“DOING THE RIGHT THING” “OBJECTION OVERRULED”

Services

Sunday
10:30 AM Worship Service

Wednesday
6:30 PM Bible Study

Feb. 05, 2023

“DOING THE RIGHT THING”

“OBJECTION OVERRULED”

ROMANS 3:1-8


Objection Overruled!


  1.   The Question Of Racial Advantage


Romans 3:1-2 “What advantage then has the Jew, or what is the profit of circumcision? 2Much in every way! Chiefly because to them were committed the oracles of God.”


“Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the benefit of circumcision?” In other words, “If God’s covenant with the descendants of Abraham (and those Gentiles who enter the same covenant by choice) doesn’t make them righteous, what was the point?”


Genesis 17:12-13 


Exodus 12:48-49


Paul explained that God’s covenant does not exempt anyone from judgment; however, it is an unequaled privilege.


What God is asking the lost sinner to do is to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and they shall be saved. And until a person answers that question, then God hasn’t anything else to say to them.


Now Paul answers the question: vs.2


The Jewish nation had many advantages: 


  • They were entrusted with God’s Law. Exodus 19-20


Deuteronomy 4:8 “And what great nation is there that has such statutes and righteous judgments as are in all this law which I set before you this day?”


*They were the race through whom the Messiah came to earth. (Isaiah 11:1-10, Matthew 1:1-17).


*They were the beneficiaries of covenants with God Himself.

(Genesis 17:1-16, Exodus 19:3-6).


Romans 3:9 “What then? Are we better than they? Not at all. For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin.”


2.   The Question Of Divine Faithfulness


Romans 3:3 “For what if some did not believe? Will their unbelief make the faithfulness of God without effect?”


In other words, “Does the failure of the Hebrew people to keep their end of the bargain prevent God from accomplishing His plan to save the world?”


Romans 3:4 “Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar. As it is written: “That You may be justified in Your words, And may overcome when You are judged.”


Paul quotes King David:


Psalm 51:4 “Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight— That You may be found just when You speak, And blameless when You judge.


Psalm 62:9 “Surely men of low degree are a vapor, Men of high degree are a lie; If they are weighed on the scales, They are altogether lighter than vapor.”


3.   The Question Of Confused Righteousness


Romans 3:5-6 “But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unjust who inflicts wrath? (I speak as a man.) 6Certainly not! For then how will God judge the world?”


God’s utterly righteous character is- and always has been- the standard. The Law merely illuminates and magnifies the target, leaving humankind with even less of an excuse for missing it. 


God cannot overlook sin. Sinners, no matter how many excuses they make, will have to answer to God for their sin:


Romans 7:7 “What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, “You shall not covet.” 


Job 34:17 “Should one who hates justice govern? Will you condemn Him who is most just?”


4.   The Question Of Twisted Logic


Romans 3:7-8 “For if the truth of God has increased through my lie to His glory, why am I also still judged as a sinner? 8And why not say, “Let us do evil that good may come”?—as we are slanderously reported and as some affirm that we say. Their condemnation is just.”


Romans 9:19-20 “You will say to me then, “Why does He still find fault? For who has resisted His will?” 20But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to him who formed it, “Why have you made me like this?” 


There is no victimless sins. Every choice to do wrong harms someone.


In regards to our possessions: Religion says “Keep it, proud of it, it is your reward for good behavior.”  Grace says “Share it, be grateful for it, it’s God’s to steward wisely.”


In terms of our actions: Religion says “Continually strive to earn God’s favor because enough is never quite enough.” Grace says “You already have God’s favor, His grace is sufficient.”


As you examine your life- how you handle your possessions, what drives your actions, how you regard yourself- which voice do you hear and listen to?