Bible Study: Romans 3:1-8

Romans 3:1-8 The Righteousness of God Upheld

1. The Jewish Advantage Remains (3:1-2)

• First of all, after focusing on circumcision of the heart in chapter two, Paul then lays out the anticipated questions regarding the value of being a Jew and Circumcision. (3:1)
  
• The Oracles of God and Circumcision are of value because, by the grace of God, the Jews were given the privilege of being entrusted with the Law and being defined as a holy people unto the Lord. (3:2) (MacArthur Romans Commentary 163-175)
  

2. The Unbelief of Jews does not nullify the faithfulness of God in His Promises (3:3-4)

• Secondly, Paul brings up the anticipated question of the lack of faith among Jews throughout their history and how that affects the faithfulness of God. (3:3)
  
• God keeps His Promises (3:4) (MacArthur Romans Commentary 163-175)
  

             A. "May it never be" that God does not keep His promises.  Even in the midst of unbelief, God will still make His plans known as He has already promised long ago. (3:4a)

             B. Let every man be found the liar and not God!  Man is the one in sin and not God. God is the very standard of Truth. (3:4b)

             C. God is justified in His Words and prevails when He is judged. (3:4c)

3. God is not unrighteous by inflicting wrath upon the unrighteousness (3:5-8)

• Thirdly, Paul levels the next question regarding a charge against God’s purity (MacArthur Romans Commentary 163-175).  Is God justified in His wrath if our unrighteousness demonstrates His righteousness? (3:5)
  
• Paul is adamant once again. May it never be!  Just because God’s grace is magnified in the midst of sin (Rom 5:20-21) doesn’t mean that man is justified in his sin.  Otherwise, how would God be able to judge the world?  He can and has already to some extent because He is just and upholds His justice (3:6)
  
• The charge is made personal with Paul’s own unrighteousness with regard to God’s glory.  This magnifies the foolishness of these charges against him. (3:7)
  
• Finally, we read Paul’s punch line. Those who would trump up a false accusation saying that we ought to do evil that good may come are justly condemned.  They are trying to attack Paul’s defense of the gospel, but in reality what they are trying to do is defend their own sinfully rebellious and unrighteous hearts. (3:8)
  
• We therefore must not let the freedom of the gospel be manipulated in our own lives so as to live a godless life; otherwise, we are just as condemned.