Having rebuked the Judaizers throughout the Roman Empire the apostle Paul now combines both Jews and Gentiles in one guilty ensemble to be judged before God.
Since the Jews will be judged separately from the Gentiles based on the Mosaic Law, it is safe to assume the Jews are likely to be held to a higher standard before God’s throne.
“9 What shall we conclude then? Are we any better? Not at all! We have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin.” (Romans 3:9)
Here Paul asks if Jews are better than Gentiles to which he concludes they are not, instead the people of Israel are very much the same as Gentiles separated from God by their sin.
Further more the Jews are in deed more susceptive to God’s judgment considering their lineage and relationship to Moses.
“10 As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one; 11 there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God.” (Romans 3:10-11)
Paul then quote Psalm 14 by which we are all made aware of the fact no one is righteous before God, that we are all sinners destined for judgment before the Lord. The apostle also mentions the unfortunate reality that all choose sin over God.
“12 All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.” (Romans 3:12)
By giving in to sin both Jews and Gentiles have proven ourselves worthless however because of God’s unconditional love and through His grace, all can be saved from eternal damnation.
“13 Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit. The poison of vipers is on their lips. 14 Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.” (Romans 3:13-14)
Paul cites more Psalms comparing the mouth of man to deceitful graves by which cursing and bitterness flows from our hearts. Both Jews and Gentiles have sinned against God in this way.
“15 Their feet are swift to shed blood; 16 ruin and misery mark their ways, 17 and the way of peace they do not know.” (Romans 3:15-17)
Those who succumb to their sinful nature find their legacy to be filled with hurt and suffering. Without God both Jews and Gentiles instinctively seek conflict rather than peace.
“18 There is no fear of God before their eyes.” (Romans 3:18)
From the dawn of time man has been blessed with the fear of God through knowledge. Here Paul quotes a Psalm of David through which he rebukes those who abandoned reverence and respect for God almighty.
“19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God.” (Romans 3:19)
Addressing the Jews, those under the law of Moses, Paul declares them responsible for the entire world’s accountability. Through the new covenant that is Christ Jesus, chosen by God the nation of Israel is called upon to advance the gospel and lead the lost to the gates of Heaven.
“20 Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.” (Romans 3:20)
Paul uses the law as a vehicle toward knowledge. Much like a road littered with trash, abiding by the law is littered with sin.
No one can expect the law to lead to righteousness since no one can keep the law instead, those in bondage to the law should use their knowledge to teach the truth, that the law is in fact a trap by which no one can be made righteous.
All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Both Jews and Gentiles will one day be held accountable for their sin and, rewarded for their works. Through the law Jews are shown they cannot be made righteous. Through the new covenant both Jews and Gentiles are made a promise of eternal life made possible through Jesus Christ. 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
