GOD'S FAITHFULNESS

Passage: Romans 3:1-8

Key verse: 4

NIV

God’s Faithfulness

3 What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision? 2 Much in every way!(A) First of all, the Jews have been entrusted with the very words of God.(B)

3 What if some were unfaithful?(C) Will their unfaithfulness nullify God’s faithfulness?(D) 4 Not at all! Let God be true,(E) and every human being a liar.(F) As it is written:

“So that you may be proved right when you speak
    and prevail when you judge.”[a](G)

5 But if our unrighteousness brings out God’s righteousness more clearly,(H) what shall we say? That God is unjust in bringing his wrath on us? (I am using a human argument.)(I) 6 Certainly not! If that were so, how could God judge the world?(J) 7 Someone might argue, “If my falsehood enhances God’s truthfulness and so increases his glory,(K) why am I still condemned as a sinner?”(L) 8 Why not say—as some slanderously claim that we say—“Let us do evil that good may result”?(M) Their condemnation is just!

Read full chapter
Footnotes
  1. Romans 3:4 Psalm 51:4
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway

ESV

God's Righteousness Upheld

3 Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision? 2 Much in every way. To begin with, (A)the Jews were entrusted with (B)the oracles of God. 3 (C)What if some were unfaithful? (D)Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God? 4 By no means! (E)Let God be true though (F)every one were a liar, as it is written,

(G)“That you may be justified in your words,
    and prevail when you (H)are judged.”

5 But if our unrighteousness serves to show the righteousness of God, what shall we say? That God is unrighteous to inflict (I)wrath on us? ((J)I speak in a human way.) 6 By no means! For then how could (K)God judge the world? 7 But if through my lie God's truth abounds to his glory, (L)why am I still being condemned as a sinner? 8 And why not (M)do evil that good may come?—as some people slanderously charge us with saying. Their condemnation is just.

Read full chapter
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway

1. Let God be true (1-5)

To be entrusted with God's word is a great blessing, because God is giving us an opportunity to serve him, and serving our Creator makes our lives rich and meaningful. The Jews were entrusted with the word of God, but because of their lack of faith, they failed in their stewardship of the word and did not share God's word with the world. Yet God did not fail. God's word is true. Anyone who, in faith, takes hold of God's promise will be saved; and those who reject God's word through unbelief will be lost. God is faithful to do what he says he will do.

2. Who is responsible--me or God? (6-8)

Everyone who knows the truth and rejects it is responsible for his own rejection. We cannot blame God for our disobedience and unbelief.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your great faithfulness to keep your promise to save and your promise to judge. I come to you with no excuses, claiming only Jesus' righteousness. I believe your promises and seek your mercy.

One Word: God is faithful and true