1 Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the benefit of circumcision? 2 Great in every respect. First of all, that they were entrusted with the oracles of God. 3 What then? If some did not believe, their unbelief will not nullify the faithfulness of God, will it? 4 May it never be! Rather, let God be found true, though every man be found a liar, as it is written, “That You may be justified in Your words, And prevail when You are judged.” 5 But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say? The God who inflicts wrath is not unrighteous, is He? (I am speaking in human terms.) 6 May it never be! For otherwise, how will God judge the world? 7 But if through my lie the truth of God abounded to His glory, why am I also still being judged as a sinner? 8 And why not say (as we are slanderously reported and as some claim that we say), “Let us do evil that good may come”? Their condemnation is just.

Paul’s imaginary conversation with an entitled Jew:

Question #1: “If being a Jew is about the heart (2:28), and everyone is going to be judged impartially by God for their actions, is there any advantage or benefit to being a Jew?”

Paul’s Response (1-2): “Absolutely! The fact the Jews were                             by God with the              of God makes them special.”

Deuteronomy 4:8 NASB95

8 “Or what great nation is there that has statutes and judgments as righteous as this whole law which I am setting before you today?

Lesson #1: There are many benefits to                       up in the faith, such as having the opportunity to know about God and to know the promises of God. But those privileges provide no                             in the                            .

Question #2: “Even though they sinned, God made promises to the Jews to save and deliver them. If He judges them, doesn’t that make Him unfaithful?”

Paul’s Response (3-4): “God is always faithful. In fact, His impartial judgement of sin                    His faithfulness.”

Matthew 7:21–23 NASB95

21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. 22 “Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ 23 “And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.’

Lesson #2: Above all God is faithful to                      (i.e. to His character). It’s always our                                      that’s in question.

2 Timothy 2:13 AMP

13 If we are faithless [do not believe and are untrue to Him], He remains true (faithful to His Word and His righteous character), for He cannot deny Himself.

Question #3: “If our sin                    God by displaying His righteousness, grace and mercy, is it right for Him to                       us?”

Paul’s Response (5-8): “If that were true, God wouldn’t judge any                   , and no one believes or wants that.” 

Lesson #3: Never let sin be your                 to an          .  

Lesson #4: Even if they won’t say it, everyone wants God’s                      . 

Psalm 75:2 NLT

2 God says, “At the time I have planned, I will bring justice against the wicked.