Three objections the Jews have to Paul’s Gospel:
I. Objection #1: What about God’s
A. The Objection: What’s the advantage of being a
Romans 3:1 (NIV84) What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision?
Additional Notes:
B. Paul’s Response: You have the advantage of God’s
Romans 3:2 (NIV84) Much in every way! First of all, they have been entrusted with the very words of God.
Luke 12:48 (NIV84) Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.
Additional Notes:
II. Objection #2: What about God’s
A. The Objection: Are God’s promises to Israel
Romans 3:3 (NIV84) What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God’s faithfulness?
Additional Notes:
B. Paul’s Response: There is
Romans 3:4 (NIV84) Not at all! Let God be true, and every man a liar. As it is written: “So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge.”
Genesis 12:2-3 (NIV) I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.
1 Timothy 1:15 (NIV) Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV) … For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works so that no one can boast.
Additional Notes:
III. Objection #3: What about God’s
A. The Objection: Isn’t Paul preaching that we should do
Romans 3:5 (NIV84) But if our unrighteousness brings out God’s righteousness more clearly, what shall we say? That God is unjust in bringing his wrath on us? (I am using a human argument.)
Additional Notes:
B. Paul’s Response: Your judgment is
Romans 3:6-8 (NIV84) Certainly not! If that were so, how could God judge the world? 7 Someone might argue, “If my falsehood enhances God’s truthfulness and so increases his glory, why am I still condemned as a sinner?” 8 Why not say–as we are being slanderously reported as saying and as some claim that we say–“Let us do evil that good may result”? Their condemnation is deserved.
Additional Notes:
IV. Conclusion
A. On Judgment Day, many will try to
Romans 6:23a (NIV84) For the wages of sin is death…
2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 (NIV84) He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power.
B. But, here’s some
Romans 6:23 (NIV84) For the wages of sin is death…BUT the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Additional Notes:
Discussion Questions:
1. Have you ever broken the law and been caught? What happened?
2. Discuss what you learned from this message.
3. Which “objection” from these verses can you most relate to? Why?
4. When you stand before God at judgment, what will be your defense?