Scripture to Read: Romans 5:13
As we continue, we read in Romans 5:13, “for until the Law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law.” At first glance, we would think that God was saying through Paul that until the Law was given to Moses, God did not count people's sins against them because there was not yet any law to break. But God is not saying that at all, but He is saying that since there was not a specific written Law yet, there could not be a specific law to break. But people still lived in sin because death reigned in all people because all sinned. Sinful people lived out their sinful nature through selfishness, hurtful actions and attitudes, deceptive ways of living, and immoral actions. We see all of these sinful actions throughout the book of Genesis through the lives of those recorded in God's Word. Also, as a reminder that people have no excuse for not knowing God or for their sinful ways, God told us back in Romans 1:20, “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.” God used Paul to remind the Jews of his day, and us, that everyone was accountable to God for their actions and that even when there was no written Law, people were accountable to God for their sinful ways. We must not take for granted what Christ has done for us and therefore live for Him alone.
Challenge & Application
What did you learn about people’s sinful nature before God’s law was given to Moses?
What can you share with people today about their need for Christ and what He has done for them?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!