Our Faithful God
Opening Prayer
Thank You, Lord, for Your faithfulness to me.
Read Romans 3:1–8
What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision? 2 Much in every way! First of all, the Jews have been entrusted with the very words of God.
3 What if some were unfaithful? Will their unfaithfulness nullify God’s faithfulness? 4 Not at all! Let God be true, and every human being a liar. As it is written:
“So that you may be proved right when you speak
and prevail when you judge.”
5 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.) 6 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 some slanderously claim that we say—“Let us do evil that good may result”? Their condemnation is just!
New International Version (NIV)
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Reflect
“God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Cor. 1:9, NRSV).What’s the advantage in being a Jew—one of the “chosen” ones—if Gentile Christians get to be God’s people without keeping all the rules (Rom. 2:28,29)? Paul has some complicated answers! Here are three points to hang on to: the Jews were entrusted with God’s words; God is faithful; and God is holy.
Entrusted with God’s words (1,2). The Jews, Paul says, are special because they were entrusted with God’s words and, ultimately, the Good News of Jesus. As believers, how can we be faithful today with all God has entrusted to us?
God is faithful (3,4). Some were asking if God’s covenant meant nothing if the outcome was judgment. But it’s we humans who are unfaithful (3,4). Paul reminds his readers of David’s confession (4; Psa. 51): whilst there was judgment for his sin, forgiveness was available by faith, even then. God is faithful, and his promises were ultimately fulfilled in Jesus.
God is holy (5–8). Others cynically said that if our sinfulness shows God’s glory then why not live as we please (7)? Paul says more later about “cheap grace” (Rom. 6). For now, these words challenge us to live in grateful dependence on Christ alone, for the glory of our holy God.
Apply
Which of these three areas do you struggle to live out? Focus on one aspect today and take steps to live it out.
Closing prayer
Faithful God, strengthen me through Christ to glorify You in the way I live today.
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