Romans 3:1-7 - April 02, 2023

Last week we talked about the Jew, vs. the Gentile, circumcision & so on.

Tonight the Bible starts right off here asking us a question, an advantage question.

Romans 3:1-7

1 Then what’s the advantage of being a Jew? Is there any value in the ceremony of circumcision?

Paul talked about the Jews and Gentiles, we saw that both were going to be judged for our sins, so what benefit is there to be a Jew vs. a gentile? 2. He shares some differences, thus now in Vs. 1 the question was asked, what if any advantage is their of being a Jew?

2 Yes, there are great benefits! First of all, the Jews were entrusted with the whole revelation of God.

The simple answer is Yes and they are great.

The Jews were entrusted with the whole revelation of God, this is a blessing and b/c of the Jews, we now have the Bible.

B/C they followed Gods wisdom on $ and Hygiene, historically we see the following:

Jon Courson’s Application Commentary Chapter 3

When the bubonic plague swept across Europe, killing one of every three people, the Jewish population was left virtually untouched. Why? Because in keeping the law, the Jews were protected from the plague due to the hygienic and dietary regulations contained within the law. So, too, throughout history, the Jews have always done well monetarily. Why? Because the financial principles contained within the law work—regardless of whether those who practice them walk close to the Lord or even believe in Him.

3 True, some of them were unfaithful; but just because they were unfaithful, does that mean God will be unfaithful?

Here we find an amazing promise that even if we are unfaithful to God, He is not unfaithful. He doesn't do to us what we do to Him.

If He did, this would go against His nature

If He did, this would go against His attributes

This would mean that God isn't God all the Time

4 Of course not! Even if everyone else is a liar, God is true. As the Scriptures say about him, “You will be proved right in what you say, and you will win your case in court.”

Again, even if we lie, God still doesn't lie.

If I lie to Him, He doesn’t lie back. When He says He loves me and will take care of me as His child, He still will, even when I sin.

Jon Courson’s Application Commentary Chapter 3

There are times when people say, “I prayed and nothing happened,” or, “I had devotions and it’s not working,” or, “I go to church and don’t receive anything,” or, “I’m doing all the things Scripture tells me to, but it’s just not happening.”

And I have to respond in love, “You’re a liar because God promises that if we draw close to Him, He’ll draw close to us, (James 4:8). Therefore, somebody’s lying—and it’s not God.”

5 “But,” some might say, “our sinfulness serves a good purpose, for it helps people see how righteous God is. Isn’t it unfair, then, for him to punish us?” (This is merely a human point of view.)

This of course is wrong and a lie from non other then Satan himself. How foolish to say, I will sin so that God can demonstrate his righteousness and that will bring others to Christ.

God doesn't need help with this area.

In fact we see a lot of times in a situation like this, the world will say, I don’t need God, your a hypocrite. My coming to God means I would be like you and that’s not cool.

6 Of course not! If God were not entirely fair, how would he be qualified to judge the world (gentiles)?

God, will judge the world, He is qualified, inpart b/c He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He won’t judge on anything other then what He sees, either sin or Jesus Blood.

7 “But,” someone might still argue, “how can God condemn me as a sinner if my dishonesty highlights his truthfulness and brings him more glory?”

The Moody Bible Commentary B. The Need for the Gospel (1:18–3:20)

However, if a Jewish person could use this argument, so could a Gentile, for their lives were arguably more corrupt, and could make God look better still. Therefore, it would be unfair of God to judge Gentiles (the world, v. 6). But the Jewish people relished the prospect of God judging the Gentile world (e.g., Sir 36:1–10), and would not have conceded this point to Paul.

8 And some people even slander us by claiming that we say, “The more we sin, the better it is!” Those who say such things deserve to be condemned.

And of course here we have the simple answer to the question we see in Vs. 7. This answer is, “Those who say such things deserve to be condemned.

The Moody Bible Commentary B. The Need for the Gospel (1:18–3:20)

any Jewish antagonists who assigned this belief to Paul deserved the condemnation they received.

Holman Illustrated Bible Commentary B. Guilt of the Jews (2:1–3:20)

People who think otherwise deserve condemnation, for their true focus is not on glorifying God but on giving free reign to their sinful desires.

Jon Courson’s Application Commentary Chapter 3

Some believers think that as long as God is glorified, it doesn’t matter how He gets glory. So they’ll “stretch the story and give God the glory.” Paul, however, stands firm against the thinking that says the end justifies the means. In other words, according to Paul, it’s never right to do wrong to do right.