God’s Judgment Defended
February 22, 2019
Commentary
The Scripture for the third chapter of Romans, tells how Paul defends the rightness of God’s ways, summarizes His verdict that all men are condemned sinners, and declares God’s remedy for the guild of mankind. The following are objections raised by the Jews and introduced by Paul:
1. Those who argued that right was wrong. (vv. 1-2)
2. Those who argued that wrong was right. (vv. 3-8)
Paul asks and answers three obvious questions that may be raised in his readers’ minds.
1. What advantage is there in being a Jew? (vv 1-2). He answers by saying there are many advantages, but the main one is that he has in his possession the Word of God. However, even in that privileged position the Jews were still unable to live up to God’s standard. If the Jews had an advantage, think of the advantage most of us have with all the Bibles we have.
2. Will Jewish unbelief cancel God’s faithfulness? (vv 3-4). Some Jews did not believe, they were unfaithful, as evidenced by their sinful conduct, but this in no way affected God’s faithfulness to His Word. In fact it only points out more vividly how God remains faithful, even though every man may be a liar. We can claim this Scripture today as we see Christians in high places falling into sin.
3. Since sin appears to benefit God, how could He turn around and judge sinners for their sin? (vv 5-8). We do not do evil that good may come of it. To even question that God is unfair in condemning sin is to blaspheme the very nature of God. God is just. He will judge men for their sins, and this could not be if sin was foreordained and predetermined.
Application
What advantages do I have in being brought up in this country and in my home? What are the advantages of being a Christian and possessing God’s Word?
Romans 3:1– 8 (NET)
1 Therefore what advantage does the Jew have, or what is the value of circumcision? 2 Actually, there are many advantages. First of all, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God. 3 What then? If some were unfaithful, their unfaithfulness will not nullify God’s faithfulness, will it? 4 Absolutely not! Let God be proven true, and every human being shown up as a liar, just as it is written: “so that you will be justified in your words and will prevail when you are judged.”
5 But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say? The God who inflicts wrath is not unrighteous, is he? (I am speaking in human terms.) 6 Absolutely not! For otherwise how could God judge the world? 7 For if by my lie the truth of God enhances his glory, why am I still actually being judged as a sinner? 8 And why not say, “Let us do evil so that good may come of it”?—as some who slander us allege that we say. (Their condemnation is deserved!)