Reflective Reading 3
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BIBL 110
R
EFLECTIVE
R
EADING
T
EMPLATE
: C
HRISTIAN
K
IM
Reflective Reading Passage: Romans 3:1-12
Use this template and the course texts The Inquisitive Christ and Approaching the New Testament to record brief notes for each step of the reflective reading process
. Step One: Prepare
Use this space to understand the key elements of context to your passage. Consulting and citing Approaching the New Testament
, please complete the contextual information according to the information found in the course textbook:
By consulting and citing
Approaching the New Testament, who is the author of this biblical book
(in 2-3 sentences)?
The book of Romans is typically credited to the Apostle Paul, who is regarded as the principal author of this epistle in the New Testament. Although the writer does not identify
himself in the Gospel story, “Paul does not make his purpose explicit, several reasons likely
prompted him to write this letter.”
By consulting and citing
Approaching the New Testament
, when was this biblical book written (in 1 sentence)? The biblical book of Romans was written, “around AD 55.”
By consulting and citing
Approaching the New Testament
, what is the overall theme of the book (in 2-3 sentences)? The book of Romans is recognized for its fundamental concept of redemption via faith in Jesus Christ, which is included in the Bible's New Testament. It delves into subjects like "Jewish and Gentile guilt before God and God's faithfulness and justice." and the link between the law and grace. Overall, it highlights the concept that by placing their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, everyone, both Jews and Gentiles, may be redeemed and forgiven with God, and it goes into the philosophical and moral consequences of this message.
Step Two: Read
Utilizing either
a translation of choice or
creating a paraphrase of your own, use this space to re-write the full passage of scripture. Please do not copy and paste from an existing translation, but rather, write out the passage word-by-word in order to slowly reflect on the content.
1
So, what is the benefit of being a part of God's chosen people, and what is the value of circumcision?
2
Much in many ways! To begin with, the Jews were entrusted with God's Page 1 of 5
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precious teachings.
3
However, some Jews were disobedient and did not believe in God's word. Is God's faithfulness nullified by their unbelief? 4
Absolutely not! Even though individuals are
unfaithful, God is always loyal. His remarks are still true. 5
But, what can we say if our wrongdoing helps to showcase God's righteousness? Is God's punishment of us unjust? 6
Certainly not! How else could God evaluate the world? 7 Why am I still punished as a sinner if my lying shows God's veracity and His glory is boosted by my deception? 8 Why not say, as some falsely assert, "Let us do evil that good may result"? Their punishment is appropriate.
9
So, how much better off are we Jews? Absolutely not! We have previously stated that both Jews and Gentiles are subject to the power of sin. 10
There is no one virtuous, not even one, it is written. 11
There is no one who comprehends; no one who seeks God. 12 They have all turned
away, and collectively they have become useless; there is no one who does good, not even one.
Step Three: Reflect
Use this space to answer the following questions. Consult The Inquisitive Christ
for insight into pertinent Gospel texts. If there is dialogue in the passage, who is speaking (in 1 complete sentence)?
Paul is addressing numerous issues and arguments that may occur in response to his teachings on God's righteousness, God's faithfulness, and humanity's global wickedness to the Christians in Rome.
What questions are asked in the passage? Please list all
questions located in the passage.
What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision? – Romans 3:1
What if some were unfaithful? Will their unfaithfulness nullify God’s faithfulness – Romans 3:3
… what shall we say? That God is unjust in bringing his wrath on us? – Romans 3:5
… how could God judge the world? – Romans 3:6
… why am I still condemned as a sinner? – Romans 3:7
“Let us do evil that good may result”? – Romans 3:8
What shall we conclude then? Do we have any advantage?
– Romans 3:9
How would you answer each of the questions asked (in at least 3 sentences)?
Circumcision and being a Jew were great advantages since they were the chosen people to whom God committed His precious messages and promises. The benefit, however, was in Page 2 of 5
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having a grasp on God's revelation rather than utilizing it to brag or proclaim supremacy over others. It was a duty to live in line with God's truth and to communicate it with others, highlighting the significance of faith and morality.
