November 11, 2020

The epistle to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul to the church in the capital city of Rome.  The date of the letter was most likely around 56 A.D., near the end of Paul’s third missionary journey, while he was in Corinth. Paul had wanted to visit the believers in Rome for some time, however, he had not yet had the chance to do so. The letter afforded Paul the opportunity to introduce himself to the church, and to instruct them in essential truths of the gospel.

The church in Rome was probably founded by those who had come to faith in Christ on the day of Pentecost in Jerusalem.  Unlike many of the other churches that Paul wrote to, his aim was not primarily to correct wrong theology or sinful living on the part of the Roman Christians, but to further instruct the church in doctrinal truths and practical living in light of those truths.

The principal theme of Paul’s letter to the Romans is that God justifies guilty, helpless sinners by faith alone in Jesus Christ alone. He dispels any notion that heaven and a relationship with God can be achieved through good works. Generally, the first eleven chapters of Romans are primarily theological while chapters 12-16 are more about practical Christian living and life in the church.

While the letter does contain some challenging passages that believers have debated, Paul addresses issues such as man’s sin and God’s wrath, justification by faith alone, the security of the believer’s salvation, sanctification, God’s sovereignty, God’s plan for Israel, the purpose of governing authorities, Christian living, and the proper use of one’s liberty in Christ.

It was while studying and teaching the book of Romans that a German Catholic priest, in the early 1500’s, came to understand Romans 1:17 in a brand new light. The words, “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith’” led him to understand justification was by faith alone and not by works. God would so impact Martin Luther with these words that he became a seminal figure in the Protestant Reformation.

Romans 3

God’s Righteousness Upheld

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

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

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

No One Is Righteous

9 What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, 10 as it is written:

“None is righteous, no, not one;
11     no one understands;
    no one seeks for God.
12 All have turned aside; together they have become worthless;
    no one does good,
    not even one.”
13 “Their throat is an open grave;
    they use their tongues to deceive.”
“The venom of asps is under their lips.”
14     “Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.”
15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood;
16     in their paths are ruin and misery,
17 and the way of peace they have not known.”
18     “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”

19 Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. 20 For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.

The Righteousness of God Through Faith

21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

27 Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. 29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, 30 since God is one—who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. 31 Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Reflection:

  • Is there an advantage to being a Jew (vv. 2-3)? Yes, they were given the oracles of God.
  • This was a unique advantage that was given to the people of Israel.  Deuteronomy 4:8 “And what great nation is there, that has statutes and rules so righteous as all this law that I set before you today” 
  • Psalm 147:20, “He has not dealt thus with any other nation; they do not know his rules. Praise the Lord!”
  • But God’s told Abraham that he had all the nations in the world in mind as recorded in Genesis 22:18, “and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.”
  • Even though the Jews have been unfaithful, God will remain faithful to them, primarily to fulfill his promise to save them.
  • Are Jews any better off than Gentiles (vv. 9-10)?
  • Who is the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ available to according to verse 22?

Prayer: Thank you Heavenly Father for making salvation available to all who have faith in Jesus Christ! You do not hide from mankind, but you have shown yourself to us in so many ways so that we are without excuse. Thank you for making me understand how I could have faith in you and receive the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. It is in his name I pray, amen.

9 thoughts on “Daily Devotional-November 11th”

  1. Dear Heavenly Father,
    We all have sinned and fall short of Your glory. However, You loved us so much that You made a way for us to be reconciled through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Thank You for Your precious love and grace. We are so un deserving of this gift as there is nothing we could do to earn it. Only because of Your grace is it available to us. Please guide me today and in all of my days ahead to live for You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

  2. No matter what, stand with the LORD and He shall see you through.

    Father, thank you for your faithfulness. You will never forsake me nor leave me. Times might be hard; there may be no light at the end of the tunnel, but Father, you hold me in your hands.

    Strengthen me today, Father. Help me focus on your calling. Speak through me to teach, encourage and motivate others to rely on you.

    As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

    Now, Father, let’s be going and find a wanderer to share the good news of your Son and how He came that they may have life and life more abundantly.

    I give you my life completely, in and for the name of Jesus,

    Amen

  3. As a wise man once said, “It is never right to do wrong to do right.” Many people have never learned that proverb. Even though it may hurt at first, do what is right and the end will be better. Of course, there are always consequences when we do wrong. Lying about may help at first but it will be worse in the end.

  5. I have been justified, as a gift, by His grace, through the redemption which is in Jesus Christ.

  6. Thank you Lord for giving me a path of redemption. Let me pass on this answer – this path to everyone that comes on my path today. I pray you bless my path with words that give you honor and glory. For you are the King of King, the Redeemer, the Ever-lasting Savior and Lord! Amen.

  7. All of us are depraved and completely helpless to change ourselves. We cannot take pride in our salvation . We did not do anything –it is a gift. Put your trust and faith in Jesus. Trust the One who justifies the ungodly. Jesus died for the ungodly.

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