Gospel Diagnosis (Rom 3:1-20)

"For we have already accused everyone, both Jews and Greeks, of being under the power of sin" (Rom 3:9b, ISV).

Four objections raised and refuted (Rom 3:1-8)

1. God did not help his people (Rom 3:1-2).
2. God is not faithful to his people (Rom 3:3-4).
3. God is not fair or just (Rom 3:5-6).
4. God does not mind sin because sin increases God's glory (Rom 3:7-8).

Seven indictments on sinful humanity (Rom 3:9-18) that affects:

1. Our legal standing (Rom 3:10).
2. Our minds (Rom 3:11a).
3. Our motives (Rom 3:11b).
4. Our wills (Rom 3:12).
5. Our tongues (Rom 3:13-14).
6. Our relationship with others (Rom 3:15-17).
7. Our relationship with God (Rom 3:18).

Questions:

1. Twice, Paul answers the same question differently (1,9). How would you explain the apparent contradiction?
2. Rom 3:1-8 are four objections that Paul has likely heard during his evangelism. Can you identify them? How did Paul answer and refute each objection? What can you learn here about apologetics in evangelism?
3. Why would his objectors and detractors slanderously accuse Paul of antinomianism (8; 6:1, 15)?
4. What is Paul's conclusion (9)? How do you feel about Paul's claim about sin's influence on your life?
5. What evidence does Paul give for such a bleak conclusion (10-18)? Can you list and identify all the ways that sin affects all of life? How do you see the effects of sin on your life, thoughts, speech and relationships?
6. What is the right response of those who those who know the law (19; Isa 64:6)? The wrong response?
7. Rom 3:19-20 is Paul's conclusion of Rom 1:18-3:18. Why did Paul take two chapters to reach this conclusion?

Romans 2:1-3:20. Sam Storms.
No One Seeks God (Rom 3:9-20). Tim Keller.

The argument from Rom 2:1ff is that the possession of the law by Israel, although an advantage in some respects, ensures only that Israel will be judged because of their failure to obey it (Rom 2:12-16, 17-24, 25-29). From Rom 2:1-3:20, Paul is essentially addressing the religious Jew, who thought: “I am not like the pagan, I am moral and religious, so I am surely not under God’s judgment” (Rom 2:3).