Individual unfaithfulness, even among the selected, does not contradict God's faithfulness. Despite of our failings, God keeps His promises. His constancy reflects his nature, and it emphasizes the need for salvation and the righteousness supplied by way of trust in Jesus Christ.
God is not unfair in delivering punishment and wrath on those who continue to do wrong. His righteousness and justice are unarguable. His wrath is a reaction to human sin and disobedience, displaying His purity and the desire for His righteousness to be shown by trust in Christ.
God's power to evaluate the world is without dispute. He created and sustains all things, and His verdict is an essential manifestation of His justice and righteousness. He sustains moral order and gives the possibility for atonement and salvation through His judgment.
People are nevertheless condemned despite God's faithfulness and the revelation of His righteousness since all have sinned and come short of the expectations of God. The importance of redemption and righteousness via trust in Christ is underlined in this passage.
Paul firmly opposes committing evil in any scenario, even if it results in some imagined good. Such thinking runs counter to the major ideas of Romans, which are justice and trust.
According to Paul, both Jews and Gentiles are subject to the influence of sin, and neither community has a natural edge when it involves righteousness and redemption. The advantage is found in trust in Jesus Christ, who provides righteousness to everyone who believe, regardless of origin or background.
What words or phrases stand out to you, and why? Are any words/themes repeated? If so, share why you think there is repetition. Please answer with at least 3 sentences.
Throughout this paragraph, the theme of advantage is reiterated. It starts with the question, "What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew?" and then explores whether Jews
have a competitive advantage over non-Jews. The repeating of this subject emphasizes the concept that belonging to God's chosen people provided an important benefit in obtaining His Word and blessings.
During the chapter, the notion of righteousness is indicated, particularly while addressing God's wrath and humanity's global wickedness. While the term "righteousness" is not Page 3 of 5
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BIBL 110
expressly used, the concept of God's righteousness and humanity's lack of it is a constant topic. This subject emphasizes the importance of God's righteousness coming to light through trust in Christ.
What questions do you have as you read this passage? If you have no questions, please explain why this might be the case.
As I read Romans 3:1-12, I'm struck by the significance of God's faithfulness and human unfaithfulness, especially about connection to God's wrath. I'm also curious about the relevance of the recurring subject of advantage, both for Jews and Gentiles, and how it relates to the larger message of redemption and justice through trust in Christ.
Step Four: Pray
Use this space to formulate a prayer to God, dialoguing with Him about what he may be speaking to you in this passage:
Dear Heavenly Father,
As I ponder Romans 3:1-12, I feel reminded of the tremendous realities contained within these
words. Your Word illustrates the conflict between human disobedience and Your steadfast fidelity, emphasizing the need for Your righteousness by faith in Christ. Lord, I ask for a more
profound awareness of Your faithfulness and righteousness in my life. Help me to understand the significance of being justified by faith and to act in accordance with this reality. Show me how to humbly realize that no one is righteous apart from You, and direct my efforts to spread the gospel of salvation to others. Thank you for the opportunity to know You and the wonderful gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ.
In Jesus Name, I pray
Amen.
Step Five: Respond
Use this space to contemplate how God may be asking you to respond to this passage in your life
with him:
In my daily interaction with God, I experience a strong call to humility and thanksgiving when I read Romans 3:1-12. It reminds me that I must not take my faith and access to God's Word for granted, as the Jews did in Paul's day. Instead, I ought to approach my connection with God with great humility, acknowledging that I am justified and made righteous exclusively through His faithfulness and grace. This awareness leads me to be grateful for the tremendous gift of salvation via trust in Jesus Christ every day. Furthermore, this scripture motivates me to aggressively spread the word of salvation to Page 4 of 5
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others. Just as Paul emphasized the general need for righteousness, I must grasp that this message is for everyone, not just myself. God has asked me to be a disciple of His love, grace, and righteousness, to show others that they, too, may be justified through faith in Christ. This call to spread the Gospel reminds me of Jesus' Great Commission, and I am reminded of my obligation to carry out this mission in my everyday life, both in word and deed, as I walk with God.
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