AM I A SINNER?

Romans 3:10-23

Introduction: Usually before a person is treated for some condition, he must first realize that he has this condition. In Alcoholics Anonymous, a person must admit that he is an Alcoholic. People often will go to the doctor when they are not well and need help physically. Jesus is the Great Physician for the soul’s condition. However, before He can have an effect on our soul for good, we must recognize our awful condition.

A. This lesson will help to discover our condition (Heb. 4:12-13)

B. Once it has been clearly established that we are sinners, we must turn to the only one who can help us

C. We must follow the Great Physician’s prescription to the letter, if we hope to attain good spiritual health

I. Am I A Sinner?

A. What is sin?

1. Sin is transgression of law (1 John 3:4)

a. It is a conscious disregard for the Divine will (Matt. 7:21-23)

b. It is to go outside of the boundaries into unlawful territory (2 John 9)

2. Missing the mark (Rom. 3:23)

a. Jesus is the measure of what we should be (Eph. 4:13)

b. We should follow in His steps (1 Pet. 2:21-22)

3. Ungodliness – a lack of reverence toward God (Rom. 1:18) – Lawlessness is a conscious disregard for God’s will, ungodliness is a conscious disregard for God’s person

a. Corrupt His nature (Rom. 1:21-23)

b. The things that the ungodly do, they way they do it and the things they say about God are all slaps in His face (Jude 1:15)

4. Unrighteousness (1 John 5:17) – This is usually characterized as a wrong between persons; an injustice done to another (Matt. 22:37-40)

a. Ten commandments promoted godliness (toward God) and righteousness (toward man)

b. Scriptures teach that it is not enough to show piety towards God; must do right by our fellow man (Parable of the good Samaritan; sheep and the goats; Jews – Matt. 23:23)

5. If we know to do right and we do not do it, it is sin (James 4:17)

a. We are deserving of God’s wrath (Heb. 10:26-27)

b. How often have we come to know the truth, approve of it, and even teach it to others only to have violated it ourselves? (Rom. 2:17-23)

B. All have sinned (Rom. 3:9-18, 23)

1. No one living upon the earth today has not sinned (Ecc. 7:20)

2. The Scriptures have so declared all have sinned (Gal. 3:22)

3. All have stumbled (James 3:2)

4. If we say we have no sin, we are self-deceived and void of truth (1 John 1:6)

5. If we say we have never sinned we make God a liar (1 John 1:10)

II. Sin must be punished (Isa. 13:9-13)

A. Such are worthy of Death (Rom 1:29-32)

1. Not only those that do

2. Also those that fail to condemn those that do

B. Such will feel the wrath of God (Rom. 2:8-9)

C. As a sinner, man is powerless to do anything about his condition (Rom. 5:6)

1. God had to act on behalf of man (Rom. 5:8)

2. He allowed His son to take man’s place in punishment (2 Cor. 5:21)

3. Jesus died so that man could live (1 Pet. 2:24)

Conclusion: The Scriptures showed that I was a sinner. Until I could realize that, I could not be helped. Jesus, the great physician, has come to help those who realize their sickness (Matt. 9:12-13). Once I realized my condition, I had to follow the Lord’s prescription to be made well. Failure to do so will result in death (Heb. 2:1-4; 2 The. 1:6-8). Are you a sinner? Obey the gospel of Jesus Christ.