Overview of Romans

I. Intro. + Theme 1:1-15 II. Condemnation 1:18-3:20 III. Justification 3:21-4:25 IV. Sanctification 5:1-8:39 V. Illustration 9:1-11:36 VI. Application 12:1-15:13VII. Epilogue 15:14-16:27

Rom. 2:17-24: The Jews are as Guilty as Gentiles

The emphasis here is on the Jewish claim centered around the Scriptures.

Knowledge is emphasized over practice!

Rom. 2:17-24: The Jews are as Guilty as Gentiles

While the Jews claimed special privilege, they dishonored God.

Rom. 2:17-24: The Jews are as Guilty as Gentiles

They took pride in having God’s Law but were condemned by it!“As it is written…”

Isa. 52:3; Ezek. 36:22

Rom. 2:25-29: Circumcision that is not

Circumcision is only valuable to those who obey.

(2:6, 11, 13; Gal. 3:10; Jas. 2:10)

Disobedient Jews who are circumcised in effect sink to the level of the Gentiles.

Rom. 2:25-29: Circumcision that is not

We either break the Law or keep the Law.

There is not a third option.

Rom. 2:25-29: Circumcision that is not

Of course, even a Gentile who obeys the Law is acceptable to God.

(2:13)

In that case, one physically uncircumcised would be a judge against those circumcised.

Deut. 10:16

Rom. 2:25-29: Circumcision that is not

As this section teaches, the main issue is the source of our praise.

Is it men or God?

Rom. 2:25-29: Circumcision that is not

God is entirely impartial.

Neither Jew nor Gentile have an advantage against the penetrating light of God’s

judgment.

The issue is simple: Are you righteous in your behavior?

Rom. 3:1-2: The Advantage of the Jew

First, they have the “declarations of God”.

Rom. 3:3-4: The Advantage of the Jew

But, they didn’t believe them (3).John 5:39, 46

So, is God done with Israel? (3)

Rom. 3:3-4: The Advantage of the Jew

Nope! (4a; 11:1)

God is faithful even when we are not!

Rom. 3:3-4: The Advantage of the Jew

One day, just like David in his confession, Israel will turn from their sin.

In that future, God will overcome.

In that day, He will be glorified and vindicated!

Rom. 3:5-8: God’s Right to Judge

Humanity’s sin makes God’s righteousness stand out (v. 5).

It “recommends” God’s righteousness by contrast.

Rom. 3:5-8: God’s Right to Judge

But, if that’s true, is God unrighteous?(The thought is completely human)

Absolutely not!

Rom. 3:5-8: God’s Right to Judge

If God operated that way, He couldn’t judge the world.

Rom. 3:5-8: God’s Right to Judge

But, if sinful actions (Israel’s unbelief) end up glorifying God, then God shouldn’t be able to

judge others as wrong.

“Let’s do bad things so that good things happen!”

Rom. 3:5-8: God’s Right to Judge

Parenthesis: In fact, Paul had been accused of teaching just that very thing!

To Paul, this was pure slander.

Rom. 3:5-8: God’s Right to Judge

In Paul’s thinking, people who say things like that deserve

judgment. (v. 8)

God is right to bring present wrath and future judgment.

Rom. 3:9: The Leveling of Mankind

“Are we offering a defense?”

“So, does the Jews advantage offer a defense of them?”

Nope!

Rom. 3:10-18: The Leveling of Mankind

In verses 10-12, Paul presents what humanity does not do (Sins of omission).

In verses 13-18, Paul presents what humanity does do (Sins of commission).

Rom. 3:10-18: The Leveling of Mankind

Paul, then, exposes our deficiencies and depravities.

Rom. 3:10-18: The Leveling of Mankind

Man is deficient…• In his basic character• In his spiritual perceptions• In his spiritual devotion or pursuits

Humanity’s spiritual pursuits are useless!Everything is stained by sin!

Rom. 3:10-18: The Leveling of Mankind

Man’s depravities involve his body, specifically our mouths and feet that are quick to say and do wicked things reflecting our spiritual death.

Rom. 3:10-18: The Leveling of Mankind

Our actions clearly show one thing:We don’t fear God.

Rom. 3:19-20: The Leveling of Mankind

The Jews who had the Law and who considered themselves righteous are

condemned along with the entire world.

There cannot be found one righteous, good person on earth.

Rom. 3:19-20: The Leveling of Mankind

“Accountable”Every person on earth is subject to judgment.

Present wrath and future judgment are deserved!

Rom. 3:19-20: The Leveling of Mankind

Romans 2:13 = Principle!

Romans 3:20 = Reality!

Rom. 3:19-20: The Leveling of Mankind

Remember: The Law is the highest form of morality on

earth!

Rom. 3:19-20: The Leveling of Mankind

No one ever has been justified by the Law.

No one ever will be justified by the Law.

Works are completely ineffective to justify!

Rom. 3:19-20: The Leveling of Mankind

The Law is like a mirror held up to our lives.

It does not clean. It exposes.

And humanity, every last one of us, is condemned by the reflection of who we are!

Rom. 3:19-20: The Leveling of Mankind

The purpose of the Law was educational.Gal. 3:19-24

Rom. 3:19-20: The Leveling of Mankind

The wrath we see in the world is an indicator of man’s unrighteousness and helplessness.

Rom. 3:19-20: The Leveling of Mankind

God’s present wrath is justified.

God’s future judgment is justified.

Rom. 3:19-20: The Leveling of Mankind

And, mankind’s situation is hopeless.

We need help.

Rom. 3:19-20: The Leveling of Mankind

We need to be delivered from wrath.

We need to be made righteous.

Rom. 3:19-20: The Leveling of Mankind

This is EXACTLY why Paul was proud of the Gospel!