In this sermon, Pastor Ortiz delivers a thought-provoking message centered on Romans 3, emphasizing the contrast between humanity’s sinfulness and God’s extraordinary grace. He begins by reflecting on the bleak picture of human nature presented in the chapter, highlighting mankind’s inherent inability to do good purely from their own nature. The pastor recounts feedback from previous sermons where the depth of humanity’s brokenness felt overwhelming. However, he assures that this chapter ultimately transitions into hope, justification, and grace through Jesus Christ.

The message explores the advantage of growing up in church and being exposed to biblical teachings early in life. Drawing from personal experiences as a child in Sunday school, the pastor recalls learning valuable lessons about obedience, faith, and trust through simple yet profound songs. These lessons instilled foundational doctrines, underscoring the importance of living in obedience not out of obligation, but as a demonstration of faith and relationship with God.

Romans 3 highlights that humanity’s righteousness is utterly insufficient. The sermon explains that no one, by their nature, is inclined to do good. Instead, humanity is self-centered, seeking personal gain, which aligns with the prideful and rebellious nature of Satan. The pastor provides an analogy of receiving resources for a business but squandering them on peripheral needs rather than their intended purpose, paralleling how believers can misuse their spiritual privileges by focusing on religious routines rather than a genuine relationship with God.

A turning point in the message is Romans 3:21, where the phrase “but now” signals a shift from condemnation to justification. Justification, described as “just as if we never sinned,” is a transformative act of God’s grace. The sermon emphasizes that this righteousness is not achieved through human effort or adherence to the law but is a gift, manifested through faith in Jesus Christ. This grace, freely given, removes the pressure of meeting unattainable standards and shifts the focus to trusting and obeying God.

The pastor highlights the freedom and motivation found in grace. By sharing humorous personal anecdotes, such as his childhood attempts to carry birthday cakes for his mother that ended in disaster, he illustrates how human effort, no matter how well-intentioned, often falls short. Similarly, he explains that trying to do good on our own often results in failure, but when we trust in God’s grace, His righteousness is revealed through us.

The grace of God, the pastor explains, is undeserved and freely given, much like a hypothetical scenario where Elon Musk gifts 100 Teslas. Just as such a gift would motivate one to share generously, the grace of God compels believers to serve, give, and live for Him. This grace not only liberates believers from the burden of earning righteousness but also provides the ultimate motivation to live a life aligned with God’s will.

The sermon concludes by reflecting on the transformative power of God’s grace, reminding believers that they are not judged by their titles, achievements, or failures but are invited to grow closer to Christ. The grace of God, coupled with faith and obedience, reveals His righteousness and equips believers to live purposefully, no matter their shortcomings. It is a call to respond to God’s overwhelming goodness by dedicating one’s life to Him, motivated by gratitude for His unmerited favor.

‍