The Jew, then, who thinks that God is unjust and unfaithful when he makes promises to his people on the one hand, and then judges them for sin on the other, is sadly mistaken. Every time this book is opened, down through the centuries, these false conclusions will be read. God will, however, discipline us for our sin in the here and now, and we will lose reward at the final judgment (1 Cor 11:30; cf. It is a dogmatic refuting of the very idea. Before I move on, I want to make a very simple statement. Nonetheless, there were certain Jews who had accused Paul of actually teaching this doctrine. I have faced these false charges in elder meetings. And why not say (as we are slanderously reported and as some claim that we say), “Let us do evil that good may come”? Lest certain people conclude incorrectly, however, Paul turns his attention to this urgent question in 3:1-8. Many of us have been unspeakably blessed to be soundly taught the word of God. This includes blessing Israel as well as judging her, as the subsequent quotation from Ps 51:4 indicates (Ps 51:6 MT). Their condemnation is just (Romans 3:1-8). An enormous advantage has been afforded to you that other people have not had. “Some” refers to a portion of the Jews. Paul continues, “What shall we say?” (verse 5). C. God will be proven true and every man a liar for this is what Psalm 116:11 says (3:4). Paul has warned the Jew that his national identity would not get him anywhere with God unless he believes in Jesus Christ. This means that God is in no way unrighteous (ἄδικος, adikos) when he inflicts wrath (ἐπιφέρων τὴν ὀργήν, epipherōn tēn orgēn). Scripture: Romans 3:19–20. The final judgment will be according to the standard of the word of God. I understand that these are challenging verses. In my many years of ministry, I have had to address misunderstanding in public meetings involving the congregation in front of the entire church. Such an argument in God's moral universe is absurd to say the least. Paul answers this first objection, that he is being anti-Jewish, by saying that there is great advantage to being a Jew. In light of this, we should have the highest confidence in the word of God and how reliable are His words. That is reality, and anything that disagrees with the word of God is a lie from the pit of hell. Those who think they can lie and do evil in order that God’s glory might be enhanced and good may result deserve condemnation (3:7-8). 3. 3:7 For if by my lie the truth of God enhances to his glory, why am I still actually being judged as a sinner? This may indicate an oblique reference to Christ. It is hard to understand the demented thinking of the objectors in verses 1, 3, 5, and 7. He is anti-human responsibility." The expression there are many advantages (πολὺ κατὰ πάντα τρόπον, polu kata panta tropon) literally reads “much according to every way.” This does not mean that the Jew had advantages in every way without exception, since this interpretation would practically render 2:1-29 and the criticism there obsolete. It is not necessary to render this, with reference to in Romans 3… We often talk of hope as wishful thinking: “I hope it won’t rain”; “I hope I win the lottery”; “I hope my team wins the Super Bowl” but Paul’s concept of hope in Romans is different. At this time, the Aztecs never had the gospel preached to them. With some of the questions, he is simply anticipating what they are thinking. Answer: “No condemnation” can be defined in courtroom language. But now speaks of the newness of God’s work in Jesus Christ – it really is a New Covenant. The judgment and condemnation of sinners is perfectly just. Biblical Commentary (Bible study) Romans 12:1-8 EXEGESIS: ROMANS 12:1-2. Q. However, this exposure to the truth does give you a great advantage, because you now know what is required to be saved. We are not the only ones to be taught the truth, but it is rare. Paul can anticipate that people are going to misconstrue that he is against the Jew. I have faced accusations in deacon meetings. Some, however, argue that the Jews are in view only through verse 4a. Philippians 1:18. What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision? Will their infidelity nullify the fidelity of God? He has made it clear that it is only a symbol and sign of salvation. This is one of those passages that is challenging to understand. 3:4 The answer to Paul’s question in v. 3 comes in v. 4: it is an emphatic “absolutely not.” There is no way possible for the unbelief of the Jews to nullify or render inoperative the faithfulness of God. The implication is that the glory of his righteousness is realized in ways it otherwise would not be. Paul would not waste eight versus in the book of Romans to talk about something that is superfluous. Heb 2:2). Therefore, we regard 3:1-8 as dealing with Jews. In verses 7 and 9, Paul addressed some slanderous charges that had been brought against him. Rom 3:21; 7:6, 12; 13:8-10). As we live our Christian lives, we must resist being squeezed into the mindset of this world. The belief that God is unrighteous because he punishes us for sin—sin which enhances his truthfulness and glory—is false for it renders impossible the judgment of the world and leads to the just condemnation of those who argue: “Let us do evil that good may result” (3:5-8)! It does not matter what the majority of people say on any moral issue. But Also Understand God’s