Righteousness Rules!
Opening Prayer
“Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor” (Prov. 21:21). Pray that this is true of you.
Read Romans 3:1-8
[1] 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! Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What "value" does Paul say it is to be a Jew?This passage considers righteousness. First, what is it? The ancient Jews should have known because God trusted them with that knowledge, enshrined in his law (2). A righteous person keeps God’s commandments. Second, what are the uses of righteousness? To reveal the holiness of God and to advocate for right attitudes and actions in the world. Alas, the third lesson from these verses is that righteousness is not a human trait (5). It is simply not in our nature to be righteous. However, this doesn’t excuse us, in the sense that it’s not a pig’s fault if it can’t fly. We humans make our own choices. An interesting aspect of this passage is the cunning of the critic with whom Paul seems to be arguing (7). (Paul is using a literary approach called diatribe through which he offers his points to an imaginary objector.) Perhaps each of us has tried at times to dispute with God, or with wiser people whom, in our hearts, we know to be right. We seek to justify our failures and wickedness with tortuous and, ultimately, ridiculous arguments. Better to admit it early: the reason we don’t deserve God’s forgiveness is our plain, stubborn disobedience.
Apply
What have you learned about righteousness here? How will what you’ve learned make an impact on your life?
Closing prayer
Righteous God, although it’s not in me to be righteous before You, thank You for making Jesus’ righteousness mine.
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