Romans Chapter
Two Lesson 32
Review:
What about the uncircumcised pagan? 2:26-27
Paul points out that the Gentiles had substance without
the symbol
Prin: the lack of circumcision could
not condemn the Gentile anymore than the presence of circumcision saved the
Jew.
V.28-29 Points out having substance with symbol!
-
What’s real is internal not external!
The real significance or importance of being a Jew, phrase
“he is a Jew” lies in his relationship with God not in his nationality
or religious heritage.
“not by the letter”; not accomplished by the legalistic external
observance; which they counted on; along with physical lineage; but the work of
the Holy Spirit in the life as a result of faith!
Also
Col. 2:11
Romans Chapter 3
Intro Observations:
What should we have learned up
to this point re: the religious Jew?
1. that
the possession of the Law, the revelation of God cannot save, [
2. that
the rite of circumcision cannot save [
3. that
ones position as a descendent of Abraham cannot save. [2:28-29]
As Paul opens chapter 3 he does
so with a series of questions, actually 3;
I would take this section vs:1-8
as a dialog with some of the religious Jews he has just indicted in the previous section.
First Question and answer: 3:1-2
Read!
Objector:
If the Gentile without the law is able to do the
works of the law…
If
the uncircumcised keeps the requirements of the law and it is regarded as
circumcision...
Then
what advantage, [what's the surplus/excess,] has
the Jew??
Or what
is the benefit [usefulness] of
circumcision?
Paul's reply vs:2
Yes there are advantages; yes there are benefits; "Great
in every respect!"
First and foremost he says; "they were entrusted with the oracles of God"
What is he referring to with the term "oracles of God?"
Some examples:
- Acts
- Heb.
- 1 Pet.
- Heb. OT Canon was divided into 3 major parts /
divisions.
Law - Torah 1st 5 books
Prophets
- naviim Former > Josh. Jud. Sam. Kgs
Latter > Isa. Jer. Ezk. the
12
Writings
- Kethuvim
> Psalms begins this roll, the longest;
(3 sections)
Poetical > Psa. Prov. Job
Megilloth > S/S, Ruth, Lam,
Est,
Eccl
Historical
books > Dan, Ezra, Neh, Chron
Testimony of Christ related to Scripture
1. Mt.
"stroke," tittle = smallest part of a letter; d g
His
statement here says that the accuracy and inspiration of Scripture extends to the very
letters of Scripture; therefore He is
affirming the inspiration of the OT.
2. Christ declared the inviolability of Scripture; Jn
3. When Christ quoted the OT He did so using it authoritatively to
make His point. Especially pointed in
Mt. 4:4,7,10
during the temptation
4. Lk.
So what
has Christ done here, authenticated the text of the OT from beginning to
end! The whole thing!
2 Principles:
1. It is logically
impossible to question the inspiration of the OT without questioning the very
character and veracity of Jesus Christ.
2. Therefore the denial of
the inspired word of God leads to the denial of the incarnate word, - Jesus Christ.