Romans 3
In 1 Corinthians 3, Paul points out divisions and immaturity within the Corinthian church, emphasizing that true Christian growth belongs only to God. Paul introduces the church’s leaders and workers as God’s co-workers, and explains their roles and responsibilities within the community, as well as the process of spiritual growth.
1verseThen what advantage does the Jew have? Or what is the profit of circumcision?
2verseMuch in every way! Because first of all, they were entrusted with the revelations of God.
3verseFor what if some were without faith? Will their lack of faith nullify the faithfulness of God?
4verseMay it never be! Yes, let God be found true, but every man a liar. As it is written, “that you might be justified in your words, and might prevail when you come into judgment.”
5verseBut if our unrighteousness commends the righteousness of God, what will we say? Is God unrighteous who inflicts wrath? I speak like men do.
6verseMay it never be! For then how will God judge the world?
7verseFor if the truth of God through my lie abounded to his glory, why am I also still judged as a sinner?
8verseWhy not (as we are slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say), “Let’s do evil, that good may come?” Those who say so are justly condemned.
9verseWhat then? Are we better than they? No, in no way. For we previously warned both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin.
10verseAs it is written, “There is no one righteous; no, not one.
11verseThere is no one who understands. There is no one who seeks after God.
12verseThey have all turned away. They have together become unprofitable. There is no one who does good, no, not so much as one.”
13verse“Their throat is an open tomb. With their tongues they have used deceit.” “The poison of vipers is under their lips.”
14verse“Their mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.”
15verse“Their feet are swift to shed blood.
16verseDestruction and misery are in their ways.
17verseThe way of peace, they haven’t known.”
18verse“There is no fear of God before their eyes.”
19verseNow we know that whatever things the law says, it speaks to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be closed, and all the world may be brought under the judgment of God.
20verseBecause by the works of the law, no flesh will be justified in his sight; for through the law comes the knowledge of sin.
21verseBut now apart from the law, a righteousness of God has been revealed, being testified by the law and the prophets;
22verseeven the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ to all and on all those who believe. For there is no distinction,
23versefor all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;
24versebeing justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,
25versewhom God sent to be an atoning sacrifice through faith in his blood, for a demonstration of his righteousness through the passing over of prior sins, in God’s forbearance;
26verseto demonstrate his righteousness at this present time, that he might himself be just and the justifier of him who has faith in Jesus.
27verseWhere then is the boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith.
28verseWe maintain therefore that a man is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.
29verseOr is God the God of Jews only? Isn’t he the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also,
30versesince indeed there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith.
31verseDo we then nullify the law through faith? May it never be! No, we establish the law.
Structure and Flow of the Chapter
- Verses 1-4: Paul says that the Corinthians are still like spiritual infants, and addresses the problem of disputes centered on people.
- Verses 5-9: Paul explains that workers such as Paul and Apollos have different roles, and that the source of all growth is God. Workers are only tools.
- Verses 10-15: Paul uses a metaphor, saying that each worker and believer builds the church building with different materials, and that each person’s work is tested by fire.
- Verses 16-17: He reminds the faith community that it is God’s temple, and warns those who defile the temple.
- Verses 18-23: He concludes by emphasizing that we should abandon human wisdom and boasting, declaring that everything belongs to all within Christ.
Key Message and Meaning
In this chapter, Paul addresses the problem of division that comes from wanting to follow people, and makes it clear that the true owner of the church is God. He says that each person should faithfully carry out their assigned role, without boasting or competing, and that we must give all glory for everything to God. He also emphasizes that since the community of faith is God’s temple, we must treat one another as precious and build each other up appropriately.
Points for Reflection
- In my faith life, am I relying on God more than on people?
- How do I view others in the community I belong to?
- I can examine whether the motivation behind my service and ministry truly comes from God.
Apply It to Me
- Let’s make an effort to look at the church, the community, and even ourselves from God’s perspective.
- Let’s reflect on what kind of materials and what kind of foundation my “house of life” that I am building right now is being built upon.
- Rather than following people or comparing myself with others, let’s commit ourselves to a life that walks with God alone.
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