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Introduction: A.
In
the previous sermon we looked at the phrase “from faith to
faith.” 1.
While we may never fully understand the obscure phrase we
are able to understand its overall meaning within the verse and
its surrounding text. 2.
That the righteousness of God is revealed through the
gospel regarding Jesus Christ. Rom.
1:17 B.
There
is yet another obscure phrase regarding faith: “the law of
faith.”
Rom.
3:27 1.
What does that mean? 2.
How does understanding it affect our walk with God?
First, we need to understand the role ‘law’ plays for
man’s accountability before God. Discussion: I.
The Role of Law A.
God’s
righteousness is revealed – among other reasons – by way of
the gospel.
Rom.
1:16-17 B.
There
is a simultaneous counter message: all men stand condemned before
God. Rom.
3:9 1.
This was true for the Gentiles. Rom.
1:18-32 2.
This was also true for the Jews. Rom.
2:1-24 C.
Whereas
the gospel revealed God’s righteousness, law revealed man’s
unrighteousness.
Rom.
3:19 1.
Now, where there is no law, there is no transgression/
accountability before God. Rom.
4:15 2.
“One cannot break a law that does not exist” (Robert
Mounce). Rom.
5:13 D.
Through
“Law”: 1.
Jews and Greeks who are ‘doers of the law’ (practice
righteousness) receive glory, honor, and peace. Rom.
2:5-7, 10, 13-16 2.
By the same “law” all men are confined under sin
because all have broken God’s law at some point. Rom.
3:9, 19, 24 So
how is anyone justified before God? II.
Which Law Justifies? A.
Not
by the ‘Law of Works.’ 1.
No flesh is justified before God because through the
law comes the knowledge of sin. Rom.
3:20 2.
Therefore, there is no boasting in man’s righteousness
because there is none. Cp. Rom.
2:23-24 B.
But,
by the ‘Law of Faith’ (apart from ‘the Law’ of Moses). 1.
This is in direct contrast to the “Law of Moses” or the
“law of works.” Rom.
2:17-24; 3:27 2.
Instead, God graciously justifies through the one who has
faith in Jesus as the propitiatory sacrifice. Rom.
3:24-26 C.
This
is a person who “is saved not as a righteous person, but as a
pardoned criminal” (J.W. McGarvey). D.
His
‘faith’ is professed in Jesus Christ, His great (and mighty)
Redeemer. Rom. 10:9 E.
His
‘faith’ leads him to follow His Master in a life of
righteousness. Rom.
6:3-4, 8-14 Conclusion: A.
All
(Jew and Gentile) are guilty and fall short of the glory of God. B. Through the ‘Law of Faith’ (in Christ), however, man is justified and stands pardoned before God. C. Next week: “Faith without works.”
Glory
to God in the church by Christ Jesus
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