If it’s really the case that circumcision is not physical but of the heart, as Paul concludes in chapter 2, what advantage is there to be a Jew? In chapter 3, Paul answers this question.
Paul’s main point in Romans – for in it (the gospel) the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “the righteous shall live by faith.” Rom. 1:17.
What value is circumcision? What advantage has the Jew?
Stewards of divine truth. “The Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God.” Rom. 3:2. The same can happen to us if we don’t proclaim accurately the truth as it has been delivered to us. The Jews were given the truth like no one else was. God is faithful in carrying out His promises despite the fact the Jews have been faithless.
Paul continues his effort to help the Jewish believers see that faith in Christ, not the Law is what matters. After showing the advantages of being a Jew, Paul returns to showing how the law is not the ultimate answer, but only a part of God’s plan. The law itself says…
The law justifies no one before God. For by works of the law no human being will be justified in His sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.” Rom. 3:20. In chapter 3, Paul quotes several Psalms in making his point that the law cannot justify them. Isa. 59 is also quoted which gives us a view of how God sees the Jews. They aren’t righteous, they run towards evil. It is God who is acting, it is God who will bring deliverance.
Hope is found in a Redeemer. “And a Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who turn from transgression, declares the Lord.” Isa. 59:20. Jesus fulfilled the law. This is being done through the faithfulness of Jesus. Through Jesus faith comes faith to us who believe. We are justified through His grace, through faith in Jesus whom God put forward. This was done to show God’s righteousness. Jesus is the mercy seat, the place we go for forgiveness. Grace is available to all, not to the Jews only.
The point is the law cannot deliver, it is only faith in Jesus that does so. There is hope. God is just. He will render to each in accordance to our deeds.
Sermon by Brent Moody
