Lesson 4—Righteousness Comes by Faith (Chapter 3)
for September 24, 2000

Introduction

Paul opens his message to the Romans by referring to the good news (1:1-2) which is the means of salvation for all people (1:16-17). He then shows how badly all people need salvation. Gentiles, for the most part, have rejected God (1:18-32). Even God’s chosen people, the Jews, have been mostly unfaithful (chap. 2).

The Jewish advantage

Chapter 3 begins with Paul asking a question that must have been on the minds of his Jewish readers. (Remember that the Roman church was made up of both Jews and Gentiles, but was primarily Gentile.) Since the Jews are guilty before God of unfaithfulness—just like the Gentiles—what value is there in being a Jew? Paul’s answer is that the Jews had received the word of God. He will give additional reasons in chapter 9:4-5.

Paul emphasizes that God will be faithful to his promises of both blessing and judgment for the Jews. He then reasons against a “straw man” argument. Some Jews might say that they should not be condemned because their unrighteousness has made God’s righteousness more obvious, that is, good has come from their bad. Paul notes that a logical extreme of this argument (of which he has been falsely accused of saying) is to purposefully do evil so that good may result, which is clearly wrong.

None are righteous

In the middle section of chapter 3 (vv. 9-20), Paul summarizes and reiterates the message of the first two chapters that both Jews and Gentiles are in sin. He quotes, especially for his Jewish reader, several passages from Psalms and Isaiah in the Old Testament to bolster his point that there is no one righteous before God. He underscores that the Jew is guilty because he is unable to keep the law. No one can be righteous through law keeping. No one is able to live a sinless life.

Righteousness is from God

Since righteousness cannot come by the law, God has revealed another way. Righteousness comes through faith in Jesus Christ. (Please note that Paul will fully explain faith in future chapters.) We will be able to stand justified before God because of his grace shown through Jesus. God takes away sin from men through the sacrifice of Jesus. God’s justice will be satisfied through his provision of Jesus to pay the penalty for our sin (unrighteousness).
Isn’t it true that when teaching an important concept, the most difficult part is un-teaching those who have predetermined notions? Thus, Paul returns again to the Jews to emphasize that they have no place to boast because they are as guilty as anyone of sin and have great need of a Savior.

Important words

As you read, study, and reflect on the letter to the Romans, take time to carefully understand some important words that Paul uses. All of the following words are found in chapter 3. Think about how he uses them and what they mean.

1. As you read Romans are you able to tell by the language when Paul is speaking primarily to the Jews? to the Gentiles? to both?

2. Throughout these first three chapters, Paul has quoted frequently from the Old Testament. Why do you think he does this?

3. Can you recount your sinfulness before God (even though as a Christian they are forgiven)?

4. Is there any way in which Paul’s arguments about guilt under the law applies to us in the church today?

5. What is the effect, or result, of Paul’s individual arguments to the Jews and Gentiles concerning their sinfulness? What value will it have for the church in Rome?

6. Can you define or explain the important words (listed above) that Paul uses in Romans?

Application

Can you put yourself in the place of a Jew reading this letter from Paul? How would you feel?

In these first three chapters, Paul has written a scathing indictment of mankind. Where do you fit in this picture? Many people, especially those who have grown up in the church, do not feel the burden of sinfulness that Paul describes. Are you a sinner before God (without the sacrifice of Jesus)?

Can you grasp the unmerited gift that God has given of declaring us not guilty of sin through the redemption that came by Jesus Christ? What does that say about God? What does that say about his attitude toward us?