Faith Talk – June 1, 2025

Sunday: June 1, 2025
Series: Romans: The Righteousness of God
Sermon: There Is No One Righteous, Not Even One

Romans 3:10 – as it is written: There is no one righteous, not even one.

This sermon concludes Paul's comprehensive examination of human sinfulness by addressing a hypothetical objector who raises questions about God's fairness and the value of religious privilege. Paul demonstrates the complete depravity of human reasoning when people attempt to rationalize sin rather than confess it, showing how fallen minds can even twist logic to suggest that sin somehow benefits God by highlighting His righteousness.

Through a string of Old Testament passages, Paul establishes that all humanity—Jews and Gentiles alike—stands condemned before God, with no one achieving righteousness through their own efforts. The message emphasizes that the Law's purpose is not to make us righteous but to make us aware of our sinfulness, setting the stage for the good news of God's righteousness offered through Christ that will be revealed in the following sections of Romans.
 
Main Points

• Religious privilege doesn't exempt anyone from condemnation - even those entrusted with God's Word are sinners
• God remains faithful despite human unfaithfulness - His righteousness stands regardless of our failures
• Rationalizing sin reveals the depth of human depravity - twisted logic that suggests sin benefits God
• All humanity stands equally condemned - Jews and Gentiles alike are sinners in need of salvation
• The Law reveals sin rather than providing righteousness - it makes us aware of our need for a Savior
• Stop rationalizing and start repenting - admit the reality of sin to find freedom in God's righteousness

Homes with Adults

• Paul addresses the tendency to rationalize sin rather than repent of it. What are some common ways you've seen people (including yourself) try to justify sinful behavior?
• The hypothetical objector asks whether God is unfair to judge sin since it seems to highlight His righteousness. How would you respond to someone who questions God's justice in condemning sin?
• Paul states that having religious knowledge or privilege doesn't make us more righteous—it just makes us more aware of our sinfulness. How has your growing knowledge of Scripture affected your understanding of your own need for grace?

 
Homes with Students

• The sermon mentions "middle schooler logic" when trying to get out of trouble by rationalizing wrong behavior. What are some ways students your age try to justify poor choices?
• Paul emphasizes that everyone—religious and non-religious people alike—is equally in need of salvation. How does this truth affect how you relate to friends who don't share your faith?
• What's the difference between making excuses for sin and genuinely confessing it? Why is it sometimes harder to simply admit we're wrong?

 
Homes with Kids

• When you do something wrong, do you sometimes try to explain why it wasn't really that bad? What does God want us to do instead?
• Paul says everyone needs Jesus—not just "bad" people but "good" people too. Why do you think even good people need Jesus?
• How does it feel when you stop trying to make excuses and just say "I'm sorry" to someone you've hurt?

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithfulness even when we are unfaithful, and for Your righteousness that stands firm regardless of our failures. We're grateful for Your Word that reveals not only Your character but also our desperate need for salvation.

We ask for Your help to stop rationalizing our sin and instead to see it clearly as You do. Give us the humility to admit that we are sinners in need of a Savior, rather than trying to justify our wrong choices or compare ourselves favorably to others. Help us to understand that Your Law shows us our need for grace, not a path to earn Your approval.

We commit to laying down the exhausting burden of trying to maintain our own righteousness and instead to find our identity in Your forgiveness. As we prepare to learn about the righteousness You offer through Christ, help us to fully embrace the reality that we are sinners saved by grace. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Materials needed:

• Index cards or paper cut into small cards
• Two boxes or containers labeled "Excuses" and "Truth"
• Markers or crayons

 
Instructions:

1. Create the cards together:
   • On "Excuse Cards," write common excuses people make when they do wrong things:
     • "Everyone else does it"
     • "It's not that bad"
     • "I didn't mean to"
     • "They made me do it"
   • On "Truth Cards," write honest responses:
     • "I made a wrong choice"
     • "I need to say sorry"
     • "I was being selfish"
     • "I need God's help to do better"
       
       
2. Play the sorting game:
   • Read different scenarios of wrong choices
   • Have family members decide whether to use an "Excuse Card" or "Truth Card" to respond
   • Discuss how each type of response makes the situation better or worse
     
     

3. Application discussion:
   • Talk about how Paul says we need to stop making excuses and start telling the truth about our sin
   • Share how it feels to make excuses versus telling the truth
   • Practice simple ways to confess mistakes honestly
     
     

4. Family commitment:
   • Agree to help each other choose "Truth Cards" over "Excuse Cards" when mistakes happen
   • Keep a few Truth Cards visible as reminders to respond honestly when we mess up

This activity helps children and students understand the difference between rationalizing sin and confessing it, reinforcing Paul's message about the importance of honest confession.