daily reading 5.4 (Romans 3:19–20)

5-days-a-week through Romans and the letters Paul wrote from Rome in 2024

Our opening prayer for this week:

Christ, the Lord of hosts, unshaken

By the devil’s seething rage,

Thwarts the plan of Satan’s minions;

Wins the strife from age to age;

Conquers sin and death forever;

Slams them in their steely cage.

John saw Michael waging battle,

Soaring angels by his side;

Michael fought the ancient serpent,

Foiled the dragon, full of pride,

Cast him earthbound with his demons.

Now he prowls, unsatisfied.

Long on earth the battle rages,

Since the serpent’s first deceit

Twisted God’s command to Adam,

Made forbidden fruit look sweet.

Then the curse of God was spoken:

“You’ll lie crushed beneath his feet!”

Jesus came, this word fulfilling,

Trampled Satan, death defied;

Bore the brunt of our temptation,

On the wretched tree he died.

Yet to life was raised victorious;

By his life our life supplied.

Swift as lightning falls the tyrant

From his heavenly perch on high,

As the word of Jesus’ victory

Floods the earth and fills the sky.

Wounded by a wound eternal,

Now his judgment has drawn nigh!

Jesus, send your angel legions,

For the foe would us enslave.

Hold us fast when sin assaults us;

Come, then, Lord. Your people save.

Overthrow at last the dragon.

Send him to his fiery grave. Amen.

Romans 3:19–20

• Now we know that whatever the law says, it speaks to those who are subject to the law, so that every mouth may be shut and the whole world may become subject to God's judgment.
• ²⁰  For no one will be justified in his sight by the works of the law, because the knowledge of sin comes through the law.

Helpful notes on Romans 3:19–20 

For yourself pray:

• That God keeps your mouth shut on the last day, shut to any boasting

For others pray:

• That God makes your congregation more compassionate in Christ

A psalm to listen to and ponder, as time allows:

• Psalm 19 (YouTube, duet with piano, "The heavens declare the glory of God")