Romans 3:1-8

Romans 3 is a difficult passage. The Bible, however, is filled with difficult passages. Read 2 Peter 3:15-16. No surprise there, God's ways are not our ways. The hard passages though encourage faith (Proverbs 3:5-6), encourage prayer, encourage study, and highlight the body of Christ.

At the end of Romans 2, Paul says that there is no difference between Jew and Gentile. That being Jewish, having the OT law, being circumcised won't save you. It is a matter of the heart, not what things look like from the outside. Read Romans 3:1-2, Paul asks the questions some might be asking "Aren't Jews God's chosen people? What's the advantage of being a Jew?" To begin with, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God. So many people don't have the scripture or even one verse from the Bible so to have the word of God entrusted to you as a people is a special thing.

Read Romans 3:3-4, Paul asks more questions and gives a clear answer. Questioners are looking at people, who are flawed, and coming up with their own conclusion about God based on "his people." People today do the same thing. "Look at those Christians: unloving, arrogant, judgmental, grumpy people. If those are Christians, then Christianity must not be true, God is not real, Jesus Christ is not who he says he is." A couple of thoughts, just because someone says they are a Christian, or goes to church, does not mean they are a true follower of Christ. For those who are geniune Christians, all people are flawed. Though the entire world is flawed and unfaithful, God still remains faithful and true. Read Psalm 51. David confesses and says that "He was unfaithful and sinned." Our unfaithfulness has nothing to do with God's character.

Read Romans 3:5-6, simply put "If my sin underscores God's righteousness, then is God wrong to judge us?" Paul finds it embarrasing even to put into words so he says "I speak in human terms" at the end of the verse. Again, Paul addresses the question with a "No way! By no means! Of course not!" Of course God is righteous because God is judge. Read Genesis 18:25.

Read Romans 3:7-8, simply put "My sin shows God's perfection. That's a good thing. So why does God judge me for it? I should go out and sin, it shows God's holiness." Paul just says "Nonsense, their condemnation is just!" Again, twisted and distorted thinking.

We can distort things the way Paul was describing in this passage, the human mind is capable of enormous deception. We too hear the voice of the enemy, voice of other people, or our own depraved thoughts. The only protection against all of it is God's word. It is more precious than gold!

Discussion Questions
1. Are you still living by the Old Testament way of the life, the law? Is Christian life a regiment to you or is it an adventure filled with heart felt passion?
2. Do you believe God is faithful? How has he showed his faithfulness in your life?
3. Spend some time in prayer and ask the Holy Spirit in what areas have you been deceived, distorting something with your mind, or listened to the voice of the enemy. Write it down and share with the group.