Romans 3:10-26 Ewen Lin

Pope Francis said on 60 Minutes, “People are fundamentally good. We are all fundamentally good. Yes, there are some rogues and sinners, but the heart itself is good.” Does Romans 3 support that message? Why? What do verses 10-18 tell us about the fullness of human sinfulness? (For example, “no one understands; no one seeks for God” speaks of being sinful in mind.)

According to verses 19-20, what was the purpose of the Law? (Also see Romans 5:12-13 and 20.) What, then, is the Christian’s relationship with the Law? (Consider Romans 6:14, Galatians 3:24, and 6:2.)

In Romans 3, Paul is discussing both Jews and Gentiles (all people). According to verses 21-24, what is the universal problem, and what is the universal solution? How is the solution received? What is the significance of Paul describing God’s justification as a gift?

Paul uses the term propitiation, which means to turn God’s wrath away from the sinner and onto the sacrifice, i.e., Jesus. Why is it important not to downplay the fact that God is wrathful toward sinners and their sin? (Consider Revelation 20:12-15.) If God did not show wrath toward sin, what would that say about God and about the seriousness of sin?

What does it mean that God is “just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus”? (Consider 2 Corinthians 5:21 and Colossians 2:13-14.)

Knowing God’s purpose in the Law and His wrath toward sin, because He is just, how does recognising our inability to be righteous on our own deepen our appreciation for the grace of God? How should that make us respond, especially knowing that His grace is a gift, in our everyday lives?