In his letter to the Roman churches Paul wrote about the condemnation of sin, the judgment and the wrath of God based on our love for Him or the lack thereof. The apostle also compared physical and spiritual circumcision and, since the sacrifice made by Christ on the cross, exposed the Mosaic law as a vehicle to destruction.
Now Paul reveals the advantages for the Jewish people as he outlines God’s intent to fulfill His promise to His chosen people according to the old covenant.
“1 What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision?” (Romans 3:1)
First Paul asks what the advantage is for being a Jew. From the word we know the Jewish people were first blessed with the word of God passed on by Moses, the prophets and others servants of God from the beginning of time.
“2 Much in every way! First of all, they have been entrusted with the very words of God.” (Romans 3:2)
The most prominent advantage bestowed upon the Jewish people involves the Holy Scriptures and though it, the promise of a Messiah.
“3 What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God’s faithfulness? 4Not at all! Let God be true, and every man a liar. As it is written: “So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge.” (Romans 3:2-3)
Because God’s promise to Israel was conditional to either the law of Moses of that of Christ, God’s faithfulness is indeed perfect. In this section of his letter Paul reminds us men are deceitful but God is not, that if anyone is a liar it is men, not the Lord.
Further more the apostle mentions a psalm of David, one of penitence and mourning over his own sinful nature. As such the people of Israel who rejected Christ as the Messiah will be judged accordingly.
“5 But if our unrighteousness brings out God’s righteousness more clearly, what shall we say? That God is unjust in bringing his wrath on us? (I am using a human argument.)” (Romans 3:5)
Using man’s point of view Paul now foolishly asks why God punished the people for their unbelief when it is unbelievers who brought on God’s wrath on themselves by choice, through their ignorance and rejecting Jesus as the Messiah.
“6 Certainly not! If that were so, how could God judge the world?” (Romans 3:6)
Here the apostle answers his own question with another question by asking how the world could be judged if God were not perfect and just. The fact is God’s judgment is not based on His love for us, which is unconditional, but our love for Him.
Though God’s love is unconditional His judgment is not.
“7 Someone might argue, “If my falsehood enhances God’s truthfulness and so increases his glory, why am I still condemned as a sinner?” (Romans 3:7)
Paul now uses the ‘sinner” label to justify yet another question from a man’s point of view when he argues one’s sin ultimately results in glory to God through His judgment. In fact it was never God’s intent to punish His children, but His hope we would abide by His commands with childlike love.
“8 Why not say—as we are being slanderously reported as saying and as some claim that we say—”Let us do evil that good may result”? Their condemnation is deserved.” (Romans 3:8)
Paul then uses a ridiculous analogy to break down the ‘glorification through sin’ argument used by the Jesuits. Though some good may in deed stem from sin, it is ignorant to believe sin is meant for God’s glory.
The truth is sin is not of God but of man, all sins are punished and all sinners are judged by a righteous, glorious God. Let us pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Paul,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
