Have Faith In Jesus: NOT YOUR Works! (Part A-1: Romans 3:19-22)

[Dr. Dorothy E. Hooks, PsyD]

In this message, we are going to study Romans 3:19-31; verse by verse. I will write the verses out and give a commentary on them, as Holy Spirit leads. There are 13 verses in Romans 3:19-31; therefore, I will separate this message into two parts: Part A – Romans 3:19-25 and Part B – Romans 3:26-31. Part A & B will be further broken down into smaller parts, so you can digest the Word; take your time and study the Word – not rush through it.

 

The purpose of this message is to remind us (myself first – I am the first partaker of this message) that our works CANNOT save us; ONLY Jesus can – we are saved by God’s grace, through faith, in Jesus’ finished work, not works (Ephesians 2:8-10). When we pray, we are to have faith in Jesus, not our capabilities; it is Holy Spirit that empowers us to do what we do anyway. We have faith in Jesus when we pray because God’s grace to us comes from us having faith in Jesus’ finished work.

 

I suggest before you start studying this message, pray and ask Holy Spirit to give you His interpretation, of the Scriptures, so you can read the Word of God with understanding; the Word must get inside of you before you can be changed. Romans 12:2 says, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

 

Also, ask Holy Spirit to show you any area in your life, that needs to be healed, delivered, and restored; It is the Word of God, that will cut out ALL things, that should not be in us (Hebrews 4:12-13).

 

Okay, let’s begin with Part A – Romans 3:19-25. God bless you and give you His revelation, as you study! Dr. Dorothy E. Hooks

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Part A-1 – Romans 3:19-22 – I will give my commentary, as Holy Spirit gives it to me; if there is no commentary on the Scriptures below, ask Holy Spirit and He will give you the interpretation of the Scriptures. As you study each verse of Scripture, don’t just rush through the verse; ponder on it and allow the Word to get into your heart – again, asking Holy Spirit for the interpretation. Even on the verses where there are commentaries, ask Holy Spirit for YOUR interpretation; we can read the Scripture and God will show us more sometimes, than when we first read it.

 

Scripture: Romans 3:19 – “Now we know that whatever the Law [of Moses] says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that [the excuses of] every mouth may be silenced [from protesting] and that all the world may be held accountable to God [and subject to His judgment].”

 

Scripture: Romans 3:20 – “For no person^[a]  will be justified [freed of guilt and declared righteous] in His sight by [trying to do] the works of the Law. For through the Law we become conscious of sin [and the recognition of sin directs us toward repentance, but provides no remedy for sin].”

 

My Commentary – We see here that the Law of Moses, makes us conscious of our sin but does not give us a solution to get rid of the sin. The Law causes us to feel more wretched because we want to be free but don’t know how; which causes us to spend more time beating ourselves up and becoming more depressed! But thank God for Jesus!! Jesus took our sins and gave us His righteousness! Thank God for His revelations, that set us free from years of wrong thinking; thinking we had to work to earn our salvation – NOT SO! This verse of Scripture clearly shows us, “For no person (flesh) will be justified [freed of guilt and declared righteous] in His sight by [trying to do] the works of the Law…” This truth takes the responsibility off of us, and puts it on Jesus; He has completed the task – salvation comes through Jesus, not our works! Praise God! Praise God! I am elated about what God is doing in my life and the lives of His people; causing the scales to fall from our eyes, so we can see and hear Him clearly!

Scripture: Romans 3:21 – “But now the righteousness of God has been clearly revealed [independently and completely] apart from the Law, though it is [actually] confirmed by the Law and the [words and writings of the] Prophets.”

 

Scripture: Romans 3:22 – “This righteousness of God comes through faith in Jesus Christ for all those [Jew or Gentile] who believe [and trust in Him and acknowledge Him as God’s Son]. There is no distinction,”

 

My Commentary – God’s righteousness comes through us having faith in Jesus Christ and it is for all who believe; who trust in God and acknowledge Jesus as God’s Son. There is no work we could EVER do, to deserve God’s grace; His unmerited, undeserving, favor towards us! That is why Jesus had to come, take our sin, and give us the righteousness of God, so we could be restored to the Father; come in right fellowship with Him again. 

Click here for PDF version of Part A-1 Romans 3:19-22

May God bless you all and keep you all,

Dr. Dorothy E. Hooks