July 1, 2012
Evening Service

In chapter 2 we found that we need to very careful in how we look at others.  We are given no authority to judge anyone; in fact Jesus Himself told us straight out “Judge not.”  Our focus needs to be upon getting ourselves into the place that God through the Holy Spirit can use us to help others.

 

We found that God’s judgment will be based on truth, inescapable, and is delayed only because of His goodness.  It is that goodness that led us to repentance in the first place.  We chose to follow Jesus and will be rewarded with eternal life, glory and honor.  Those who choose their own path will receive indignation, wrath, tribulation, and anguish.

 

Our works are what we will be judged by.  We touched on the relationship of faith and works and will continue that tonight and in the studies to come.

 

Paul carries on a one way debate here, asking the questions that he knows will arise and also answering them for us.

 

Q-(Rom 3:1) Then what is the superiority of the Jew? Or what is the profit of circumcision?

 

Answer-(Rom 3:2) Much, by every way! Chiefly, indeed, because they were entrusted with the oracles of God.

 

Q-(Rom 3:3) For what? If some did not believe, will not their unbelief nullify the faith of God?

 

Answer-(Rom 3:4) Certainly not! But let God be true, and every man a liar; as it is written, "That You might be justified in Your sayings, and will overcome when You are judged."  (Psalms 51:4)

 

Q-(Rom 3:5) But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who inflicts wrath? (I speak as a man.)

·         He asks, if through our sins, and the redemption from them, God is glorified wouldn’t it be wrong for Him to  judge us for that?

 

 Answer-Rom 3:6-8  Certainly not! For then how shall God judge the world?  (7)  For if in my lie the truth has more abounded to His glory why am I still judged as a sinner?  (8)  And why not say, “Let us do evil that good may come;” as we are so slanderously reported and as some affirm that we say.  Their condemnation is just.

·         That question is still asked of Christians today.  If you know God will forgive you, then go ahead and do as you like.  Party all day Saturday and pray for forgiveness on Sunday.  That is not at all what the scriptures teach.

 

Q-Rom 3:9  What then? Are we better than them?

Answer-No, in no way; for we have before charged both Jews and Greeks that all are under sin,

 

Rom 3:10-18  as it is written: "There is none righteous, no not one;  (11)  there is none that understands, there is none that seeks after God."  (12)  "They are all gone out of the way, they have together become unprofitable, there is none that does good, no, not one."  (13)  "Their throat is an open grave, with their tongues they have used deceit, the poison of asps is under their lips;  (14)  whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness;"  (15)  "their feet are swift to shed blood;  (16)  destruction and misery are in their way,  (17)  and the way of peace they did not know."  (18)  "There is no fear of God before their eyes."

 

 

·         This is a collection of quotes from OT scripture that paints a picture of the depravity of mankind. Our disregard for God shows our flaws in our character, tongue and conduct. It is often quoted of William Jay that as he got older and his memory failed him; he could never forget two things; that “he was a great sinner and that Jesus Christ is a great Savior.”

 

Rom 3:19-23  But we know that whatever things the Law says, it says to those who are under the Law; so that every mouth may be stopped and all the world may be under judgment before God,  (20)  because by the works of the Law none of all flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law is the knowledge of sin.  (21)  But now a righteousness of God has been revealed apart from Law, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets;  (22)  even the righteousness of God through the faith of Jesus Christ, toward all and upon all those who believe. For there is no difference,  (23)  for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God,

·         Jesus Christ made all things “new.”  God’s new plan apart from the law is now in place for all of us (Jews and Gentiles).  We are all in the same predicament.  We have all sinned and fallen short of the perfection it takes to be right (righteous) in God’s eyes.  We are all in need of a Savior.

 

 

Rom 3:24-26 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus;  (25)  whom God has set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness through the passing by of the sins that had taken place before, in the forbearance of God;  (26)  for the display of His righteousness at this time, for Him to be just and, forgiving the one being of the faith of Jesus.

·         We are justified (just as if we had never sinned) by His grace (unmerited favor) through the blood of Christ who was sent to be a propitiation for our sins.  That means He not only paid the debt we owed for our sins, but did away with it completely.  (Gospel message)  Faith on our part is the only condition we must meet.  This action by Christ allows God to accept us (sinful as we are) into His presence without compromising His Righteousness (verse 26).

 

Rom 3:27-31  Then where is the boasting? It is excluded. Through what law? Of works? No, but through the law of faith.  (28)  Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the works of the Law.  (29)  Or is He the God of the Jews only, and not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also,  (30)  since it is one God who will justify circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.  (31)  Do we then make the Law void through faith? Certainly not! But we establish the Law.

·         The law demands perfection (no sin allowed).  The penalty for breaking the law must be paid.  That penalty is death.  Our death in no way justifies us before God, it is only justice being served.  The power of the Gospel message is that Christ took our sins upon Himself and paid the debt in full for us.  The laws demand for death has already been paid allowing us to be justified in God’s sight.  This establishes the law, not making it void.

 

Gal 3:24-28 So that the Law has become a tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.  (25)  But faith coming, we are no longer under a tutor.  (26)  For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.  (27)  For as many as were baptized into Christ, you put on Christ.  (28)  There cannot be Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is no male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

·         The law then has been used to teach us that we are in need of a Savior (Christ).   Our faith in Him justifies us and through baptism we are able to put on Christ and His Righteousness.

 

Phi 3:9 and be found in Him; not having my own righteousness, which is of the Law, but through the faith of Christ, the righteousness of God by faith,

 

·        In my hand no price I bring;  Simply to Thy cross I cling;  Naked, come to Thee for dress;  Helpless, look to Thee for grace;  Foul, I to the fountain fly; Wash me Savior, or I die.