Bobservations' Column
Titled - "Chosen People"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz
Chapter 3 begins with the question: “What advantage then hath the Jew?” If there is no difference between Gentile behaviors and Jewish, then were the Jews chosen for naught? On the contrary, God chose them for multiple reasons.
Abram the Gentile from Ur of the Chaldees lived near the Persian Gulf (Genesis 11:31). Like Mary, espoused to Joseph, there was something special about his lineage. Mary and Abram were of the same bloodline, and following that bloodline through the genealogies of the scriptures, we are brought to the Savior of His own Creation, Jesus Christ. Notables of that bloodline included Kings and Princes, as well as harlots and ordinary folks.
God’s knowledge of all things brings that bloodline directly back to Adam in the Garden of Eden. 1 Corinthians 15:47 says, “The first Adam is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven." (Adam was the first man, and the second came from heaven. [NLT]). We see then that God had a plan from the very beginning. Ecclesiastes 7:8 - “Better is the end of a thing, than the beginning thereof; and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.” This “thing” that the scripture speak of is God’s plan for salvation.
Mankind is impatient. Our Father in heaven has more patience than is in the world. It is timeless and without limit. The Savior was born, and some day, the Jews and everyone, will acknowledge that truth, as it is written:
“And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.” - Zechariah 12:10
Bobservations' Column: Audio Version
Sunday Morning Audio Message:
Romans 3:1-10 - "Chosen People"
Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:
This morning, we will be looking at the first ten verses of Romans chapter 3.
Whether Jew or Gentile, male or female, young or old, rich or poor, most people delight to think of themselves as worthy in the sight of God and of greater merit than other people. Most consider themselves deserving of heaven and that they are a little more principled, and a little more virtuous than the rest of humanity.
But Paul outlines God's condemnation of the intent of man's heart. He details in sober terms the inner thoughts of man's mind and he records in stark language what God thinks of man's actions, man's attitudes, man's words, and fallen man's sinful state: "As it is written, there is none righteous, no, not even one."
God's declaration of the whole of humanity is GUILTY. Guilty before God. Measured against the goodness of God, humanity stands condemned. When compared with the righteousness of Christ Jesus our Lord, the whole world is guilty before God.
This chapter delves deeper into the themes of sin, righteousness, and justification. Paul addresses both Jewish and Gentile audiences, dismantling any notion of inherent superiority based on heritage or law observance. This chapter is pivotal in laying the foundation of the doctrine of justification by faith, central to Christian theology.
Paul begins by considering the advantages of being Jewish, acknowledging that the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God (Romans 3:1-2). This privilege highlights the special relationship between the Jewish people and God, given their role in preserving and transmitting His revelations.
Anticipating objections, Paul addresses a hypothetical question about the faithfulness of God in light of Jewish unbelief (Romans 3:3-4). He affirms that God’s faithfulness is not nullified by human unfaithfulness. God remains just and His words true, even if every human were a liar, as David says in the Psalms (Psalm 51:4), emphasizing that God’s righteousness in judgment stands apart from human sinfulness.
Paul quotes a series of Old Testament passages to prove that both Jews and Gentiles are under the power of sin (Romans 3:9-18). These verses from Psalms and Isaiah paint a grim picture of humanity’s moral state.
We will learn that no one can be justified apart from God. It is only through faith in Jesus Christ that we are saved.
Sunday Morning Audio Message:
Key Words and Definitions with Reference:
Oracles (3:2) - The Greek word is logion, a smaller form of the common NT word logos, which is normally translated "word." These are important sayings or messages, especially when referring to God's Word.Paul is using the word to encompass the entire Old Testament that the Jews received, the very words of the true God (Deuteronomy 4:1, 2; 6:1, 2; cf. Mark 12:24; Luke 16:29; John 5:39). The Jews had a great advantage in having the Old Testamen, becuase it contained the truth about salvation (2 Timothy 3:15) and about the gospel in its basic form (Galatians 3:8). When Paul said, "reach the Word" (2 Timoth 4:2), he meant the "oracles of God" (1 Peter 4:11) recorded in Scripture.
Shall Their Unbelief (3:3) - Unbelief has no bearing on God's faithfulness. Many people reject God's Word claiming that the Bible has been disproven by modern science and reason. They are deceived! God's Word has been forever settled in heaven and will endure forever according to Psalm 119:89, 160, even after this present earth has passed away (Matthew 24:35). God's revealed Word is absolute truth, and will judge all unbelievers in the last day.
Faithfulness of God (3:3) - God will fulfill all the promises He made to the nation, even if individual Jews are not able to receive them because of their unbelief.
Faithfulness of God (3:3) - God will fulfill all the promises He made to the nation, even if individual Jews are not able to receive them because of their unbelief.
Every Man A Liar (3:4) - If all mankind were to agree that God had been unfaithful to His promises, it would only prove that all are liars and God is true.
I Speak As A Man (3:5) - Paul is paraphrasing the weak, unbiblical logic of his opponents.
Judge (3:6) - A major theme of Scripture (Genesis 18:25; Psalm 50:6; 58:11; 94:2), here it probably refers to the great future day of judgment. Paul's point is that if God condoned sin, He would have no equitable, righteous basis for judgment.
Slanderously Reported (3:8) - Tragically, the apostle's gospel message of salvation by grace through faith alone had been perverted by his opponents, who argued it provided not only a license to sin, but outright encouragement to do so (5:20; 6:1, 2).
Are We Better . . .? (3:9) - "We" probably refers to the Christians in Rome who would receive this letter. Christians do not have an intrinsically superior nature to all those Paul has shown to stand under God's condemnation.
All Under Sin (3:9) - The important passage from Romans 3:9-23 should make it clear to everyone that there is no one who is righteous enough before a holy God to earn his own salvation. If anyone wishes ever to be saved and to receive eternal life, he must first of all recognize himself as a guilty sinner before God - in fact, dead spiritually, in trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1). Some liberal pastors, counselors and evangelists seem inclined to bypass this essential point in trying to enlist converts, and this is a dangerous, soul-destroying error.
All Under Sin (3:9) - The important passage from Romans 3:9-23 should make it clear to everyone that there is no one who is righteous enough before a holy God to earn his own salvation. If anyone wishes ever to be saved and to receive eternal life, he must first of all recognize himself as a guilty sinner before God - in fact, dead spiritually, in trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1). Some liberal pastors, counselors and evangelists seem inclined to bypass this essential point in trying to enlist converts, and this is a dangerous, soul-destroying error.
As it is Written (3:10) - The common introduction to Old Testament quotations. The tense of the Greek verb emphasizes continuity and permanence, and implies its divine authority.
