Note: (CL) = Controling Lesson (OT) = Old Testament (OTA) = Old Testament Alternative (NT) = New Testament (NTA) = New Testament Alternative (G) = Gospel (GA) = Gospel Alternative (Ps) = Psalm; one of these will follow all lessons for the week.

Note: Please be sure to look at previous posts because some of the week may have already been posted.


Sunday, February 17, 2013

Second Sunday in Lent (NT)

Romans 3:1-8
Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision? 2 Much in every way. To begin with, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God. 3 What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God? 4 By no means! Let God be true though every one were a liar, as it is written, 
“That you may be justified in your words, 
and prevail when you are judged.” 
5 But if our unrighteousness serves to show the righteousness of God, what shall we say? That God is unrighteous to inflict wrath on us? (I speak in a human way.) 6 By no means! For then how could God judge the world? 7 But if through my lie God’s truth abounds to his glory, why am I still being condemned as a sinner? 8 And why not do evil that good may come?—as some people slanderously charge us with saying. Their condemnation is just. 

Is it okay for God to show love for the unfaithful people?  Yes, God loves all people of the world, and truly desires that they would be brought to faith.  God desires their hard hearts to be softened by the Word of God and brought to the truth.

Is it okay for God to cause the faithful to suffer, or be inflicted by wrath?  Yes, God is still Just.  All sinners therefore must suffer for their sins, and even the faithful are still sinful human beings.  They are still corrupt and defiled by their sinful nature and will suffer the just wrath of God.

Where does this leave us.  God can be good to completely and depraved lost sinners.  God can be wrathful to depraved and corrupt redeemed sinners.  God does not offer grace only to people who have been redeemed, but he offers it to all people.  The gift of the Cross is for all the people of the world.  It is a free gift offered to all sinners.

But if people do not recognize their own sins, they will never welcome the idea of a Savior.  If people continue to think they have to work with the cross for salvation, they will never welcome a free gift.  If you continue to do evil and squander the gift of God, you will never understand the greatness of the Sacrifice or gift given to you.

God has given you the gift of his only beloved Son to die for the forgiveness of your sins.  God has offered this gift free of any requirements, but it is truly a free gift.  This is the Love of God.


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