. Better to look in the mirror and say, ‘I was filthy and now I’m clean’ ” —Charles Swindoll
“`

John 15:25 CSB

Redemption

Faith In Jesus Christ

Next Steps?

Bibliography

  • Faithlife, LLC. “Δικαιοσύνη.” Logos Bible Study, Computer software. Logos Bible Study Factbook. Bellingham, WA: Faithlife, LLC, 22 January 2024. link
  • Boa, Kenneth, and William Kruidenier. Romans. Vol. 6 of Holman New Testament Commentary. Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000.
  • W., Jackson. Reading Romans with Eastern Eyes: Honor and Shame in Paul’s Message and Mission. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic: An Imprint of InterVarsity Press, 2019.

Questions

  1. What is the Greek definition of righteousness as discussed in the sermon?

  2. What does it mean to be justified, according to the sermon?

  3. According to the sermon, why is faith important in receiving God’s righteousness?

  4. In what way is the concept of righteousness through faith contrasted with earning salvation or boasting in one’s works in the sermon?

  5. Reflect on a time when you may have felt the need to earn God’s favor. How does the sermon’s emphasis on faith in Jesus Christ challenge that belief?

  6. In what ways can you demonstrate gratitude for God’s grace in your daily life, based on the sermon’s teachings?

  7. What practical steps can you take to remind yourself that righteousness before God comes through faith in Jesus Christ, rather than through your own efforts?

  8. How does the sermon challenge the common societal mindset that equates earning with deserving, especially in the context of God’s free gift of righteousness through faith?