This week, Paul is going to take a look at the Old Testament and demonstrate that both Abraham and David were no different than us. They were considered righteous because of their faith.

The law makes no one perfect. You can't become righteous by your actions. If that were all there was to it, we would be in a bad state. But the good news is we don't need to do it on our own. We are not left hopeless and in despair. God made a way in Jesus!

Paul continues his thoughts on the status of mankind concerning God's standards. The Jewish people are privileged to have been entrusted with the Holy Scriptures. However, Paul shows from the Scriptures that no one is justified by their own efforts. He refutes the idea that it is unjust to judge sin, and the more we sin the greater God is honored because He can forgive much more. Paul concludes, "Their condemnation is just." (v. 9)

The Jews had an expectation and responsibility that they were not living up to. As a result, they were being hypocritical and causing the gentiles to blaspheme the name of God. They were also convinced that their identity as Jews and their symbol of the covenant with Abraham, circumcision, would save them. But as we will see, circumcision of the flesh is not what makes you right with God. You need a heart transplant.

As we begin chapter 2, Paul spends his time in here showing that Jews and gentiles are seen alike by God. There is not one set of requirements for Jews and a different set for gentiles. The requirement for both is perfection.

As we continue our series on the Letter to the Romans, Paul begins explaining where mankind wandered off course by refusing to acknowledge and honor the Creator. As a result, idolatry took over their minds. It's the sad situation of the world today and the basis for Paul's explaining the plan of salvation. "You need this medicine, so you don't die!" is one way to put it.

As we begin a new series on the Letter to the Romans, Paul introduces himself with the authority given to him by Jesus. Instead of boasting, he expresses the desire to be encouraged by sharing their mutual faith. Then he establishes the doctrine of justification by faith alone.

Most people identify themselves with what they do for a living. They are a cook or carpenter. But Christians are not so because of what they do. It is actually the opposite. We understand who we are and "do" accordingly. But to "do" accordingly, we have to know who we are.

We serve a powerful, living Lord. He is able to perform all that He has promised, especially reaching out to us in love and peace. Because Jesus lived in a human body, He knows what we go through. Therefore, as we respond to His gentle leading, we can have confidence that He will lead us to an eternal, incorruptible inheritance. Meanwhile, we are assured of ". . . grace to help in time of need . . ." during our pilgrimage on earth.

There are a couple of prevailing ideas going on in this world that are setting people up for failure. The first is nothing is my fault, and the second is the idea of entitlement. But the scripture teaches that we are to take responsibility for our own actions. Today we look at the practical application of being personally responsible.