Romans 3:1-20 Senior Pastor Alex Kennedy Paul continues his letter in Chapter 3 by handling Jewish objections to his teaching by using a diatribe, which means he set up a dialogue with his critics by posing questions and then answering them. Objection 1 – “Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the value circumcision?” (v1) In other words, “If my Jewishness doesn’t save me and circumcision is no guarantee, then what advantage is there to being a Jew and having the sign of circumcision?” For us today, it could be stated, “What advantage then is there in being baptized? Is there any advantage to being a member of Carmel Baptist Church?” Answer 1 – “Much in every way. To begin with, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God (The Old Testament).” God gave His Truth to the Jews instead of to another people group. They were entrusted with it. (Romans 9:4-5) Objection 2 – “What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God?” (v3) Answer 2 – “By no means! Let God be true though every one were a liar” (v4) “God is faithful to all His words – the ones that threaten judgment for disobedience as well as to the ones that promise blessing.” If, then, Paul implies, God judges Israel for her sins, He is still faithful, true, and just.” But this same faithfulness that also involved punishment for disobedience was conveniently forgotten. Objection 3 – “But if our unrighteousness serves to show the righteousness of God, what shall we say? That God is unrighteous to inflict wrath on us?” (v5) In other words, if my badness makes God look good, then how can God judge me for my badness? I’m a bad person. You’re saying we’re all bad, but all we’re doing is making God look really good… Answer 4 – “By no means! or then how could God judge the world?” (v6-8) Sinning like crazy so we will know grace like never before is bizarre thinking. There are no victimless sins. Every choice to do wrong harms someone. Sin grieves the heart of God, and it is an affront to His character. Sin separates the Creator from the creation He loves so dearly. Verses 10-12 show us we are worthless in terms of our spiritual good, but not in terms of our human worth. All humans are always valuable because the image of God cannot be erased, but it is marred by sin. Sin isn’t something we just do, it is something that affects every part of us – our mind, our will, our speech, our relationships. Like a disease, it’s spread through the whole system. (v 13-18) The law wasn’t given to justify us, but to silence us because it removes all boasting and exposes the depth of our guilt. The purpose of the law wasn’t to correct sin, but to reveal it. We must let the law do its work, and then run to Jesus Christ. He is the way, the Truth, and the life. God is going to change us, but it’s not going to be by the law. (Romans 1:16) Questions to Consider: Paul says God’s faithfulness is not nullified by human unfaithfulness (v. 3–4)? How does that encourage you in your own walk with God? In what ways do people still try to justify themselves by works, performance, or comparison? Where is this a challenge in your life? How does acknowledging our complete dependence on God’s grace change the way we see ourselves, others, and God? Read Romans 3:21-26 this week and focus on a verse each day so you can be ready for next Sunday!