Bible Study 5/27

Romans 3:1-20

In the first part of chapter 3, Paul acknowledges that the Jews were honored by receiving the oracles (messages,words) of God and having the special privilege of being set apart as God's people (circumcision). However, he says beginning in v.9 that these things did not and have not made them better off with regard to their salvation. They are still just as much under the curse and penalty of sin as the Greek (v.9). V.19-20 sum up his thoughts nicely - "..so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin."

Earlier Paul also mentions briefly the ridiculousness of those who argue that if our unrighteousness highlights the righteousness of God, shouldn't we be more unrighteousness to increase the contrast and God's glory? Why should God inflict wrath or punish those who are unrighteousness if they make Him look good? He doesn't even respect the argument enough to answer it fully, but he mentions that part of God bringing himself glory is his judgment of unrighteousness.

Proverbs 3:13-35

This proverb starts off again by highlighting the desirability of wisdom. It paints it as more desirable not only than riches or wealth, but than any other thing. It says many blessings including riches and prosperity and long life come from wisdom.

In the last part of chapter 3, the book begins getting into the many "do"s and "do not"s. These statements are representations of the kind of wisdom (how to live in light of the world God has created) that the book has been describing, beginning with the foundation of the fear of the Lord (faith).

V.27-28 focus on not witholding good from someone when it is in your power to do it. V.30 -"Do not contend with a man for no reason, when he has done you no harm." I think this speaks to our tendency to be argumentative just for the sake of wanting to be right.