Romans 3:1-18

 Romans 3:1-18

We have all heard the stories, or perhaps the myths, of the children of the very rich who have squandered their lives and much of the families’ wealth. While perhaps more rare than depicted it is the tragic story of opportunity wasted, of talented individuals and resources that ultimately came to nothing.  That is not unlike what Paul says about the Jewish people. The Jewish people were granted a divinely privileged position; they held a deeply advantageous position over all other peoples in the world. But instead of holding that position as a responsibility, they held it as a matter of self-serving pride. Rather than see themselves as evangelists of God’s grace and goodness, they saw themselves as people with inexhaustible privilege, and rather than live holy, they went deep into sin. God used their rebellion to good purpose, but that did not excuse them nor protect them from His just punishments. Is there an advantage to being a Jew? Yes, but only if you do not waste it. But in disobedience, all men, regardless of race or ethnic heritage, are condemned.

In verses 10-18, Paul strings together a collection of passages that show that the Old Testament condemns all men for a variety of sins. These are not direct quotes but rather a paraphrase and summation of Scripture. In verse 12, Paul says, “They have all turned aside.”. The word Paul uses here was used to describe milk that had turned. The word literally means rendered useless. If you have ever tasted really bad spoiled milk, you understand this word. That is our condition. Paul outlines three ways we all go bad: 1) Our character is best described as ignorant, useless, and wasted; 2) our speech is toxic, deceptive, and destructive; 3) our behavior is destructive, misery-causing, and rebellious.

That is a description of all people, not Jews only or Gentiles alone, but the whole human family. What is more is that this is sometimes the description of people who have been spiritually privileged. As disciples, we can tend to take the advantages and grace we have been given as a license to pride, superiority, or even overt sin. Some years ago there was a slogan making the rounds, “Christians aren’t perfect, only forgiven”. While true, that carries with it a sort of superiority or arrogance that may reveal the most dangerous sin of all: pride. All advantages and privileges we have are gifts and are meant to be used to honor and serve God. 

“Never allow me, Lord, to imagine that Your grace is my privilege.  AMEN”