Sunday AM Series: Romans

Pastor Joel Santti: Romans 3:1-31

What advantage then...?

Verse 1 asks the question which frames the rest of the chapter: What advantage then has the Jew?
-They are God's chosen people.
-Given the word (oracles) of God (v. 2).
-But time and again, they rejected Him.

Verses 3-4 underscore the fact that unbelief doesn't change the truth of God: let God be true, but every man a liar.

In verses 5-8, God's judgments are seen as true and righteous (see Psa. 19:9).

Verse 9 confirms that all, regardless of ethnicity, gender, or social status, are under sin.

Verses 10-12 flesh the above point out: There is none righteous...There is none that understandeth...there is none that seeketh after God...there is none that doeth good.

To illustrate, Paul examines humankind's conversation in verses 13-14.

Verses 15-18 indict humankind's conduct.

Verses 19-20 render God's judgment through the law: and all the world may become guilty before God.

But...verses 21-23 declare how God's righteousness through faith in Christ can reverse the guilty "verdict".

Key words to look for in verses 24-26: justification, redemption, and propitiation- all results of Christ's finished work.

Verses 27-28 show that it isn't by individual acheivement (boasting), but faith that justifies.

Verses 29-31 point to the law's fulfillment (completion).