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Daily Devotions

Romans

Romans 
Day 
Day 57

"By the law is the knowledge of sin"

Text: Romans 3:20

THE COMPONENT PARTS OF THE SCRIPTURE

There were essentially three component parts. The Scriptures may be divided:-

1. The Law

2. The Prophets

3. The Writings

Scholars sometimes refer to the Scriptures as “Tanakh” (This word is made up of three abbreviations. “Ta” is short for the Torah, or the Law. “Na” is short for Nabiim, Hebrew for “The Prophets”. “Kh” is a reference to the Kethubim, “The Writings”). These were sometimes reduced further and simply called “The law”.

MANY REASONS FOR THE GIVING OF THE LAW

The law was given by God, to Israel, in particular. There were many reasons why the law was given. The following may be cited:-

1. To give instructions for life (moral law)

2. To govern the nation (civil law).

3. To explain how they may worship God appropriately (religious/spiritual law).

ONE PARTICULAR REASON SINGLED OUT

The above reasons are not exhaustive. Other reasons may be added. Paul gave one special reason why the law was given.

“Therefore by the deeds of the law
no flesh will be justified in His sight,
for by the law is the knowledge of sin.”
Romans 3:20

1. By the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified

This was a truth that Paul had already established. He states this again for emphasis! The Psalms (cited) confirm that all have sinned against God.

2. By the law is the knowledge of sin

a) The law was not given so that man may be justified (by keeping it).
b) The law was given so that man may have knowledge of sin.
c) The law serves a special purpose- it points out the sinfulness of man!