Romans 3:19-20

19 Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. 20 For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. -Romans 3:19-20

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Many of us know the Ten Commandments like don’t steal, don’t lie, and don’t murder.  What’s the purpose of these laws?  First, the reflect the character of God.  But second, just as important is that they help us to recognize our own messed up sinful nature.  On our own, it is impossible to keep all God’s laws.  For example, the Ten Commandments say to honor our parents.  Have you ever disrespected your mom or dad?  Have you ever talked back to them? 

My niece Taylor is a super cute baby.  She’s also a little sinner.  When we tell her not to do something, she ALWAYS wants to do it.  When we set a law for her to follow like don’t crawl on the wires, she immediately wants to break that law.  That’s her sinful nature at work.

We’re just like Taylor.  When we are told not to do something, there’s this fire inside of us that wants to disobey.  That fire is our sinful nature!

One purpose of God’s law is to show us how we are sinful and therefore we can’t follow His law perfectly.  God’s law teaches us that we can’t save ourselves.  We need a savior to help us.  That’s where Jesus comes in.  He saves us because we can’t save ourselves.

The law reminds us that we need Jesus.