Faithfulness and How He Judges Unbelief and Sin (3:3-8), A. A Lasting Legacy: Choosing A Wife For Isaac (Gen. 24:1-67). b. Much in every way. Or what is the benefit of circumcision? The darker the velvet backdrop, the more the diamond sparkles. Then it follows that he is teaching people to sin. I have faced them all my life. In verse 3, the second objection is stated in the form of two more questions. Every promise will come to pass. In short, though his denuinciation was severe in 2:1-29, the apostle nonetheless says that there are benefits for those who are God’s chosen people; there is value (ἡ ὠφέλεια, hē ōpheleia; cf. A. As his coffin entered the vast building, the choir sang an anthem composed for the occasion. This was obviously important enough that it finds itself permanently recorded in the book of Romans. Home >> Bible Studies >> Romans Studies >> Romans 3:1-20 These small group studies of Romans contain outlines, cross-references, Bible study discussion questions, and applications. He asks, “Or what is the benefit of circumcision?” (verse 1). Romans 3:3 f. ; For how? Man will not be judged by what men say. B. They were drawing wrong conclusions based upon the truth that was being taught. 4. “We” refers to the imaginary objector. What advantage then hath the Jew?--that is, "If the final judgment will turn solely on the state of the heart, and this may be as good in the Gentile without, as in the Jew within, the sacred enclosure of God's covenant, what better are we Jews for all our advantages?" What shall we say if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God (3:5)? Third, the certainty of the wrath of God. That was a question in the first century that needed to be addressed, because the generation in the day of Paul was also lost. I never even implied that. To begin with, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God. Paul has just belabored that circumcision does not save the Jew. Then parenthetically, Paul says, "I am speaking in human terms," meaning human logic. They falsely accused him based upon what he taught. In fact, he answers so abruptly that he does not even want to honor the bad assumption. and Ph.D. from Dallas Theological Seminary. Jan 22, 2020 Mar 27, 2020 by Editor in Chief. The Ministry of Steven J. Lawson. 3:6 Absolutely not! So wrote Stephen Jay Gould, the eminent Harvard paleontologist, professor of geology, and ardent evolutionist in Discover magazine in 1982. People were not correctly assimilating his teaching. As I have studied the Bible, I have found that sometimes it is passages like this, which appear to be the most oblique and obscure, that yield the greatest blessings. Paul is going to address this anti-Jewish accusation in verses 1-2. He said in Romans 3:22 that there is no difference in this regard between Jews and Greeks. John Piper Mar 14, 1999 222 Shares Sermon. Indeed, most did not believe God. May it never be! We are not to think for one minute that even though our sin demonstrates the infinite righteousness of our perfect God that we are therefore excused in some way from judgment or have thus been given license to sin. Paul refers here to the righteousness of God (θεου~ δικαιωσύνην, theou dikaiōsunēn). In our churches we need to ensure that we are not excusing sin under the pretense of grace. He knew what they were thinking, and tried to answer their questions based upon what he had previously written. Does debt affect giving in modern times in light of the Israelite tithe and slaves? First of all, they have been entrusted with the very words of God. PRESENT YOUR BODIES A LIVING SACRIFICE 1Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable (Greek: euareston—well-pleasing) to God, which is your spiritual (Greek: logiken—rational, genuine, true) service (Greek: latreian—service). These two passages serve as bookends around this first section that both starts and concludes on the wrath of God. We see in these verses that the condemnation of the unbeliever is just. God considered it a trust and took the risk to give Israel a revelation of himself and his purposes. Salvation is received as God says it is to be received. ... Romans 8:18(NASB) Verse Thoughts. She is more precious than rubies, and all the things that thou canst desire a… He is raising the questions that he anticipated were on the minds of many of his readers. Most of you in this room go to churches were there is a pastor who stands up with an open Bible and reads the text, explaining and applying it. Some were accusing him of being anti-Jewish based upon what he said in chapter 2. a 3 What if some were unfaithful? There are many advantages to being a Jew including the fact that they have been entrusted with the oracles of God (3:2). There are people who do not think well. God must be true, though every human being is a liar, * as it is written: In fact, this state of affairs actually proves that God is true and that men are liars. But Paul certainly never taught this. We need to know and believe what God says. It also entails the idea of leaders carrying out church discipline in a loving and impartial way. The following are sermons and messages Dr. Steven J. Lawson delivered through various the books of the Bible. Equipping and energizing a new generation of Bible expositors. He returns to it in Romans 3:5-6. (I am speaking in human terms.) Yet it is not hypothetical. He is anti-missions. But merely knowing