In the first three chapters of his letter Paul drives home the point that we are all sinners. He highlights the sinfulness of Gentiles who do not have God’s law (1:18-32), the sinfulness of Jews who do have God’s law (2:1-3:7), and the sinfulness of all humanity (3:8-20). What in these passages or in your life is most effectively a reminder to you of your sinfulness?
Martin Luther says that we are all saints (“holy ones”) and sinners. What does it mean to you to be holy? Look this word up in a dictionary or theological dictionary. How does your definition compare? Do you want to be holy? Why or why not?
What does justification mean to you? Put this into your own words and try to express it to a family member, friend, or colleague. In what was is it God’s free gift? How (if at all) do good works fit in? If you can, cite Paul to support your position.
Read again Romans 3:21-31. This is a very dense paragraph, but speaks profoundly to Paul’s faith in the saving act of Christ. Read this paragraph in several different English translations. Ponder each phrase. Does anything stick out to you? Which phrase gives you the most comfort? Which phrase is the most difficult for you to hear? Which is the most confusing?
Read / skim again the stories of Abraham (Genesis 12-23) and David (1 & 2 Samuel). David is believed to be the author of Psalm 32:1-2, which Paul is quoting here. What is the significance of these two models cited as examples? Who else might we add as examples of those God has justified that would have meaning for us today?
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