TEXTS - Romans 3:9-18
Romans 3 provides an honest and brutal assessment of the human condition. According to Paul, we are not merely decent people who sometimes do bad things. Instead, we are wretched sinners who have turned away from God. It is essential for God’s people to understand the bad news of depravity so we can properly grasp the good news of Christ’s redemption.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
HEAD: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR MINDS TO HELP US UNDERSTAND GOD’S WORD.
Read Matthew 1:20-21; the foundational verse for our Christmas in the Doctrines of Grace Series. Where do you see a hint of the doctrine of Total Depravity in the angel’s message to Joseph?
What does Paul (quoting Psalm 14:1-3) mean when he says “no one seeks for God” in Romans 3:11? How does this, and Paul’s other descriptions of the human condition, correct the way you view the moral condition of humanity?
HEART: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR AFFECTIONS TO HELP US LOVE GOD
Total Depravity does not mean that we are all as bad as we could be, but that sin has affected the entirety of humanity- every part of man is stained with sin. Why do you think it is hard for people to embrace this truth? Is it hard for you?
Do you personally find this doctrine difficult to embrace? Why/ why not?
HANDS: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR HANDS TO HELP US LIVE FOR GOD (PERSONALLY, COMMUNALLY, AND MISSIONALLY)
What happens if we downplay the seriousness of sin in our lives as Christians?
What happens when we downplay the seriousness of sin in our relationships with others (both inside and outside the family of God)?
How can you grow in the area of taking sin more seriously in your life?
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: