Romans 3 A Advantage

ROMANS 3A ADVANTAGE
ROMANS 3:1-8
Introduction:   
I am sure that as I look out across here tonight I realize that most of us were born and raised in church. 
We have an advantage over those who were not raised in church.
We might even think that we have an extra star in our crown.
We might feel that we are just a tad bit better than the next guy.
We will just see about that. 
We begin in Romans 3 tonight.
Paul uses that word advantage right at the start of chapter 3.
We will look at what Paul has to say then make application. 

I.    Paul’s questions for the Jews?

A.    Do you have an advantage because you are a Jew  is Paul’s first question.
We know that Paul was sent to the Jews first.
However they rejected the gospel of Jesus Christ so he was then sent to the Gentile.
That transition must be playing a part in Paul’s writing here.
You wear the badge proudly.
What is behind that badge?
Does that badge have value?
Where will that badge get you?

B.    What value is there in circumcision?
He asks about the same question about circumcision.
He already addressed that in chapter 2;25 where he says circumcision has value if you observe the law.
Paul adds at the conclusion of chapter 2 that the greatest value of circumcision is when it is of the heart and not a physical ritual. 

C.    He answers the questions with much.
He says much in every way.
The first and the most powerful advantage is that they have been entrusted with the very words of God.
That reference certainly appears to be referring to the OT Scriptures.
Here is a people who have heard directly from God, received the law of God, was given many, many promises from God.
Yes that is an advantage.

II.    Paul talks about the impact of their lack of faith and acceptance of the work of God.

A.    There are many with a lack of faith.
That is very obvious.
The crucifixion
The rejection of the message of Jesus in the earlier parts of Acts.
Their rejection of Paul’s message to them.
Their lack of faith is causing problems.

B.    But God is faithful.
Paul asks a couple of more questions about their faith.
What if some don’t have faith?  We addressed that is certainly true.
Will their lack of faith nullify God’s faithfulness?
Does their lack of faith impact God’s faithfulness?
No!!  Paul says not at all.  2 different stronger translations are given for this.  Far from it and God forbid.
Man’s lack of faithfulness far from impacts the faithfulness of God.
God forbid that man’s lack of faith impact God’s faithfulness.   
Men may very well have a tendency to say since the men of God are not faithful God must not be faithful.
That is the furthest from the truth.  
Paul says even if every man does not have faith and is a liar God will still be true and faithful.
Paul adds to this conversation as it is written.
That is referencing Psalms 51.
Paul is saying that God is the judge and how He chooses to judge is right.     David knew he was wrong in Psalms 51 and was confessing.  The Jews do not appear to be understanding that they are wrong  and that God will be right and just in judging them. 

C.    God brings the right out in spite of our wrong.
God is able and willing to carry out His will in spite of man’s actions.
Verse 5 brings out a contrast.
The darkness, our unrighteousness, appears to make the light shine brighter.
Light is going to look brighter in the darkness. 
My headlights look brighter at night than in the day.
Paul adds would man insinuate that God is wrong in bringing wrath on us for our wrong. 
Paul is using a human argument.
Human thinking can be so far off.  So why if my bad makes God look good I am judged for being a sinner. 
Paul expands the thought in verse 6 and 7. 
Why don’t we just say let’s do evil so good may result? 
Paul is really saying no.
Condemnation of bad is deserved.

III.    Application to today.

A.    Paul could be writing to us.
He could be writing to believers.
He could be writing to the church.
He is not but we can make a comparison.

B.    Advantage
Have you ever met a Christian who thought he had an advantage over the next guy? 
I am sure we have met a few.
Not in or near Hollentown though I am sure.
We like the Jews have an advantage.
We have heard the Word from little up.
We have sit in church.
We know the right things to say and do.   

C.    We are like the Jews.
We have a tendency to let our name and heritage carry us.
We can try to slide by.
We can slack off a bit because we know it.
We can give God a bad name once or twice.

D.    What might Paul share with us about that?
We can not stop the faithfulness of God.
We know that all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord.
And yes we too should not do evil that good my come. 
The end does not justify the means.
I am reminded of the statement in the Word that to whom much is given much is required.
Luke 12: 47-48  “The servant who knows the master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what the master wants will be beaten with many blows. 48 But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.
We can’t let our knowledge puff us up.
We need to use what we know for God.

Conclusion: