AM Scripture Reading: Romans 3. 9-18

Brent T. Willey

“Good Enough” (?)

Introduction:

1. A common thought in the minds of many people when it comes to religion is: “I don’t need God; I’m ‘good enough.’” Or as a man once told his Christian wife: “I don’t need God in my life. I’m a good person.”
2. According to human standards, many people have lived seemingly good lives and are considered as “good people.” But they don’t understand…
3. In his epistle to the Romans, Paul addresses humanity’s dilemma:
   1. Chapter 1: Enumerates the sins of the Gentiles (vs. 18-32).
   2. Chapter 2: Reiterates the sins of the Jews (vs. 1-29).
   3. Chapter 3: Concludes, “All have sinned and fall…” (v. 23).
   4. Chapters 4-5: Justification is only possible “by faith” (5.1).
   5. Chapter 6: Only God’s gift overcomes our sin (vs.22-23).
4. Rom. 3.12: “They have all turned aside; they have together become unprofitable; there is none who does good, no, not one” (Rom. 3. 10-18; cf., Psa. 14.1-3; 53.1-3; Eccl. 7.20).
5. “Good enough” is the wrong attitude regarding spiritual matters.

“GOOD ENOUGH” DEFIES HUMILITY

1. Since everybody makes mistakes and are flawed because of sin, only the arrogant would claim, “I’m good enough.”
2. “There is none who does good, no, not one” (Rom. 3.12).
   1. According to Jesus, who is “without sin” (John 8.7)?
   2. Some are self-deceived. (1 John 1.8-10)
   3. To whom will God give “grace” (James 4.6-10)

“GOOD ENOUGH” DISMISSES GRACE

1. To announce, “I don’t need God; I’m good enough,” is to totally depreciate God’s saving grace!
2. Make no mistake; we need God’s grace…
   1. It is “amazing grace”! (Eph. 2.4-10)
   2. God has provided His grace for all! (Titus 2.11-14)
   3. Why? Not because we were “good enough,” but because of our sin!

“GOOD ENOUGH” EMBRACES MEDIOCRITY

1. The very tenor of the statement, “I’m good enough,” evokes the acceptance of mediocrity.
2. Spiritual excellence should be our desire at all times!
   1. Jesus wants us to strive for perfection. (Matt. 5.48)
   2. Heb. 6.1: “let us go on to perfection (maturity)…”
   3. Paul said we are to “seek to excel…” (1 Cor. 14.12).

Conclusion: A rich young man once asked, “What good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” (Matt. 19.16). Only Christ has the answer…