Lesson 6
Romans 3:1-20
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Living by Faith: A Study in Romans
For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight since through the law comes knowledge of sin. Romans 3:20
Read Romans 3:1-3
After Paul has shown the universal guilt of mankind and leveled the playing field between jew and gentile he now asks, "What advantage has the Jew?" After following his argument this far we might expect him to say, "None," but instead he goes on to tell about the advantages of being a Jew.
1) What advantage does Paul give in verse two and why is this privilege special?
2) Despite this great privilege some were unfaithful. Note: Some versions use "unbelief." Use Isaiah 24:5, Jeremiah 11:10, and Hebrews 3:12 to explain what it means to be unfaithful.
3) As Christians, we too have been given the oracles of God. In fact, we have a fuller revelation because we've received the gospel of Christ and the New Testament Scriptures. How do you respond to God's word?
4) We learn that some were unfaithful but that man's faithlessness does not nullify the faithfulness of God. How are you encouraged by this fact?
Read Romans 3:4-8
5) Verse 4 tells us that our unrighteousness shows the righteousness of God. How does that happen?
6)What human argument does Paul make in verse 5 and what is wrong with this thinking?
7) What were some claiming about Paul's teaching in verse 8 and what is the outcome of those who make such claims?
8a) What question does Paul ask in Romans 6:1 and how is it similar to the charges some brought against Paul's doctrine of grace?
b) Do you see this cavalier attitude toward sin in the church today? What about in yourself?
We must never view grace as a license for sin but as empowering for righteousness.
Read Romans 3:9-20
9) Paul now uses various Old Testament passages to show the universal condition of mankind. What do these verses show us about:
If you use the cross references in your Bible to find the passages Paul is quoting from and read them in their context you will find that the Old Testament passages speak of the wicked in contrast to the righteous. Paul uses these Scriptures to demonstrate that all are in the category of the wicked--all; therefore, need a Savior. Only in Jesus can we be justified and move into the category of the righteous.
10) In Romans 3:19, having demonstrated from the law (the entire Scripture) the guilt of the Jews, Paul now expands his verdict to include all humanity. (Remember Paul's earlier teaching on man's guilty knowledge of God.) What do verses 19 and 20 say about:
Man's problem is stated in Romans 3:9. We are under sin. We are all guilty of unrighteousness and as the first three chapters of Romans have shown us, no man is without excuse. The law shows us our sin but offers us no means of justification. This knowledge sends us running to God for grace and mercy!
11) Paul has adequately shown us our need for justification and the law's inability to provide this for us. Paul will deal with our hope in depth later, but briefly shows us our cure in Galatians 2:16. What does this verse say about our justification?
12) What is it that Jesus did for us that makes our justification possible?
13) How does the knowledge of what Christ has done for you effect the way you live before God?
Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died--more than that, who was raised--who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. who shall separate us from the love of Christ...? Romans 8:34-35
Copyright © 2009, Carol Duffy. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Romans 3:1-20
Read Mark Learn Bible Studies
Living by Faith: A Study in Romans
For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight since through the law comes knowledge of sin. Romans 3:20
Read Romans 3:1-3
After Paul has shown the universal guilt of mankind and leveled the playing field between jew and gentile he now asks, "What advantage has the Jew?" After following his argument this far we might expect him to say, "None," but instead he goes on to tell about the advantages of being a Jew.
1) What advantage does Paul give in verse two and why is this privilege special?
2) Despite this great privilege some were unfaithful. Note: Some versions use "unbelief." Use Isaiah 24:5, Jeremiah 11:10, and Hebrews 3:12 to explain what it means to be unfaithful.
3) As Christians, we too have been given the oracles of God. In fact, we have a fuller revelation because we've received the gospel of Christ and the New Testament Scriptures. How do you respond to God's word?
4) We learn that some were unfaithful but that man's faithlessness does not nullify the faithfulness of God. How are you encouraged by this fact?
Read Romans 3:4-8
5) Verse 4 tells us that our unrighteousness shows the righteousness of God. How does that happen?
6)What human argument does Paul make in verse 5 and what is wrong with this thinking?
7) What were some claiming about Paul's teaching in verse 8 and what is the outcome of those who make such claims?
8a) What question does Paul ask in Romans 6:1 and how is it similar to the charges some brought against Paul's doctrine of grace?
b) Do you see this cavalier attitude toward sin in the church today? What about in yourself?
We must never view grace as a license for sin but as empowering for righteousness.
Read Romans 3:9-20
9) Paul now uses various Old Testament passages to show the universal condition of mankind. What do these verses show us about:
- mans relationship to God?
- his spiritual condition?
- man's mouth?
- the way in which man walks?
If you use the cross references in your Bible to find the passages Paul is quoting from and read them in their context you will find that the Old Testament passages speak of the wicked in contrast to the righteous. Paul uses these Scriptures to demonstrate that all are in the category of the wicked--all; therefore, need a Savior. Only in Jesus can we be justified and move into the category of the righteous.
10) In Romans 3:19, having demonstrated from the law (the entire Scripture) the guilt of the Jews, Paul now expands his verdict to include all humanity. (Remember Paul's earlier teaching on man's guilty knowledge of God.) What do verses 19 and 20 say about:
- the law?
- the works of the law?
- the whole world?
Man's problem is stated in Romans 3:9. We are under sin. We are all guilty of unrighteousness and as the first three chapters of Romans have shown us, no man is without excuse. The law shows us our sin but offers us no means of justification. This knowledge sends us running to God for grace and mercy!
11) Paul has adequately shown us our need for justification and the law's inability to provide this for us. Paul will deal with our hope in depth later, but briefly shows us our cure in Galatians 2:16. What does this verse say about our justification?
12) What is it that Jesus did for us that makes our justification possible?
- 2 Corinthians 5:21
- 1 Peter 2:24
13) How does the knowledge of what Christ has done for you effect the way you live before God?
Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died--more than that, who was raised--who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. who shall separate us from the love of Christ...? Romans 8:34-35
Copyright © 2009, Carol Duffy. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
