WHEN GOD’S PEOPLE FALL: FAITHFULNESS, FAILURE AND GOD’S RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Introduction

Please stand and read with me the Word of God -

Romans 1:16–17 NASB95

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “But the righteous man shall live by faith.”

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Recap - 

Paul starts Romans off with our Hope - The Gospel

Unashamed for it is the power of God for salvation for anyone who believes. 

The Jew first and then Gentiles.

This Gospel reveals the faithfulness of God, His covenant faithfulness leads to our faith in his faithfulness. 

Then Paul takes us on a journey of our human depravity.

Why else would there be good news The Gospel if it were not for some serious bad news. 

In the rest of chapter 1 and all of 2 Paul demonstrates the human failure to meet the righteous standard of God - both Jew and Gentile stand before the eternal God, sinful and guilty.

Not even the best moralist can stand guiltless before God

And no, not even the Jews who have God’s covenant, promises, and the external mark of family membership can stand before God guiltless and without sin. 

NOW TODAY WE FINISH CHAPTER 2 AND THE FRIST 8 VERSES OF CHAPTER 3.

Romans 2:24–29 NASB95

24 For “the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you,” just as it is written. 25 For indeed circumcision is of value if you practice the Law; but if you are a transgressor of the Law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision. 26 So if the uncircumcised man keeps the requirements of the Law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? 27 And he who is physically uncircumcised, if he keeps the Law, will he not judge you who though having the letter of the Law and circumcision are a transgressor of the Law? 28 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh. 29 But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God.

PAUL IS SETTING THE STAGE FOR WHY THE GOSPEL IS NECESARY FOR BOTH JEWS AND GENTILES.

Covenant membership means nothing if we are incapable of being faithful to the covenant.

Circumcision is only meant to be a reflection of a transformed heart.

So if the heart is not transformed, then circumcision has no saving value.

The Problem is, the law points our sins out but it does not heal and transform our sinful heart.

The law is a mirror to the perfection and sinless nature of God and His intent for humanity.

But it is not a means to become sinless nor to reach our intent as humanity.

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NOW AS WE MOVE TO CHAPTER THREE PAUL WILL ADDRESS QUESTIONS HE ANTICIPATES FROM THE JEWISH CHRISTIANS IN ROME.

With the visible failure of God’s people throughout their history, scandal, murder, idolatry, covenanting, adultery, etc. Three questions arise.

Was there every any real advantage in being God’s covenant people?

Does the unfaithfulness of Israel prove God to be unfaithful to His covenant with them?

Finally, If our sin and unfaithfulness to God, somehow, “Shows off” God’s Grace, is it really that serious?

WHILE PAUL IS ADDRESSING THE JEWISH BELIEVERS IN JESUS AT THIS POINT, WE TODAY WHO ARE OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS, SHOULD READ IT BOTH HISTORICALLY AND PERSONALLY.

We too now share in the Law, Prophets and covenant

We too share in covenant signs - baptism, communion.

We too share in a covenant family - The Church

We even more now have the New Testament the completed revelation of God in Jesus.

We see failures in the Church, in ourselves, in those we have trusted and loved.

We have betrayed God, been betrayed by others who claim the name of Jesus.

We have seen faith in some ship wrecked.

So Paul begins where many discouraged believers begin: if God’s people have failed so badly, was there ever really any benefit in belonging to them at all?

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Romans 3:1–2 NASB95

1 Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the benefit of circumcision? 2 Great in every respect. First of all, that they were entrusted with the oracles of God.

MOVEMENT 1: THE PRIVILEGE STILL MATTERS.

This is a Question Many Hurt Christians Ask. If God’s people are going to fail, what is the point of belonging to them?

HISTORICAL ANSWER:

Israel was entrusted with God’s Law and Prophets.

They were given covenant.

They had recieved the very revelation of human reality, the sacraments of sacrifice to make atonement, and the promise of the ultimate sacrifice for final atonement.

BUT THIS PRIVILEGE IS ALSO THE VERY THING THAT TRIPPED THEM UP.

They were entrusted with the oracles of God.

Entrusted - given something that is not yours for the purpose of another.

From Abraham to Moses, God made it clear they were entrusted with the Law to be a light, witness, blessing to the Nations.

Instead, they guarded the oracles of God for themselves, pride built in their heart as if they were better than the Gentiles.

Salvation - redemption to the age to come, redemption from Eden’s failure, redemption from their failure, turned from Faith in the Covenant Maker - God,

Faith in human ability to obey the law perfectly.

This created hypocricy - do what I say but ignore what I do.

Faith in the covenant sign over faith in the covenant.

