Self-Confidence

Introduction

What does it mean to be called a Jew?

God’s chosen race for salvation to come through (covenant).

Caretakers of the law (the revelation of God).

Possessors of circumcision (the sign of the covenant of God).

Peculiar blessings that distinguish them from the Gentiles.

However, Paul insist that none of these truths guarantee Jewish immunity from divine judgment.

“For there is no partiality with God.” (, NKJV)

Paul proceeds to explain this declaration in the passage before us now.

The Law (17-24)

The responsibility of being God’s chosen.

Eight statements in 17-20 (called, rest, boast, know, approve, instructed, confident, are a guide)

Being instructed, they instruct.

Being taught, they teach.

“ For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.” (, NKJV)

The shortcomings of the self confident

The shortcomings of the

Paul’s five rhetorical questions (21-23)

Draws attention to their inconsistencies.

Verse 24 declares the consequence of hypocrisy. It destroys your witness.

Israel was suppose to be the light to the world, yet it usurped its responsibility and spread darkness instead.

““Behold, therefore, I stretched out My hand against you, diminished your allotment, and gave you up to the will of those who hate you, the daughters of the Philistines, who were ashamed of your lewd behavior.” (, NKJV)

Circumcision (25-29)

What is circumcision?

A God-given sign and seal of his covenant with the Jews.

However, it did not give them permanent coverage against the wrath of God. (atonement)

It was not a substitute for obedience.

Rather, a commitment to obedience. (pledge)

Similar to some who rely on water baptism to save them.

What value does circumcision have then?

Value if you obey the law.

It does have divine origin, however is an outward sign of inward obedience.

The covenant demanded obedience.

Paul’s equation:

Circumcision minus obedience equals uncircumcision.

Uncircumcision plus obedience equals circumcision.

Then, who is a Jew?

“For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.” (, NKJV)

God counts what’s inside, not outside.

Objections (3:1-8)

Paul’s teaching undermines God’s covenant. (1-2)

Trusted with God’s word

Understanding of God’s ways and expectations.

Paul’s teaching nullifies God’s faithfulness. (3)

Can God not hold what he has preordained?

Does he not have the power to keep what he established?

Paul’s teaching impugns God’s justice (5-6)

Should we sin more in-order to make God’s justice more profound?

Does not my disobedience make God’s expectations more defined?

Paul’s teaching falsely promotes God’s glory (7-8)

Why am I still condemned as a sinner, if my sin is to God’s advantage?

How can God condemn me for glorifying him?

The Message of Romans 3. Some Jewish Objections (3:1–8)

‘If evil behaviour causes good consequences, such as manifesting God’s character and so promoting his glory, then let’s increase evil in order thereby to increase good. The end obviously justifies the means.’ C

Application

The Message of Romans 2. Circumcision (25–29)

The real Christian, like the real Jew, is one inwardly; and the true baptism, like the true circumcision, is in the heart and by the Spirit. It is not in this case that the inward and spiritual replace the outward and physical, but rather that the visible sign (baptism) derives its importance from the invisible reality (washing from sin and the gift of the Spirit), to which it bears witness. It is a grave mistake to exalt the sign at the expense of what it signifies.