Good News to Hear
Romans 1:18?3:26
Ten years ago, our nation was overwhelmed with bad news as we saw catastrophic tragedy unfold during the 9/11 attacks. The horror of the news of those sinister acts will remain with us for a long time.
In his letter to the Roman church, Paul describes another tragedy, one which has universal and eternal consequences. Romans 1:18?3:26 thoroughly shows that everyone in this world is burdened by a disease called sin – and because of it, we are doomed to be separated from a perfect God for all eternity. But as bad as this news is, Paul proclaims good news, too – the wonderful news that God has acted to provide salvation from sin and a way to be made right with Him for eternity. It is good news that everyone should hear.
Why some need to hear (1:18-32). Many claim to be wise while dismissing the severity of sin. Paul calls that type of thinking foolish (v. 22). Clearly, God takes sin seriously. He knows the damage it produces here on earth and He knows the ultimate destruction it causes. As such, God is opposed to sin, and He demonstrates His wrath against it.
As Paul points out, sin is best understood as idolatry – worshipping the created order rather than the Creator. Whether it is seen in acts of immorality or hedonism or wickedness, sin is self-obsession without concern for God. As Paul looked at the Gentile world, supposedly sophisticated by the enlightenment of Greek culture, what he saw was people consumed with sinful acts and depravity.Worst of all, they continued to live in those wicked acts even though they were aware of God’s existence and His truth.
Not much has changed in 2,000 years when it comes to sin’s pervasiveness and ugliness. Just look around. So many are dying because of sin’s curse. They need to know the good news.
Why the rest need to hear (2:1-3:20). Paul not only addresses Gentile sinfulness, he also shows that the self-righteousness of the first-century Jews was just as evil and destructive. Yes, the Hebrew people enjoyed many benefits of being God’s chosen people. But like the Gentiles, they too stood condemned because of their sin.
You’ve likely heard the expression, “Sin is sin.” Paul stresses this fact. Pagan hedonism is sin, but so is religious piety. And God shows no favoritism when it comes to sin (3:11).
What we all need to hear (3:21-26). The bad news is that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (v. 23).The good news is that God has graciously provided the way of redemption for all sinners. Jesus provided the needed and perfect sacrifice for sin with his death on the cross. Everyone can be made right with God through faith and trust in Jesus. Every person deserves to hear this good news.
Owens– Lessons in the ETB series for the fall quarter are being written by Ken Owens, director of the collegiate ministry group for the South Carolina Baptist Convention.