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The Value of Being a “Christian”
Romans 3:1-20
Mari Ikeda
1. We can prove that God will never forsake us even if we betray him (1-4)
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.”
2. Is it meaningless to live a good life? (5-8)
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!
3. Christian or not, no one is good in and of themselves (9-18)
9 What shall we conclude then? Do we have any advantage? Not at all! For we have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under the power of sin. 10 As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one; 11 there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God.12 All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.” 13 “Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit.” “The poison of vipers is on their lips.” 14 “Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.” 15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood; 16 ruin and misery mark their ways, 17 and the way of peace they do not know.” 18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”
4. We know that it is impossible to live a good life in our own strength (19-20)
19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. 20 Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.
Summary
Our sinful nature doesn’t change whether or not we become a Christian. Even if we believe in Jesus, we can become arrogant, hurt other people, and grieve God. The value of being a Christian comes from knowing that though we cannot please God in our own strength, God will forgive us over and over again and will never forsake us.
For Discussion
1. How are you affected by stereotypes of Christians in our society?
2. What does Paul say is our advantage?