In Romans 3:1-8, Paul addresses potential objections to the truths he has presented so far, exposing the misconceptions of his Jewish audience regarding their relationship with God and His Word.
He had already challenged two fallacies: first, that simply having the Word of God was sufficient without obedience, and second, that circumcision was meaningless without adherence to the Law. Anticipating objections, Paul imagines the Jews asking, “What is the advantage of being a Jew? And what is the point of circumcision?”
Paul’s response is clear: being a Jew and having the Word of God is indeed a great privilege. In verse 2, he emphasises that the Jews were entrusted with the “oracles of God,” the Scriptures, which reveal God’s nature, purposes, and promises. Through the Word, they could understand who God is, His righteousness, and His eternal plans. The Scriptures also unveil humanity’s nature—its tendencies, flaws, and the solution in God’s redemptive work.
However, in verses 3-8, Paul addresses illogical objections concerning God’s faithfulness, righteousness, and justice:
• Objection 1 (verse 3): “If some of us lack faith, does that nullify God’s faithfulness?” They argued that their unfaithfulness might compromise God’s promises.
• Objection 2 (verse 5): “If our unrighteousness highlights God’s righteousness, isn’t it unjust for Him to punish us?” They implied that their sin somehow served to glorify God’s character.
• Objection 3 (verse 7): “If my falsehood enhances God’s truthfulness, why should I be condemned?” They suggested their sin ultimately served God’s purpose and thus should not incur judgment.
Paul’s answers are concise and piercing:
• To objection 1: God’s faithfulness is unshaken by human failure. He remains just and true, as reflected in David’s repentant words in the Psalms.
• To objection 2: God’s role as the righteous Judge of the world necessitates His judgment of all unrighteousness, including theirs.
• To objection 3: Paul dismisses this reasoning outright, declaring that such thinking deserves judgment.
Paul’s message is unmistakable: the privilege of having God’s Word is a tremendous advantage, but it demands responsibility. God’s faithfulness, righteousness, and truth are not excuses for sin but a call for us to reflect His character in our conduct.
Practical Lessons
• Value the Word of God as a priceless privilege. The Scriptures are our greatest treasure, revealing who God is and how we can align our lives with His purposes. Do not take this privilege lightly—immerse yourself in His Word daily.
• Avoid twisting God’s grace as an excuse for sin. God’s righteousness and faithfulness do not justify our unrighteousness. Instead, they call us to live in reverence, repentance, and obedience.
• Embrace responsibility alongside privilege. Being entrusted with God’s Word is a sacred responsibility. We are called not only to know it but to live it out, embodying His faithfulness, righteousness, and truth in our words and actions.
Call to Action
Let us take full advantage of the privilege of having God’s Word. Commit today to reading, studying, meditating on, and memorising Scripture. Seek to grow in your knowledge of God and His ways, allowing His Word to transform your heart and mind. As you do, live out His faithfulness, righteousness, and truth in every area of your life. Be a living testimony of the power and beauty of God’s Word. Let’s steward this privilege well for His glory and our growth in Christlikeness.
Let’s Ponder:
1. How am I valuing and stewarding the privilege of having God’s Word—am I merely possessing it, or am I faithfully living it out in obedience?
2. In what subtle ways might I be tempted to use God’s grace or faithfulness as an excuse for complacency or sin, rather than as a motivation toward holiness?
3. Since God has entrusted me with both privilege and responsibility, how can I reflect His faithfulness, righteousness, and truth more clearly in my daily conduct?
Daily Meditations
Monday – Deuteronomy 10:12-13
“Now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require from you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and love Him, and to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the Lord’s commandments and His statutes which I am commanding you today for your good?”
Tuesday – Psalm 51:4
“Against You, You only, I have sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You are justified when You speak and blameless when You judge.”
Wednesday – Isaiah 55:10-11 (NASB 2020)
“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there without watering the earth and making it produce and sprout, and providing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; so will My word be which goes out of My mouth; it will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the purpose for which I sent it.”
Thursday – Jeremiah 7:8-10
“Behold, you are trusting in deceptive words to no avail. Will you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, offer sacrifices to Baal, and walk after other gods that you have not known, then come and stand before Me in this house, which is called by My name, and say, ‘We have been saved!’—so that you may do all these abominations?”
Friday – John 8:31-32 (NASB 2020)
“So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, ‘If you continue in My word, then you are truly My disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’”
Saturday – James 1:22-24
“But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was.”
Sunday – 1 Peter 4:17 (NASB 2020)
“For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?”
All scriptures are quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB1995).
By Pastor Clarence Goh
