What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision? Much in every way! First of all, the Jews have been entrusted with the very words of God. What if some were unfaithful? Will their unfaithfulness nullify God’s faithfulness? Not at all! Let God be true, and every human being a liar. As it is written: “So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge.” But if our unrighteousness brings out God’s righteousness more clearly, what shall we say? That God is unjust in bringing his wrath on us? (I am using a human argument.) Certainly not! If that were so, how could God judge the world? Someone might argue, “If my falsehood enhances God’s truthfulness and so increases his glory, why am I still condemned as a sinner?” Why not say—as some slanderously claim that we say—“Let us do evil that good may result”? Their condemnation is just! What shall we conclude then? Do we have any advantage? Not at all! For we have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under the power of sin. As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.” “Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit.” “The poison of vipers is on their lips.” “Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.” “Their feet are swift to shed blood; ruin and misery mark their ways, and the way of peace they do not know.” “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.
—Romans 3:1-20

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The World vs. The Word
By Jennifer Kane

I am good—who dares say otherwise?
I decide what is wrong, what is right in my eyes.
I point to the system, the culture, the past,
I shift all the blame, make excuses that last.
I reject every rule that restrains my desire,
I follow my heart, though it leads to the fire.
I demand to be praised, to be left as I am,
For I am my savior—I don’t need a Lamb.

None are righteous—no, not one,
All have fallen, all have run.
God alone is perfect, true,
His law reveals what sin can do.
He sees the heart, the stain within,
The broken soul, the weight of sin.

Yet mercy calls—His grace is free,
Christ has borne my debt for me.
I bow before His mighty throne,
No longer lost, no more alone.
Loved, forgiven, made brand new,
Not by my works, but by what He drew—
A crimson cross, a life laid down,
A Savior’s love, a mercy crown.

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Scripture: Romans 3:1-20

Romans 3:1-20 reminds us of a hard truth: no one is righteous on their own. We often justify ourselves, shifting blame or redefining right and wrong to fit our desires. Yet God’s Word exposes our sin, silences our excuses, and points us to the only true righteousness—found in Christ alone.

Do I ever justify my sin by comparing myself to others? Do I resist God’s truth in favor of my own reasoning? How does recognizing my need for grace change the way I live?
Today, humble yourself before God, acknowledging your need for His righteousness. Thank Him for His mercy and ask Him to reveal any areas where you rely on your own goodness instead of His grace. Then, share His love and truth with someone who needs to hear it.

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Heavenly Father, I confess that I am not righteous on my own. Your truth exposes my sin, yet Your mercy offers me grace. Thank You for Jesus, who bore my debt and made me new. Humble my heart, Lord. Help me to trust in Your righteousness, not my own. Fill me with gratitude and guide me to walk in Your truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

February 1, 2025