Session 4.7: January 16, 2026
Study session scripture: Romans 3:1-8
Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision? Much in every way. To begin with, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God. What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God? 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.” 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.) By no means! For then how could God judge the world? But if through my lie God's truth abounds to his glory, why am I still being condemned as a sinner? And why not do evil that good may come?—as some people slanderously charge us with saying. Their condemnation is just.
Study session topics:
The Unrighteousness of the Jews, concluded
Paul now responds to some anticipated objections to the arguments he has been making regarding the unrighteousness of the Jews
If the Jews are condemned by their sins just as the Gentiles are, and true Jews are Jews inwardly, what is the benefit of being an ethnic Jew?
Paul immediately responds that there is much benefit to being an ethnic Jew, because they were given the very words of God
The modern equivalent would be growing up in a Christian home and expecting to go to heaven on the basis of one's upbringing
Simple possession of God's Word and external connection to a favored nation is not sufficient to save one's soul
If God's covenant with Israel is unconditional, and many Jews live unfaithful lives and thus will not be saved, does this nullify God's promise to save Israel?
Paul immediately rejects this question and states emphatically that God's faithfulness is inviolable even though man is unfaithful
God's covenant with Abraham (Gen. 15:7-21)
This question takes the promises God made to Israel as a nation and erroneously attempts to apply them to individuals who have not laid hold of God's promises through salvation in Christ
The modern equivalent would be expecting to be saved on the basis of regular church attendance and belonging to a congregation because God promised to save His church
If our sins and faithlessness serve to emphasize God's righteousness and faithfulness, how can God judge us for making Him look good?
If this objection had any merit, God could not judge the world. Paul completely rejects the premise of the question because God will judge the world, so this accusation can be dispensed with
Paul's accusers charge him with teaching "cheap grace," i.e. if God's glory is further emphasized by my sin, and His mercy is further emphasized when He forgives me, then I should sin freely that God's grace may abound all the more
The Gospel does not promise forgiveness for premeditated sin. if we do not repent of our sin, but rather act as though God is forced to forgive us when we ask and thus we have God in a corner and can live as we please, we mock God and trivialize His holiness by overemphasizing His mercy, and we will meet a rude awakening at our judgment
Study session audio: