Romans - Week 6

God Is True

READ

Romans 3:3-4

3 True, some of them were unfaithful; but just because they were unfaithful, does that mean God will be unfaithful? 4 Of course not! Even if everyone else is a liar, God is true. As the Scriptures say about him, “You will be proved right in what you say, and you will win your case in court.”

Paul was careful to distinguish between unfaithful people and the faithfulness of God. Even if everyone should lie; God remains true. Isaiah 65:16 refers to Him as the “God of truth.” As recorded in John 14:6, Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” In spite of others who may deny God exists and refuse to recognize His works, God remains true and tells the truth in the Bible, which is His God-breathed book.

REFLECT

Are you around some who deny God and live contrary to the Bible’s teaching? Take heart that the truth about God and His works are found in the Bible.

RESPOND

Read Psalm 89:1-2 and 2 Timothy 2:11-13 to focus on God’s faithfulness. Are you faithful in your commitments and relationships? As a believer, your faithfulness can reflect God’s faithfulness.

Entirely Fair

READ

Romans 3:5-6

5 “But,” some might say, “our sinfulness serves a good purpose, for it helps people see how righteous God is. Isn’t it unfair, then, for him to punish us?” (This is merely a human point of view.) 6 Of course not! If God were not entirely fair, how would he be qualified to judge the world?

People can twist God’s Word to make it say things never intended. If God’s righteousness is contrasted with sinfulness, they reason, God is glorified by the focus on His holiness if we sin. So some argued it is not fair for God to judge their sinfulness. In effect, Paul answers, “No, such thinking would mean God couldn’t judge anyone.” God is absolutely holy and just and can in complete fairness judge the world.

REFLECT

You need to carefully handle the Word of God. Be sure to read the larger passage around a particular verse to see the main meaning. Do not make it say things the passage does not say. Also, seek to understand and explain the Scriptures as to the meaning they had when written.

RESPOND

Read 2 Timothy 2:15 and 3:14-17 to see the instructions Paul gave Timothy about the Word of God. Are you helping your disciple in this regard?

The More We Sin

READ

Romans 3:7-8

7 “But,” someone might still argue, “how can God condemn me as a sinner if my dishonesty highlights his truthfulness and brings him more glory?” 8 And some people even slander us by claiming that we say, “The more we sin, the better it is!” Those who say such things deserve to be condemned.

Often Paul’s message of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus was not understood. People used human reasoning instead of taking God at His word. Not only did they not believe what Paul was saying, but they also slandered him with their false claims of what he was teaching. That salvation is by grace does not give anyone a license to sin. One saved in this way realizes everything is owed to the Lord Jesus and the person wants to do all possible to honor Him.

REFLECT

Think of your own situation. If you trusted in Jesus for salvation and realize He changed your eternal destiny from hell to heaven, do you want to sin or honor Him?

RESPOND

Read 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 to see what Paul prayed for believers. Pray the same for your friends who have trusted Jesus for salvation.

The Power of Sin

READ

Romans 3:9-12

9 Well then, should we conclude that we Jews are better than others? No, not at all, for we have already shown that all people, whether Jews or Gentiles, are under the power of sin. 10 As the Scriptures say, “No one is righteous—    not even one. 11 No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God. 12 All have turned away; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one.”

People usually want to compare themselves with others. The Jews were especially that way, thinking they were much better than those who did not have the law. Paul shows that everyone is under the condemnation of sin, whether he has the law or not. His statements leave no hope as he says, “No one is righteous . . . no one is seeking God . . . all have turned away . . . no one does good, not a single one.” This left no room for the Jew to boast that he was better than others who did not have God’s law.

REFLECT

No matter the country of your physical birth, you are the same as people the world over—no hope apart from trusting in Jesus for salvation. You have the privilege, however, of taking this good news of salvation to others, beginning with your family and friends.

RESPOND

Read John 3:16-18, verses that may be familiar to you. These verses present hope for believers, but sad news for those who have not trusted in Jesus for salvation. 

No Fear of God

READ

Romans 3:13-18

13 “Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave. Their tongues are filled with lies.” “Snake venom drips from their lips.” 14 “Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.” 15 “They rush to commit murder. 16     Destruction and misery always follow them. 17 They don’t know where to find peace.” 18 “They have no fear of God at all.”

Paul quotes from several Old Testament verses to show what God sees in sinful mankind. Total depravity does not mean people can never do anything good; it means that they can never do enough good to satisfy a holy God. He can only be satisfied as one turns to Him and away from evil. In all the sinfulness of lost mankind, “They don’t know where to find peace” (v. 17). Isaiah 48:22 records what the Lord says, “There is no peace for the wicked.”

REFLECT

What is the source of your peace? The only peace that is lasting is found in a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

RESPOND

Read Romans 5:1 that tells where true peace is found. Share this verse with others who may be struggling as they search for peace.