God is Righteous

Sermon Text

Romans 3:1-8

God’s Judgment Defended

3 What advantage then has the Jew, or what is the profit of circumcision? 2 Much in every way! Chiefly because to them were committed the oracles of God. 3 For what if some did not believe? Will their unbelief make the faithfulness of God without effect? 4 Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar. As it is written:

“That You may be justified in Your words,
And may overcome when You are judged.”

5 But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unjust who inflicts wrath? (I speak as a man.) 6 Certainly not! For then how will God judge the world?

7 For if the truth of God has increased through my lie to His glory, why am I also still judged as a sinner? 8 And why not say, “Let us do evil that good may come”?—as we are slanderously reported and as some affirm that we say. Their condemnation is just.

New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved.

“God is Righteous” (Romans 3:1–8)

Main Idea:
We must rest in God’s character alone—not in our performance or in cheap grace.

Key Points

• 1. God’s covenant privileges are real—but not saving in themselves (vv. 1–2)

  • The Jews had great advantages, especially being entrusted with the Word of God.

  • The problem: նրանք trusted the signs (circumcision, law) instead of the God behind them.

  • Application: External religious practices (baptism, church attendance, Bible reading) cannot save.

• 2. Human unfaithfulness does not nullify God’s faithfulness (vv. 3–4)

  • Even if people fail, God remains true.

  • “Let God be true, though every man a liar.”

  • Example: David’s sin (Psalm 51) proves God’s righteousness, not His failure.

  • Application: Our sin does not change God’s character—He is always faithful.

• 3. God’s justice is not compromised by human sin (vv. 5–6)

  • Argument addressed: “If our sin highlights God’s righteousness, why judge us?”

  • Paul rejects this—God must judge sin to remain just.

  • Application: We cannot excuse sin by pointing to “good outcomes.”

• 4. The gospel is not a license to sin (vv. 7–8)

  • False accusation: “Let us do evil that good may come.”

  • Paul strongly condemns this as a distortion of grace.

  • Application: True grace leads to repentance, not deeper sin.

Big Takeaway

• Don’t trust:

  • Your religious background

  • Your performance

  • A shallow view of grace

• Do trust: God’s unchanging character—His righteousness, truth, justice, and faithfulness.

• Where am I tempted to trust in outward religious activity instead of Christ?

• How do I respond when I see sin in my life—defensiveness or repentance?

• Do I ever justify sin because “good came from it”?

• What does it mean practically to rest in God’s character?

• How does God’s unchanging faithfulness give me assurance?

• In what ways might I be taking grace for granted?

• How can I grow in hating sin and loving righteousness?

• Righteousness: God’s perfect moral standard and justice

• Justification: Being declared righteous by God through faith in Christ

• Sanctification: The process of growing in holiness

• Covenant: God’s binding relationship with His people

• Oracles of God: The revealed Word of God

• Cheap Grace: Grace misunderstood as permission to sin

• Law (First Use): Reveals human sin and need for salvation