by Roby Ellis

[Scripture Reading: Romans 4:13-5:2]

Introduction

Since we are all guilty before God because of sin, justification is a theme that ought to be important to all of us: this is the theme of Paul’s letter to the Romans.

I. Man’s righteousness is worthless.

A. Such righteousness is nothing more than “filthy rags” before God (Isaiah 64:6-9; cf. Romans 10:1-4).

B. Because our own righteousness is worthless, we must seek God’s righteousness instead (Matthew 5:20; 6:33).

II. How can a mortal obtain the righteousness of God?

A. It cannot be obtained by mere observance of the law (Romans 9:31-32; Galatians 2:16; 3:19-21).

B. It is revealed in the Gospel (Romans 1:16-17; 3:21-26).

C. His righteousness is a gift (Romans 5:17-19; 6:23).

D. We could only obtain this righteousness through Jesus’ blood (Hebrews 9:22; Romans 5:9-11).

E. We obtain God’s righteousness by an obedient faith (Romans 4:23-5:2; 2:12-16).

Conclusion

A. God’s righteousness should not only be a high priority in our lives, but it should be the priority (Matthew 6:33).

B. Are you seeking God’s righteousness through faith or by some means contrived by men?

C. It will not suffice to stand before God with our own righteousness at the Judgment; we must be robed with His!