Scripture to Read: Romans 3:10–12
Over the next few days, we will unpack what God led Paul to write in Romans 3:10–18. What’s unique and awesome about God is that He had Paul quote directly from the following verses in the Old Testament: Psalms 14:1–3; Psalms 53:1–3, Psalms 5:9, Psalms 140:3, Psalms 10:7, Isaiah 59:7, and Psalms 36:1. As we look at each of these verses in Romans 3 and the Old Testament verses that are quoted, we will be continually reminded of how sin-filled mankind is, and that true forgiveness is only found through a relationship with Christ our Lord. God had Paul state in Romans 3:10–11, as it is written, “There is none righteous, not even one; 11 There is none who understands, there is none who seeks for God; 12 All have turned aside, together they have become useless; There is none who does good, there is not even one.” God used Paul to quote Psalms 14:1–3 and Psalms 53:1–3, for God wants to make sure that everyone knows that apart from Christ, NO ONE is righteous. We, as humans, have ZERO righteousness apart from Christ. Even when we think people are good, God says that NO ONE does good. God also points out that NO ONE seeks Him. The Good News is that God sought us before we ever sought Him (Ephesians 1:4). We must admit that apart from Christ, there is ZERO goodness in this world, and what we think is good is as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6) compared to God’s righteousness.
Challenge & Application
· What were at least two things that God made clear to you today about goodness and righteousness?
· How are you walking in the righteousness that you know you have through our Lord Jesus Christ?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!