Romans 3:1-8

                                                                 Romans 3:1-8

Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision? Much in every way. To begin with, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God. What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God? By no means! Let God be true though every one were a liar, as it is written, “That you may be justified in your words, and prevail when you are judged.”  But if our unrighteousness serves to show the righteousness of God, what shall we say? That God is unrighteous to inflict wrath on us? (I speak in a human way.) By no means! For then how could God judge the world? But if through my lie God's truth abounds to his glory, why am I still being condemned as a sinner? And why not do evil that good may come?—as some people slanderously charge us with saying. Their condemnation is just.

Paul has been arguing that all men: the pagan, the moralist, and the religious man; are condemned before God.  Paul now anticipates some arguments that the Jews might try to make in an attempt to exempt themselves from God’s judgment.  In reality, they are seeking to pass judgment on God for the way that He judges them.  This passage demonstrates who God is despite man’s failure and attempt at self-righteousness. 

 

GOD IS FAITHFUL WHEN WE ARE NOT: Since the Jews are condemned like all other people; they may question what advantage it was to be a Jew.  Paul’s answer to that question is that the Jews were given greater privilege because they were exposed to the Law and given special revelation from God about how to live in a way that is pleasing to Him.  This line of thinking then leads to the question of God’s faithfulness.  Does God’s faithfulness depend on man’s faithfulness?  The answer is a resounding no!  God is always faithful to Himself no matter how mankind may act.  Even when we are full of lies and deceit; He remains faithful.  He is faithful to judge those who disobey and he if faithful to forgive those who believe.  He is faithful to fulfill His promises to His people even when they are rebellious.  That does not mean that the rebellious people will see the promises fulfilled.  It means God is faithful to bring His people back into obedience so they can experience His faithfulness. 

 

GOD IS JUST WHEN WE ARE NOT: Since God’s justice and holiness are seen through His judgment of the disobedient; the question now turns to whether or not it is just for God to judge men who are used to point to His glory.  Paul responds to this argument by stating that the same argument could be made by anyone including the Gentiles.  This is a confrontation of Jewish thinking that only they were the objects of God’s blessing.  Paul is showing them that their thinking is off.  To take their argument to its logical conclusion Paul reveals that it would lead to a justification of sinning.  This is exactly what mankind has done in an effort to justify our own sin.  We make our sinful desires out to be virtues and claim that those who try to limit our desires in any way are the true oppressors.  When men call good evil and evil good; it is time to pass judgment.  God is always just even though we try to pervert and take advantage of His justice.

 

APPLICATION: We can always trust in God’s faithfulness even when the circumstances of our lives are not to our liking.  He is unaffected by our unfaithfulness, but we will suffer the consequences of our sin because He is always just.  Fear God and know that our tendency to rationalize our sin away will only lead to destruction.  Love God and live for His glory and not to fulfill our own lusts. 

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