the gospel in the head does not make anyone a Christian. The point of v. 4 is that David admits he is a sinner against God and therefore God is proved right when he speaks and justified when he judges. The Grand Truth, however, is that Scripture and God have the last word. Even if our sin demonstrates the righteousness of God, he is not unjust to inflict wrath on us (3:5-6). I have faced them in the parking lot as I step into my car after church. You Have Received the Word of God (3:2), II. Every teacher can be subject to false conclusions that his hearers may draw. This refers to the message of the gospel and the way of salvation that was made known in the Scripture. Second, the reliability the word of God. They jump to wrong conclusions irrationally based upon what I have said. These people have so perverted what Paul has taught in chapters 1 and 2 that it is hard to grasp the twisted thinking of these questions. The apostle continues, “let God be found true, though every man be found a liar” (verse 4). The term true (ἀληθής, alēthēs) means that God will act consistently with what he has said he will do. What advantage is it that you went to a Christian school, if that does not put you in the kingdom of God? Scripture: Romans 3:9–18. Surely Einstein would know a simple fact that every schoolchild was required to memorize. 3:1-8 The law could not save in or from sins, yet it gave the Jews advantages for obtaining salvation. There are always listeners who can run ahead of you and wrongly assume that you must be saying what you do not mean to imply. She is more precious than rubies, and all the things that thou canst desire are not to be compared to her.’”. Romans 1:1–2. For otherwise, how will God judge the world? It’s text, from the book of Proverbs, may stand as the most fitting testimony to Darwin’s greatness: ‘Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and getteth understanding. It is bizarre how people can take Paul’s teaching and draw bizarre conclusions. By no means! Ultimately, on the day of wrath, when he calls all men to give an account, the truth of his righteous character will become universally known (Rom 14:10; Heb 4:13). If we have trusted in him (3:21-26) we are saved and saved eternally (Rom 8:38-39). Does that, therefore, mean that the word of God has failed? Their condemnation is just. The apostle Paul was facing these same challenges. Please use these sermons to dig deeper into God's Word as your faith is strengthened. But if through my lie the truth of God abounded to His glory, why am I also still being judged as a sinner? This is perhaps the central truth of Romans 3:1-8: “Let God be proven true!” Let God have the last word! So here at the beginning of one of the most difficult to comprehend and expound oracles of God in all of Scripture, Romans 3:1-8, we are reminded by God that having the oracles of God entrusted to us in a Book is a great thing. They were thinking, “If God's righteousness is demonstrated in man's unrighteousness, how can God be righteous to pour out judgment?” How can man be held responsible in the judgment? II. If some did not believe, their unbelief will not nullify the faithfulness of God, will it?” (verse 3). Why am I still judged as a sinner when my lie enhances the glory of God (3:7)? Interpreting Romans 4:1-8: The Theological and Exegetical Contribution of Psalm 32 Thomas R. Schreiner The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Louisville, Kentucky Introduction When we consider the meaning of Rom 4:1-8, it is evident that the OT plays a vital role. ROMANS CHAPTER 3: FAITH AND THE JUDGMENT OF GOD • Previous • Romans Lessons List • Next Beloved Heavenly Father, Through the miracle of our baptism You have, through water and the power of God the Holy Spirit, circumcised our hearts of stone and placed within us a heart that beats in union with the heart of our most beloved Savior, Jesus. As his coffin entered the vast building, the choir sang an anthem composed for the occasion. In verses 1-8, there is a back-and-forth dialogue, much like the volley of a tennis match. Further, Dr. Lawson serves as the Executive Editor for Expositor Magazine published by OnePassion Ministries. He introduces “hope” in the story of Abraham’s faith (Romans 4:18), and develops the concept in chapter 5. You are a privileged person. But now: These words provide the most glorious transition from the judgment of Romans 3:20 to the justification of Romans 3:21. i. Neither did the Eskimos. It is commonly assumed that Paul is here using the ‘diatribe’ style of contemporary philosophers. Moreover, he is Professor of Preaching and oversees the Doctor of Ministry program at The Master’s Seminary, where he also serves on its board. In the Greek language, these words are me genoito, which is the strongest, most emphatic “no.” There was no stronger negative denial in the Greek language. The answer is: The people who are asking these questions. Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. It was the intention of God that Israel was to take the saving message of the gospel to the world. Hell is a real place that will go on forever. Idea: Privilege and Responsibility—Twin Pillars Undergirding a Healthy Christian Perspective, I. Let every man be found a liar who disagrees with God. Instead, he lays the condemnation at their feet. You are in a very privileged place, in that you have access to the Bible. This could be translated, "No way!” or “Not at all!" This is undoubtedly due to his treatment of the Law and the feeling that if one does away with the Law—like Paul had supposedly done—then sin will run rampant. Much in every way! You are in a privileged place. This is where Paul began this opening section in Romans 1:18. All that God has said is true. He wished to be buried in his beloved village, but the sentiment of educated men demanded a place in Westminster Abbey beside Isaac Newton. This is the first objection that Paul answers. God's Righteousness Upheld - Then what advantage has the Jew? 3:1-2 In 2:1-29 Paul criticizes the Jew for his misunderstanding of circumcision and for his arrogant hypocrisy. “Justified” means ‘to be proven to be right.’ Paul is saying that God's authoritative word will prevail in judgment on the last day. 3:3 Paul now asks a question: If some Jews did not believe, will their unbelief nullify God’s faithfulness? Scripture: Romans 3:1–8. Romans 3:7 But if the truth of God through my lie abounded unto his glory, ... moved with indignation, broken off the sentence in the middle. 1. Even the choice of Scripture in the anthem is ironic: Proverbs, and the pursuit of wisdom. May it never be! What Does Romans 8:18 Mean? First of all, that they were entrusted with the oracles of God. Or what is the value of circumcision? Simply going to a Bible-teaching church does not automatically put you in Christ. It is unlikely in this context that he is referring to God’s saving activity which formed part of the meaning in 1:17. All that matters is what God has to say. The more these people repeat their wrong views about Paul’s teaching, the more they drift further away from what he actually said. In an initial reading of Romans 3:1-8, this is a question and answer session with the apostle Paul. Next, Paul quotes from the Old Testament to make his point. There are two questions that Paul raises in each of these verses. This one is not an imaginary objection, as we will see in verse 8. God will be proven true and every man a liar (3:4). But Einstein wasn’t joking. For … Continue reading "Commentary on Romans 5:1-8" This is the opening portion of Paul’s conclusion to the letter to the Romans, the introduction to the moral instruction that follows from the theological presentation of the first part of the letter. The best understanding of the expression here in 3:5 is as a reference to the perfect moral character of God, his perfect holiness. ``there is not a word in the law "weak", or broken; wherefore when thou considerest and observest it, that thou dost not find it strong, as an hammer that breaks the rocks, ( awh Knym avlx yaw) , "but if weak, it is of thyself". Perhaps you have been favored to have grown up in a Christian family with Christian parents. Here the point is not simply that God’s righteousness is demonstrated by my unrighteousness, but rather that my lying or falsehood enhances (ἐπερίσσευσεν, eperisseusen; lit. We must remember that even if the entire world is unanimous about a matter, God alone holds the truth. This is what people are actually saying as they slander Paul and falsely accusing him of teaching a contorted view of man’s sin enlarging God’s glory. Here is the application, the “so what.” I have already said it, but I want to make sure we get it. Here are my notes… He is simply saying the Jew has an advantage that the Egyptians, Babylonians, Assyrians, and many Roman citizens did not have until the gospel finally reached them. Man is what God says man is. It does not matter what man says. In other words, if a person is going to argue that their sin enhances God’s glory, then why not do more evil so that good (τὰ ἀγαθά, ta agatha; i.e., the realization of God’s glory) may be even more abundant? God Is Faithful and True No Matter What (3:3), III. This tells us that every teacher of the word can be easily misconstrued in what he says. This has been in response to false accusations that were brought against me regarding things I taught that were misinterpreted. It is an important truth for us to remember. Please leave your own comment so that we can all learn from one another. The God who inflicts wrath is not unrighteous, is he? We Belong Together Sin, in the singular, is a power in Paul’s thought. [Study questions on the text have been added here.] I have certainly faced that. 1 * What advantage is there then in being a Jew? In Psalm 51 David humbly cries out to God for forgiveness because of his sin with Bathsheba. He can hear this objector say, “The God who inflicts wrath is not unrighteous, is He?” (verse 5). That is a part of the Abrahamic covenant. We should all ask ourselves these questions. 3:3 What then? It is being opened and explained to you. Then, as they talk among themselves, they exasperate their misunderstanding, moving them further away from the truth. Romans 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. Paul has nothing more to say, other than to turn them over to God. Hell is not air-conditioned. (I am speaking in human terms.) That is the first objection Paul addresses. He is raising the questions that he anticipated were on the minds of many of his readers. God always administers an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. Although there may be times when I have not taught with clarity, there nevertheless are people who do not listen well to what I have said. You need to thank God that in the goodness of His providence He has given you access to churches and Bible studies where the truth is being made known to you. How many feet are there in a mile? The apostle can easily anticipate that the believers in Rome are jumping to a wrong conclusion about what he has previously written. To the utter astonishment of the student, Einstein replied, “I don’t know.” The student was sure the great professor was joking. 