PXR Bible Study

[Neo Emolga]

Thank you for the mention. :)

Name: Neo Emolga
Why do you want to join the Bible Study: Haven't participated in one of these before, but it looks like it will help provide more understanding and insight to the Bible.
Favorite Bible Book: Psalms

As for Romans 3

1. What are your thoughts on what is said about the Jews at the start of the chapter? Where do you think they fit into Modern Day Christianity?

I think the basis this passage is making here is that while Jews were entrusted to spread the revelation of God, and we must do the same. In the same regard, we shouldn't look down on Jews, Gentiles, or anyone because of what they believe because we're all under the power of sin.

2. Paul describes people excusing their evil by saying the contrast makes God look greater. Do you think this is a fair justification? Why? Why not?

As the passages illustrate, this kind of "let me do evil so God looks better" thinking is just ridiculous. While sin is something we cannot escape from without the help of God and Jesus Christ, it is something we need to try and fight and resist as much as possible. Evil isn't something that should be excused. I feel in order to be forgiven, you've got to really regret your past decision, strive for better living, and have genuine want to achieve forgiveness. If you don't really make that effort, what does that say about you and what you've done?

3. Do you find the Old Testament Law to still be relevant after the crucifixion and resurrection? Why? Why not?

I'll admit, I've struggled with this one. Society, mankind, and civilization has changed so much since the Old Testament days and it makes it tricky to pinpoint which components of Old Testament regulation are still be applicable as well as trying to determine what new regulations might be necessary. For example, we don't sacrifice animals at the altar like what was done in Leviticus. Also, some of the smaller laws like no tattoos aren't really followed that much anymore, but for the most part, even the laws of old are still followed. We still look down upon incest, prostitution, and perversion.

Do any verses stand out to you?

This one:

23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. 24 Yet God freely and graciously declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. 25 For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, 26 for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he declares sinners to be right in his sight when they believe in Jesus.

I think sacrificing one's self is the strongest show of love you could ever have for them. We live in a dangerous world filled with threats and dangers everywhere, but working together to overcome them regardless of what it takes is real, serious love and compassion. And this goes to show that it's not about who you are and what you've done, but more about what you've done for others and the things you've given up for them even when it hurt to do so.

Did this chapter raise any questions for you?

I sometimes wonder about how Jesus would react to some of the modern things we have today, such as news media, celebrities, technology, and the like. But it does seem like the end message is that these things can be used for both good and evil intentions. Today, we're using the internet to communicate and share our reflections on God and Jesus Christ, which wasn't something that was available even just a few decades ago. Despite the seas of misinformation and deception, we need to get creative to see how anything and everything can be used for good intentions and to glorify God.