Romans 3: 20-26

In our text the bible says that we have all sinned.  How many of you understand that we all have one thing in common and that one thing is sin?  We were all born into sin.  We are all falling short of the glory of God.  What does this mean?  It means that no one can reach God’s standard of absolute moral perfection and be worthy of His glory on their own.  The law shows us that.  The law cannot justify us.  This is why Paul said that the righteousness of God has been revealed independently and altogether apart from the law.  Why?  The law cannot help us.  The law cannot help believers.  The law helps unbelievers realize that they need some help.

When talking about righteousness the word justification is usually mentioned.  Everyone say justification.  We are either justified by faith or not at all.  Many have said that justification means “just as if I had never sinned”. 

Verse 20 ²⁰For no person will be justified (made righteous, acquitted, and judged acceptable) in His sight by observing the works prescribed by the Law. For [the real function of] the Law is to make men recognize and be conscious of sin [ ‡1 not mere perception, but an acquaintance with sin which works toward repentance, faith, and holy character].

The word justified means that we have been declared righteous.  In other words, we are righteous for no other reason than God has declared us righteous.  We are not righteous because we did everything right this week.  We are not righteous because we read our bible this week.  We are not righteous because we went to church this week.

Some people believe they are righteous because they do good things.  If I pray enough I will be righteous.  If I fast enough I will be righteous.  If I do enough good deeds I will become righteous.  We don’t do these things to become righteous, but we do these things because we have already been declared righteous.  Do not fall into the trap of trying to establish your own righteousness? 

Verses 21-22 But now the righteousness of God has been revealed independently and altogether apart from the Law, although actually it is attested by the Law and the Prophets, ²²Namely, the righteousness of God which comes by believing with personal trust and confident reliance on Jesus Christ (the Messiah). [And it is meant] for all who believe. For there is no distinction,

Righteousness by faith is like being born into a family.  I am Chad Dingess based on my family’s declaration.  I did not have to do anything to become a part of the Dingess family.  My parents simply named me Chad Dingess.  If this makes since then it will be a lot easier for us to understand the righteousness that God has provided through His son Jesus. 

This is what happens when we are born again.  When we realize our need for a savior and we ask Jesus to forgive us we are born again.  When we are born again, we are declared righteous and made members of the family of God.  Jesus told Nicodemus that he had to be born again.  When we are born again we do not receive instructions on how to become righteous.  Why?  They are not necessary.  We are born again and declared righteous by the word through faith and belief in Jesus Christ. 

All that is needed to be a sinner is to be born. 

Psalm 51: 5 Behold, I was brought forth in [a state of] iniquity; my mother was sinful who conceived me [and I too am sinful].

David identifies the from-birth propensity toward sin of all humanity.  You don’t have to teach anyone how to sin.  Sin is our birthright.  Lying, stealing, cheating, etc…are all a part of our birthright as sinners.  Some Christians criticize sinners for sinning.  What are sinners supposed to do?  Sinners are supposed to sin.   

Romans 5: 12 Therefore, as sin came into the world through one man, and death as the result of sin, so death spread to all men, [ ‡8 no one being able to stop it or to escape its power] because all men sinned.

All that is needed to be the righteousness of God is to be born again.  Righteousness is our birthright.  It does not mean that we have become mature believers, but it does mean that we have been put in right standing with God. 

The reason we come to church, pray, fast and read the word is to develop our faith.  It is to mature in our walk with God.

FASTING

Isaiah 58: 1-8

Fasting is not what I would call fun, but it is a private discipline that brings public reward.  It is not enjoyable to the flesh, but Jesus our example fasted.  Many others in the bible fasted.  Moses, Elijah, Elisha, Peter, and Paul all fasted.  Fasting is supposed to be part of our Christian lifestyle just like prayer and reading the bible. 

When we fast at the beginning of the year I believe it is just like tithing.  We give God the first portion of our income and He blesses the rest of it.  When we give God the first part of the year it sets the tone for the rest of the year.  I believe that we will receive blessings and answer to prayer late in the year that will be directly connected to this 21 day fast starting today.  The fact is that if you will get serious about God and join in on this fast over the next 21 days it will change your life.  

What is fasting?  Biblical fasting is deliberately abstaining from food for a specific period of time for the purpose of communication and a deeper relationship with God.  During this fast, you need to focus on intimacy with God.  Develop a relationship with God.  Remember, prayer is a dialogue. 

Why should I fast?  Jesus commanded us to fast in Matthew 6 and Luke 5.  In Matthew 6 Jesus said when you pray, when you give, and when you fast.  He did not say if you pray, give, and fast.  Jesus was asked in Luke 5 why his disciples did not fast.  He told them that while he was with them there was no need to fast, but when he would be taken away they would need to fast.  Jesus fasted as our example.  If the son of God fasted then we too should fast. 

Fasting puts things in the right perspective.  Fasting puts things in the right order.  We have a tendency as Christians to get things out of order when we do not set aside time to fast and pray and seek the kingdom of God.  Fasting weakens the flesh, and strengthens our Spirit in Jesus Christ.  Our relationship with God becomes more important than food and the things of the world. 

Fasting is not just going without food.  If fasting is not connected with prayer and reading God’s word then all you are doing is starving.  You need to understand that headaches are normal.  You are no different than anyone else.  Some people think that because they have a headache and feel weak that they are somehow different.  You are no different.  Every person that is fasting will have headaches and feel weak.  It is part of fasting.  Don’t give up.  There will come a point in the fast that you will start feeling really good. 

There are different types of fasts:

Make sure that if you have any physical conditions that you consult a doctor.  Just do something that will be a sacrifice and whatever you sacrifice God will take notice.

Scripture References for Fasting: Matthew 6:16-18, Matthew 9:14-15, Luke 18:9-14

Relation to Prayer and Reading of the Word: 1 Samuel 1:6-8, 17-18, Nehemiah 1:4, Daniel 9:3, 20, Joel 2:12, Luke 2:37, Acts 10:30, Acts 13:2

Corporate Fasting: 1 Samuel 7:5-6, Ezra 8:21-23, Nehemiah 9:1-3, Joel 2:15-16, Jonah 3:5-10, Acts 27:33-37

Remember that it is the attitude of a heart sincerely seeking Him to which God responds with a blessing (Isaiah 58, Jeremiah 14:12, 1 Corinthians 8:8). May God greatly bless you as you fast!

Full Fast Drink only liquids (you establish the number of days).

The Daniel Fast Eat no meat, no sweets and no bread. Drink water and juice. Eat fruits and vegetables. Learn More

3-Day Fast This fast can be a Full Fast, Daniel Fast or give up at least one item of food.

Partial Fast A partial fast is from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm or from sun up to sundown. This fast can be a Full Fast, Daniel Fast or give up at least one item of food.

Scripture References for Fasting: Matthew 6:16-18, Matthew 9:14-15, Luke 18:9-14

Relation to Prayer and Reading of the Word: 1 Samuel 1:6-8, 17-18, Nehemiah 1:4, Daniel 9:3, 20, Joel 2:12, Luke 2:37, Acts 10:30, Acts 13:2

Corporate Fasting: 1 Samuel 7:5-6, Ezra 8:21-23, Nehemiah 9:1-3, Joel 2:15-16, Jonah 3:5-10, Acts 27:33-37

Remember that it is the attitude of a heart sincerely seeking Him to which God responds with a blessing (Isaiah 58, Jeremiah 14:12, 1 Corinthians 8:8). May God greatly bless you as you fast!

Many of us do everything we can to avoid conflict, but conflict is inevitable.  There is no way to avoid conflict.  We need to understand that conflict often has a purpose.  Conflict leads to growth.  

1 Peter 4:12-13, Dear friends, don't be surprised or shocked that you are going through testing that is like walking through fire. Be glad for the chance to suffer as Christ suffered. It will prepare you for even greater happiness when he makes his glorious return. (CEV)

He said don’t be surprised that you are going through testing that is just like walking through the fire.  He goes on to say that you will have an opportunity to suffer like Christ suffered.  I don’t know too many people that like this verse.  We don’t want to suffer.  I don’t like this verse either. 

What is this all about?  These times of testing and trouble are actually opportunities to know God more intimately.  I know this is difficult to see in the midst of difficulty.  The Apostle Paul said I want to know God in the power of His resurrection, but He went on to say that He wanted to know God in the fellowship of His sufferings.  There is fellowship in suffering. 

Do you remember Steven?  Steven was stoned to death because of his relationship with God.  He was stoned to death because He preached the gospel.  He was stoned to death because He shared the message of Jesus Christ with the people he came into contact with.  The world hated him because he was a Christian.  They stoned him because he followed Christ. 

There is an interesting thing that happened while Steven was being stoned.  The bible says that Steven saw Jesus as he was being stoned.  He never saw Jesus in his success.  He never saw Jesus in his triumphs.  He saw Jesus right in the middle of this intense spiritual warfare. 

He had to see Jesus because as he was being stoned he prayed for his enemies.  What was happening?  Steven had fellowship with God in the midst of his suffering.  He received a standing ovation from the king of kings himself.  The bible says that Jesus was standing.

James 1:2-4, My brothers and sisters, be very happy when you are tested in different ways. You know that such testing of your faith produces endurance. Endure until your testing is over. Then you will be mature and complete. (GW)

This is the process.  Conflict leads to growth.  Whenever you surrender your life to Christ you need to be prepared for conflict.  Be encouraged, in the midst of your conflict you can experience intimacy with Jesus like never before.  He will be in the fire with you.  In the fire we are growing.  We are maturing.  Always remember that God has a way of taking everything in our life (good, bad, and ugly) and using it for our good.

We live in a culture that is addicted to change.  Every where we look we are invited to change things about our life.  From TV commercials to billboards we are tempted to make changes every single day.  From hair color to weight loss, from fashion to changes in our career, we are bombarded with opportunities for change.  Most of these changes are superficial.  We are capable of making these changes, but deep meaningful change we cannot accomplish.  The first step in true significant change is admitting that we cannot change.  Now I realize that you may differ, but let me explain.  If we could fundamentally change who we are on the inside then Jesus Christ wasted his time coming to the earth.  If we could have produced the change that God wants to see in our lives then Jesus didn't have to come.  The truth is we cannot change, but a greater truth is that we can be changed.  This is the gospel message.  The Apostle Paul said, "I am who I am because of the grace of God."  The gospel is about God coming in the flesh through His son Jesus Christ to bring the change in our lives that we cannot produce without him.  Let me encourage you this week to end your efforts to produce change and submit your life to Jesus Christ who has the ability to radically change your life.  To hear more about this join us this Sunday for part 2 of this series.  God bless you and your family!