This turned into Pride of the flesh - Marking who is in and who is out by physical signs.

Faith in ritual over faith in the one the ritual pointed to.

This turned into empty zealots - those who demand you cross every t and dot every i while remaining dead in their Love of God and Neighbor.

Isaiah 8:14 NASB95

14 “Then He shall become a sanctuary; But to both the houses of Israel, a stone to strike and a rock to stumble over, And a snare and a trap for the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

1 Corinthians 1:23–24 NASB95

23 but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness, 24 but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

THE PRIVILEGE OF BEING RAISED IN THE CHURCH OF JESUS IS EVEN GREATER BUT HERE TOO THIS WARNING OF PAUL IS SHARED WITH US.

We have the law, prophets, and the New testament, the revelation of God, redemption, in Jesus.

We too have been entrusted to take this to the nations.

Matthew 28:18–20 NASB95

18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

We too have been given a covenant family - the Church of Jesus.

We to have been given covenant signs - baptism and communion.

This is a great privilege for all - We are people who live with the truth all around us.

We are a people who live surrounded by the Holy Spirit of God.

Even in the failures of the Church, there still remains a privilege that many do not share.

WE MUST NOT RESPOND TO FAILURES OF OTHERS AND OURSELVES BY DESPISING THE PRIVILEGES OF THE CHURCH.

RESPOND BY HUMILITY AND REPENTING OF HOW THE CHURCH HAS HANDLED THESE FAILURES.

—————-Transition Sentence————————-

“But once we admit that the privileges are real, a harder question rises up: if God’s people, who had all this, still failed—doesn’t that make God himself look unfaithful?”

MOVEMENT 2: OUR UNFAITHFULNESS CANNOT UNDO GOD’S FAITHFULNESS.

Romans 3:3–4 NIV

3 What if some were unfaithful? Will their unfaithfulness nullify God’s faithfulness? 4 Not at all! Let God be true, and every human being a liar. As it is written: “So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge.”

IF ISRAEL FAILED THROUGH THEIR UNFAITHFULNESS TO GOD AND HIS COVENANT WITH THEM, DOES’NT THAT SHOW GOD TO BE WEAK AND UNABLE TO SUSTAIN HIS COVENANT?

PAUL IS CLEAR - NOT AT ALL.

Before I address Paul’s answer let me state some things clearly.

There was a remnant of Israel that was faithful to the very end.

12 disciples / 12 tribes of Israel - A remnant of faithful Jews.

Abraham and many others throughout history were faithful not by works of the law but by faith in the one the law and covenant pointed to - Jesus.

Jesus was a Jew - A faithful remnant - Who did what Adam and Israel could not do.

120 - likely not counting wives and children prayed in the upper room waitiing for the HS.- a faithful remnant.

Jesus took on the identity of Israel and played their role as covenant keeper with Yahweh.

Matthew 5:17 NASB95

17 “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill.

My point is, we Gentile Christians are in the New Covenant made by the blood of Jesus because God worked through His faithful Israel.

PAUL’S ARGUMENT AND ANSWER!

No the faithlessness of some does not disqualify God’s faithfulness. Rather it proves we are unfaithful and God is right in His judgment against Humanity.

Paul quotes

Psalm 51:3–4 NASB95

3 For I know my transgressions, And my sin is ever before me. 4 Against You, You only, I have sinned And done what is evil in Your sight, So that You are justified when You speak And blameless when You judge.

God is shown to be blameless, faithful, and just.

Why, because as David realized, the standard of righteousness is not those around us but God Himself.

CHURCH FAILURE DOES NOT REWRITE GOD’S CHARACTER. HE REMAINS RIGHTEOUS AND FAITHFUL EVEN WHEN WE DO NOT.

OUR SINS AND THE SINS OF THOSE IN THE CHURCH SHAME US, BUT THEY VINDICATE GOD’S WARNINGS NOT DISCREDIT HIS PROMISES.

WHEN WE SEE UNFAITHFULNESS IN THE CHURCH OR SEE IT IN OURSELVES, WE SHOULD REAFFIRM HIS FAITHFULNESS AND SUBMIT OURSELVES TO HIS VERDICT AND REPENT.

2 Corinthians 7:9–10 NASB95

9 I now rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful, but that you were made sorrowful to the point of repentance; for you were made sorrowful according to the will of God, so that you might not suffer loss in anything through us. 10 For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death.

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Paul knows there is still one more twist of the knife—if our sin somehow highlights God’s righteousness, doesn’t that take the edge off our guilt, or even make our sin seem useful?”

MOVEMENT 3: GOD’S GRACE IS NEVER AN EXCUSE FOR OUR SIN.