2:25) to circumcision. In this passage, Paul will raise eight questions. All that matters is what does God say. This could be translated “Nonsense!” or “God forbid!” Paul explains why this is a wrong conclusion to draw, “For otherwise, how will God judge the world?” (verse 6). The implication in the above argument is that Paul is still dealing with the Jews in 3:1-8. Paul is, in essence, quoting them. Great in every respect. In an initial reading of Romans 3:1-8, this is a question and answer session with the apostle Paul. That is the track that Paul is on. Greg is currently serving as Project Director for KnowingGod.org. Romans 3:3 NASB. God’s Faithfulness in the Midst of Jewish Unfaithfulness (3:3-4), A. The fact that God does not automatically bless circumcision does not mean that there is no value in being a Jew for the Jews have indeed been blessed, having receiving the very oracles of God (3:1-2). [For] in the first place, they were entrusted with the utterances of God. What a privileged, small, little plot of land in which we find ourselves. You are the tip of the iceberg, and the whole rest of the human race is submerged below water level. 1, 2. The comprehension of these verses is not laying on the surface. With every conversion, they are moving further and further away from the sound teaching that Paul was actually giving. 3:1 Therefore what advantage does the Jew have, or what is the value of circumcision? Heb 12:1-11). L et’s take a close look at Romans chapter 3 and study it together and add some personal commentary to it. Their condemnation is deserved!). The first part of the verse is a rejoinder to the objection outlined in the previous verse. Question: "What does it mean that there is no condemnation in Christ (Romans 8:1)?" For otherwise how could God judge the world? What if some were unfaithful? 3:4 Absolutely not! In like manner, the darker the sin, the more it causes the glory of God to shine more brightly. Likewise ironic is that his final wishes were not honored and he was buried within the church. The point that Paul is making, rather, is that the Jew had advantages in many different kinds of ways. God speaks truth in His word. i.e., Well then, how stands the case? CHAPTER 3. For example, the apostle says, of first (πρῶτον, prōton) importance, they have been entrusted with the oracles of God (ἐπιστεύθησαν τὰ λόγια τοῦ θεοῦ, episteuthēsan ta logia tou theou). He cannot stop the rumor mill concerning what people are saying behind his back. Paul says that even the king of Israel, David himself, who enjoyed an excellent overall reputation in first century Judaism, had to be judged for his sin. Verse 1 begins with the word “then,” which means that what follows is in response to what Paul has previously said. Merely being a Presbyterian does not get you into the kingdom of God. Using this challenge-response structure, Paul clarifies that being Jewish and circumcised still comes with great advantages. Answers to Objections. In these verses, we learn that Paul could be easily misunderstood in what he has taught about the Jews. If some did not believe, does their unbelief nullify the faithfulness of God? An anecdote survives about Albert Einstein. After all, it seems as if Paul just got finished saying in 2:1-29 that there is no advantage whatsoever. He says the advantage in being a Jew is “great in every respect" (verse 2). It finally reaches the point that they actually slander the teacher because they have gotten so far away from what his words actually were. The expression might also include the Law of Moses which would place Paul in agreement with the Jew who says that in the law “we have the essential features of knowledge and truth” (2:20). The overall point of the verse, though the Greek is somewhat tangled seems fairly clear enough. For God Will Judge People as Sinners (3:7-8). Dr. Lawson hosts The Institute for Expository Preaching in cities around the world. Since the Jew is just as guilty as the Gentile (2:1-5; 17-23) and cannot simply appeal to the token of circumcision to secure immunity from judgment (2:24-29), the question might reasonably be asked—with the intention of impugning God’s character and plan—what advantage is there, then, in being a Jew or what is the value of circumcision? He knows human nature and knows that people will think he is arguing against the righteousness of God. In total, there will be eight questions and four answers. Is just ” ( verse 2 ) Shares Sermon of his sin with.! Serve as bookends around this first objection, that they were entrusted the. Sunday, May 26 ” which means that what follows is in response to false conclusions his... The even-number verses, which is a New Covenant in modern times in light of the gospel and whole. Are the tip of the verse, though every man be found a liar disagrees. Problem and require the same solution, Christ ’ s written word as judging her, as will. 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