← All studies

Study 01 of 18

The Sweetest Words on Earth

The voice of Jesus brings comfort to the saint while the law reveals our need for His perfect righteousness.

Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.

Synopsis

In this opening sermon, Camron Schofield explores the profound impact of the voice of Jesus, which he describes as the sweetest sound on earth. He contrasts the experience of the Pharisee, who finds self-satisfaction in the letter of the law, with that of the Apostle Paul, who was 'slain' by the law's spiritual depth. The study emphasizes that the law is a transcript of God's character, demanding a perfect righteousness that no human can provide through their own efforts. Schofield explains that the law's purpose is to act as a schoolmaster, driving us to Christ by revealing our 'exceeding sinfulness.' Ultimately, the sweetest words are found in the gospel—the revelation that God provides His own perfect righteousness as a gift through Jesus Christ, satisfying every demand of the law and offering peace to the repentant sinner.

Key points

  • The voice of Jesus is sweet to those who accept His grace but a sound of condemnation to those who reject it.
  • The law requires not just outward conformity but the perfect, inward righteousness of God's own character.
  • Self-righteousness is a deception that fails when the law is understood in its true spiritual breadth.
  • The law serves as a schoolmaster to lead us to Christ, where we find the gift of God's righteousness.

Key texts

  • Philippians 3:4-6
  • Romans 7:7-13
  • Romans 3:10-12

From the book

Chapter 1 · Romans 3 · Read this chapter

  • “The voice of Jesus is so sweet that even creation stops to listen.” (ch. 1)
  • “When the commandment came – I died.” (ch. 1)
  • “The law is not done away with. In fact, we see all the way along that to do away with the law would be to do away with the righteousness of God.” (ch. 1)

Put it into practice

  • Listen for the sweet, plaintive voice of Jesus calling you to repentance.
  • Acknowledge that your own efforts at righteousness are insufficient for the law's demands.
  • Accept the gift of Christ's perfect right-doing as your own standing before God.
  1. Comprehension

    1. Why is the voice of Jesus described as the 'sweetest words on earth'?

  2. Doctrinal Clarity

    2. How did Paul's perception of the law change after meeting Christ?

  3. Scripture

    3. What does the law actually demand from every human being?

  4. Comprehension

    4. What is the danger of comparing ourselves to the 'letter' of the law like the Pharisee?

  5. Doctrinal Clarity

    5. How does the law act as a 'schoolmaster'?

  6. Contrast

    6. Why is the 'abundance of grace' necessary according to Romans 5:20?

  7. Doctrinal Clarity

    7. What does God see when He looks at a believer who has accepted Christ?

  8. Application

    8. How does hearing the 'sweet voice' of Jesus impact your daily struggles with sin?