Romans chapter 3, starting verse 27.

Where then is boasting, it is excluded by what kind of law of works? No, but by a law of faith.

For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of a law? Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not

the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also. Since indeed, God who will justify the circumcised by faith

and the uncircumcised through faith is one.

Do we then nullify the law through faith?

May it never be, on the contrary, we establish the law.

God forbid, Lord Jesus, that I or we should boast, save in the cross of Christ Jesus, our Lord,

through whom the world was crucified to me

and I to the world.

This is our hearts cry as we come to this text about boasting.

That you would put to death in us all that is proud and all that lifts itself up against

the knowledge of God and the faith of Christ.

So Father, I plead with you to help me make this text plain and I ask that you would open the heart of your people

to receive the gospel and that you would conform us to the image of Christ and that we would

become increasingly a humble people and a trusting people before you.

Let's do a great work in our midst now, in these next moments as we sit under your word. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

The question I want to begin with from this text is why Paul is so concerned about this issue of boasting.

Let's get it before us again.

Verse 27, where then is boasting?

And he answers, Where then is boasting?

And he answers,

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