Thursday July 1, 2021

Heavenly Father – help me start today with a clear heart and a clear mind ready to receive your word in a brand new way today. Amen.

Romans 3:1-8

God’s Faithfulness
What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision? Much in every way! First of all, the Jews have been entrusted with the very words of God. What if some were unfaithful? Will their unfaithfulness nullify God’s faithfulness? 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.”
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.) Certainly not! If that were so, how could God judge the world? Someone might argue, “If my falsehood enhances God’s truthfulness and so increases his glory, why am I still condemned as a sinner?” Why not say—as some slanderously claim that we say—“Let us do evil that good may result”? Their condemnation is just!

Up to this point, Paul has been leveling the playing field for the Jews and the Gentiles as he stated that the law and circumcision are not sufficient enough to save a Jewish person. However, the Jewish people were given God’s laws, covenants with him, and the Messiah came from their race. These advantages didn’t make them better; these advantages gave them a larger responsibility to live up to God’s commands. Such is the case for Christians today. We have God’s Word, his promises, the gift of his Son, and his Spirit, so it is our responsibility to live in a way that brings God glory. Some may think that sinning is a way to lift God higher and prove that he is righteous, but God doesn’t need us for that. Twisting the gift of salvation in Jesus into a free pass to sin isn’t how we are called to live. Paul is teaching the Romans that our motives are what matter, and that is still true for Christians today.

Prayerfully consider today:
What spiritual advantages have I received in my life?
How has God worked things for good, despite my mistakes?
How can I be part of giving others spiritual knowledge and advantages?

Lord, these are your words. This is our story. Help me live in a way that honors you today and everyday. Amen.