Sunday, August 30, 2020

The Jews have been entrusted with the very words of God

 Romans 3:1-8

What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision? Much in every way! First of all, the Jews have been entrusted with the very words of God.

What if some were unfaithful? Will their unfaithfulness nullify God’s faithfulness? Not at all! Let God be true, and every human being a liar

So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge. Psalm 51:4

Why not say—as some slanderously claim that we say—“Let us do evil that good may result”? Their condemnation is just!

Paul imagines the questions the hecklers will fling at him and meets their points one by one. Have the Jews any advantage over others? Yes, the fact that God has entrusted them with his revelation.

What if some have failed in their trust? Will God go back on his promises? No. God still keeps his word, but promises will not save them.

Wrongdoing seems to serve a good end since it highlights God's goodness. So why not 'do evil that good may come' of it? Because God is a just Judge - and the end does not justify the means.

Why?

The Jew is the first tribe to be God's people and has the mission to honor the Lord. It is grace and honor to Jews. If they do not obey the word of God, it is meaningless to their identity and circumcision.

God is faithful and judges everyone according to their deed, so no one has excuse to explain what he has done.

---------

2:29 惟有裡面作的,才是真猶太人;真割禮也是心裡的,在乎靈,不在乎儀文。這人的稱讚不是從人來的,乃是從神來的。

為何要有這些禮儀?凡事大有好處,讓人有好處,神不會帶入走冤枉路。

神的聖言交託他們。放託代表信任,委任。可被信賴的,即猶太人是有使命的要往外傳。後來他們不能被信賴了,又有何妨?他們不知道神的用意,曲解神的禮儀含義,使禮儀無效了。

受割禮是象徵、宣告,是開始不是結束,完成了。洗禮只是願意公開宣告我願意一生跟隨主,很多人以為這是畢業典禮,洗禮是開學典禮。因為人喜歡被誇獎。v5還喜歡被誇獎,以為我的不義是顯出神的義。但是要受審判,是曲解神的心意,人的自我中心何等可怕。

人不信,神仍然是可信任的。神仍然守約。相信凡事都有好處。反而我們不信神就讓我們繞路。神不會害我們,只要我們更像祂!

--------

How?

Be humble and let honor the name of God be our target in our life. 


No comments: