Romans · Lesson 5
God’s Righteousness through Faith
Setting
Paul has argued that a true Jew is not outward and true circumcision is not physical. A Jew who is physically circumcised but breaks God’s law is not any different from a Gentile, and an uncircumcised Gentile who keeps God’s law is considered true Jew. This teaching seems to have rendered being a Jew and circumcision completely valueless. Furthermore, it seems to have called God’s faithfulness into question. The present passage begins by answering these likely objections.
Did you know?
- The words, “entrusted,” “unfaithful,” “faithlessness,” and “faithfulness” in all share the same root word “believe” or “trust.”
- Justify (, , , , ): The Greek word “justify” is the verb form of the word for “righteousness.” It means literally “make righteous” or “establish as right.” 1
- is a string of quotations from the Old Testament (cf. ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ).
- Propitiation (): This Greek word, which denotes the means of expiation, is used in the Old Testament for the mercy seat (cf. ; , etc.)
Outline
- God’s Righteousness Upheld
- All Are Under Sin and None Is Justified by Works
- Righteousness through Faith in Christ
Questions
On the whole lesson
Observe the various meanings of the word “law” in this passage.
· God’s Righteousness Upheld
What literary device does Paul use in this segment to convey his point? How is it effective?
Why is being entrusted with the oracles of God an advantage to being a Jew ()?
What is the point of the question in ?
Summarize Paul’s teaching in this segment about God’s faithfulness and righteousness.
In what ways do we sometimes, similar to the objections in , also find excuses for our wrongdoings?
· All Are Under Sin and None Is Justified by Works
How has Paul demonstrated in the previous chapters that all, including Jews and Greeks, are under sin?
The Scriptures that Paul cites is a long list of man’s wicked ways. By condemning all men as sinners, is the Bible denying the fact that there are many good people in this world?
How would you share the gospel with someone who believes that being a good person is good enough for God?
· Righteousness through Faith in Christ
If no one may be justified by the works of the law, how then can a person be justified (, 28)?
Why is the justification discussed in this segment called a gift ()?
In practical terms, what does it mean to believe/trust in Jesus Christ?
How does justification by faith in Jesus reveal and uphold God’s righteousness?
In , we learn that God has made justification available to all. What does this truth say about God?
In , we learn that God has made justification available to all. How does it motivate us to share the gospel?
How is it that justification by faith not only does not overthrow the law but actually upholds it ()?
Sources
- Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, edited by Gerhard Kittel, et al., translated by Geoffrey W. Bromiley, electronic ed., Eerdmans, 1964, pp. 211.