Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision? ² Much in every way. To begin with, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God. ³ What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God? ⁴ By no means! Let God be true though every one were a liar, as it is written, “That you may be justified in your words, and prevail when you are judged.” ⁵ But if our unrighteousness serves to show the righteousness of God, what shall we say? That God is unrighteous to inflict wrath on us? (I speak in a human way.) ⁶ By no means! For then how could God judge the world? ⁷ But if through my lie God’s truth abounds to his glory, why am I still being condemned as a sinner? ⁸ And why not do evil that good may come?—as some people slanderously charge us with saying. Their condemnation is just.

Romans 3: 1-8

Paul is not trying to nullify the Jews and their special-ness to God but he is trying to show them that their special-ness was for a purpose. He points out that the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God. They had the privilege to carry the word of God and live by it. Matthew Henry said, “Circumcision was like the Jews church membership and they were like the Christians’ library keepers, entrusted with that sacred treasure for their own use and benefit in the first place, and then for the advantage of the world.” They may not have been faithful to keep it but they were faithful with the task of preserving the scripture. We have the scriptures with us even now in 2022.

God is faithful! Regardless of men and what they say and do, He is faithful.

He is righteous and perfect in all of His ways and holy in all of His works. Paul is showing that it doesn’t matter what men do to try to discredit God or if they speak against Him. He will stand justified. His truth abounds to His glory! Some men may then say, “Well, if God’s truth works out for His glory then it doesn’t matter what I do, or if I sin.” Well, as we have seen and read, we will be judged and we will stand for what we do or say. Paul is saying here – that we cannot tarnish God by our sinfulness.

Our hearts quarrel against God because we do not understand God’s greatness. We make ourselves out to be foolish and proud men when we walk as if we do and without humility. If we choose to wrestle God, just know that He will win every time, and we will either be broken or changed for the better. So then it begs a question, Why do we freak out over men’s affairs and their blasting? Could we then settle once and for all: if God is righteous and true, and all striving of men and the sinful mess they might create; if it will eventually bring God glory by His righteous judgment, then why do we fight against and rail against what happens in this life? God is the judge of the world and let there be no doubt about it, His justice and equity will stand, for He is Sovereign over all.

Our problem is that we are impatient and think we have a right to see and enact justice in our own way! We also think we should be let off the hook for our sin because whatever we did wasn’t as bad as some other people who have sinned greater than we have. Just because God’s goodness abounds doesn’t mean we get away with anything. And Paul is sure to let us know that some accuse him of this kind of thinking. This is basically, a justification thought process that is similar to people calling those in the church hypocrites as a reason to get out of believing and being in need of Jesus. Either way, those who choose sinfulness for whatever reason won’t escape and none of the excuses will stand as good enough on that day when God will judge the deeds of men.

This is a hard saying but Paul is chipping away at any self-righteousness we might have.

The only standing I want to be found in is Christ!

Thanks for Listening,

Starla