Romans 3:5–8 NLT

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

PAUL HERE ADDRESSES WHAT IS KNOWN AS ANTINOMIAN - OR AGAINST THE LAW.

A common argument for those who love their sin.

But my sin proves God is righteous.

You may here this from those in the Church captured by sin to the point of a debased mind, “My sin shows off the glory of God’s grace.”

Paul himself is even accused of this by those who do not understand God’s grace.

The grace of God in Christ is not a get out of hell free card but the means by which our hearts are transformed from the sickness of sin to righteousness.

Titus 2:11–12 NASB95

11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, 12 instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age,

1 Thessalonians 5:23 NASB95

23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 6:14 NASB95

14 For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace.

THE GRACE OF JESUS HAS FILLED US WITH HIS SPIRIT AND A HOLY WAR IS BEING WAGED IN OUR HEART AND MIND.

WE ARE BEING TRANSFORMED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD, SOMETIMES SLOWLY, OTHER TIMES QUICKLY, BUT ALWAYS MOVING TOWARS RIGHTEOUSNESS.

WE SHOULD HATE OUR SIN AND JOIN THE HOLY SPIRIT IN WAGING WAR ON OUR UNGODLY PASSIONS.

THIS IS NOT ABOUT SELF HATRED, BUT A JOY KNOWING THAT THE EVIL OF OUR HEART IS BEING KILLED OFF.

WE ARE BEING FREED FROM THE SICKNESS OF SIN WHICH LEAS TO DEATH.

SALVATION IS NOT EXCUSING OUR SINS BUT IT IS REDEEMING US FROM OUR SLAVERY TO SIN.

THE GOOD NEWS IS NOT, WE GET TO CONTINUE IN SIN AND STILL GO TO HEAVEN.

NO THE GOOD NEWS IS, THROUGH JESUS, BY THE HOLY SPIRIT, GOD HAS RECONCILED US TO HIMSELF,

FILLED US WITH THE VERY SPIRIT THAT RAISED JESUS FROM THE DEAD

AND SETTING US FREE FROM SIN AND DEATH

PREPARING US TO LIVE AS SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF THE KING IN THE NEW HEAVEN AND EARTH.

Grace exposes sin as sin and calls us to repentance; it never makes sin safe or strategic.  

—————-TRANSITION ———————————-

Having walked with Paul through these objections—about privilege, God’s faithfulness, and the misuse of grace—we’re left facing ourselves: if the problem is not with God, but with us, how will we respond?

CONCLUSION

THE THREE MOVEMENTS

  The privilege is real: God truly has entrusted his word to his people.  

  Our unfaithfulness cannot cancel his faithfulness; his character stands.  

  His grace is holy grace, never a license to sin.  

TODAY I AM CALLING ALL OF US TO RESPOND

  - Confess where we’ve mishandled our privileges or taken them for granted.  

Have we become prideful - holding the Gospel of Jesus to ourselves

Seeing ourselves as better than others.

  - Refuse to project our failures onto God’s character.

My sin is not God’s fault

Your sin is not evidence of God failing you, it is evience that you are in desperate need of Him. 

  - Renounce any use of grace as cover for sin and seek true repentance.  

If you have been excusing your sins, relying on Grace while you chase after the sinful passions of yoru heart, repent!

Do not take God’s kindness as his approval of your sins or his softness towards sin - see it as Him giving you opportunity to repent.

LET’S ALL TAKE A MOMENT RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE AND SET OUR HEARTS RIGHT.

DEAL WITH THE PRIDE IN YOUR HEART/ CONFESS IT TO GOD AND REPENT OF IT TODAY.

IF YOU HAVE REJECTED THE CHURCH OF JESUS, HIS BRIDE, AND BODY BECAUSE OF THE SINS OF THOSE IN THE CHURCH, RECIEVE HIS MERCEY TO REPENT AND RETURN HIS LOVE, HIS CHURCH.

IF YOU HAVE BLAMED GOD FOR YOUR SINS AND FAILURES, STOP AND ASK TO SEE HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS.

RATHER THAN RUNNING FROM HIS RIGHTEOUENESS RUN TO HIM - HE IS YOUR ONLY HOPE.

FINALLY, IF YOU HAVE BEEN EXCUSING SIN IN YOUR LIFE, RELYING ON GOD’S GRACE TO ALLOW YOU TO LIVE IN SIN - REPENT AND RUN FROM IT TODAY. ASK HIM TO GIVE YOU STRENGTH TO MAKE WAR.

LET US PRAY AND WAIT UPON THE HOLY SPIRIT.

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