Romans 3:1-8

Romans 3:1-8

Paul’s Response to the Accusations

Rom 3:1  What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?

Rom 3:2  Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.

Rom 3:3  For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?

Rom 3:4  God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

Rom 3:5  But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man)

Rom 3:6  God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world?

Rom 3:7  For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner?

Rom 3:8  And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.

  

1. The First Accusation: Paul Apposed People of Faith – vs. 1-2*
1. Paul’s opponents were claiming that he was Anti-Jewish and believed that all Jews are unsaved – vs. 1*
2. Paul’s response: – vs. 2*

                                                              i.      Part one: Being Jewish is not a bad thing.

1.      Deuteronomy 4:7-9 

                                                            ii.      Part Two: Circumcision is not a bad thing. (It should be an outward demonstration of God’s work within the heart)

1.      Leviticus 26:40-41 

2.      Deuteronomy 10:16 

3.      Deuteronomy 30:6 

                                                          iii.      Part Three: The Jews are to be praised because they have valued the words of God

1.      Psalm 147:19-20 

2. The Second Accusation: Paul Denied the Power of Faith – vs. 3-6*
1. Paul’s opponents were claiming that Paul was teaching that God was Unjust because He would not receive their true faith. – vs. 3*
2. Paul’s response: – vs. 4-6*

                                                              i.      Their accusation reveals the lies that were in their hearts – vs. 4*

1.      Because they were unrepentant of their sin they were making a mockery of God’s justice by elevating themselves above David, a man after God’s own heart. This is why Paul quotes from Psalm 51 here to demonstrate David’s humility through his repentance.

a.       Psalm 51:1-4

                                                            ii.      Because they were unwilling to judge themselves God was going to judge them. If it was unjust of God to judge them then God would be unable to judge anyone and his justice would be worthless. – vs. 5-6*

1.      1 Corinthians 11:27-32 

3. The Third Accusation (Was Pure Sander): Paul was not a Man of Faith – vs. 7-8*
1. Paul’s opponents were simply calling Paul a sinner
2. Paul’s response:

                                                              i.      The proof is in the product. His “lies” were bringing glory to God as thousand were coming to Christ. – vs. 7*

1.      God was being glorified by Paul’s preaching the true gospel

a.       Acts 17:10-12 

                                                            ii.      They recognized that their slander was evil, but they still believed good would come of it. Paul’s answer to this foolishness was simple, their damnation was just. – vs. 8*

1.      If we refuse to humble ourselves in repentance, we will find ourselves fighting the very work of God just as they were fighting Paul’s work

a.       Even Peter got sucked into this false Gospel and had to be rebuked by Paul.

                                                                                                                                      i.      Galatians 2:12-16