“There is no fear of God before their eyes.” 19 Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. 20 For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. Romans 3:18-20
A. Human Condition Defined: Romans 3:9-12
1. All under sin’s dominion
2. All under sin’s consequences: Total depravity
B. Human Condition Described: Romans 3:13-17
1. Ungodliness in our speech
2. Ungodliness in our actions
TODAY
3. Ungodliness in our attitude: Rom. 3:18, Psalm 36:1
a. The Definition of Godly fear: Gen. 39:6-10, Job 1:1, 20-22, Acts 5:5,11, Acts 9:31
Al Martin in his book, “The Forgotten Fear: Where have all the God-fearers Gone?” defined the proper fear of God as “The fear of veneration, honor, and awe with which we regard God. It is a fear that leads us not to run from Him but to draw near to Him, through Jesus Christ and gladly submit to Him in faith, love and obedience.”
b. The Elements in Godly fear
– Awe of the Person of God revealed in His name and Word
Ps. 5:7, Ps. 138:1-2, Neh. 1:11, Ps. 25:14, Ps. 147:11
– Willful recognition & submission to God’s sovereign authority
Acts 4:23-31, Ps. 2, Luke 19:11-14
– Desire for God’s Kingdom to come
Matt. 6:9-10a, Heb. 11:13-16
– Desire for God’s will to be done
Matt. 6:10b, 1 Thess. 4:3-5, Rom. 1:28-32
– Exaltation of God’s Only Begotten Son, the Lord Jesus
Rev. 15:1-4, Phil. 2:9-11, Rev. 6:12-17
c. The Final Word on the Human Condition
1. God’s Law and human accountability: Rom. 3:19
2. God’s Law and knowledge of guilt: Rom. 3:20, Rom. 7:7-8, Gal. 3:24