Scripture: Romans 3:1-8 (ESV)
“Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision? Much in every way. To begin with, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God. What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God? 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.’ 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.) By no means! For then how could God judge the world? But if through my lie God’s truth abounds to His glory, why am I still being condemned as a sinner? And why not do evil that good may come?—as some people slanderously charge us with saying. Their condemnation is just.”
Devotion:
In these verses, Paul addresses a complex question: If the faithfulness of God is so robust and dependable, does human unfaithfulness matter? He begins by acknowledging the unique position of the Jews, who were given the very words of God. This privilege comes with responsibility, but also with a challenging implication: Does failing to live up to this responsibility make God’s promises void?
Paul’s answer is a resounding “No.” The faithfulness of God is not dependent on our actions. Even when we fall short, God remains true. The church globally has been rocked by scandal after scandal in the recent years. Everything from the shocking findings of the investigations into abuse, the downfall of churches like Mars Hill and the more recent implosion of Hillsong. Nevertheless, God’s truth is still true, no matter how stained the messengers are. God cannot be cancelled because his messengers were.
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This passage challenges us to consider our understanding of God’s faithfulness. It’s tempting to think that our mistakes might somehow diminish God’s plans or promises. But Paul reassures us that God’s purposes stand firm, independent of our failings. Our unfaithfulness does not limit God’s faithfulness.
However, this doesn’t mean our actions are inconsequential. Paul dismisses the idea that we might “do evil that good may come.” That kind of logic is flawed and Paul rightly calls it out as foolishness. Rather, the fact that we can’t help but sin, our failure to live up to God’s standards, highlights just how much we need Jesus.
Jesus is the ultimate embodiment of God’s faithfulness. Through Him, the promises made to the Jews—and indeed, to all humanity—are fulfilled. His life, death, and resurrection are the ultimate proof that God’s faithfulness transcends human failure, offering hope and redemption to all, regardless of our flaws. In Jesus we are set free and restored, and that then allows us to live a life of faithfulness in response.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your unwavering faithfulness, even in the face of my own failings. Help me to understand the depth of Your promises and to live in a
way that reflects my gratitude for Your grace. Keep me from the error of thinking my wrongdoings can serve Your purposes and remind me of the joy found in pursuing righteousness through the power of Your Spirit. Amen.
Challenge for the Day:
Today, reflect on areas of your life where you might be tempted to justify wrong actions by believing they could lead to a good outcome. Commit these areas to God, asking for His guidance to pursue righteousness, trusting in His faithfulness to bring about true good.