Thrive Creative Journaling Devotional Bible - Flipbook - Page 12
ROMANS 3 . . . page 1394
14Even Gentiles, who do not have God’s written law, show that they know his law when
they instinctively obey it, even without having heard it. 15They demonstrate that God’s
law is written in their hearts, for their own
conscience and thoughts either accuse them
or tell them they are doing right. 16And this
is the message I proclaim—that the day is
coming when God, through Christ Jesus, will
judge everyone’s secret life.
Dear God,
Show Your daughter how
to stay connected to You so
she can grow in her faith.
Remove her guilt and give
her Your grace.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
declare them to be his own people? 27In fact,
uncircumcised Gentiles who keep God’s law
will condemn you Jews who are circumcised
and possess God’s law but don’t obey it.
28For you are not a true Jew just because
you were born of Jewish parents or because
you have gone through the ceremony of
circumcision. 29No, a true Jew is one whose
heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the
law; rather, it is a change of heart produced
by the Spirit. And a person with a changed
heart seeks praise* from God, not from
people.
God Remains Faithful
Then what’s the advantage of being a
Jew? Is there any value in the ceremony
of circumcision? 2Yes, there are great benefits! First of all, the Jews were entrusted with
the whole revelation of God.*
3True, some of them were unfaithful; but
just because they were unfaithful, does that
mean God will be unfaithful? 4Of course not!
Even if everyone else is a liar, God is true. As
the Scriptures say about him,
3
“You will be proved right in what you say,
and you will win your case in court.”*
The Jews and the Law
17You who call yourselves Jews are relying on
God’s law, and you boast about your special
relationship with him. 18You know what he
wants; you know what is right because you
have been taught his law. 19 You are convinced that you are a guide for the blind and
a light for people who are lost in darkness.
20 You think you can instruct the ignorant
and teach children the ways of God. For you
are certain that God’s law gives you complete
knowledge and truth.
21Well then, if you teach others, why don’t
you teach yourself? You tell others not to
steal, but do you steal? 22You say it is wrong
to commit adultery, but do you commit adultery? You condemn idolatry, but do you use
items stolen from pagan temples?* 23 You
are so proud of knowing the law, but you
dishonor God by breaking it. 24No wonder
the Scriptures say, “The Gentiles blaspheme
the name of God because of you.”*
25 The Jewish ceremony of circumcision
has value only if you obey God’s law. But if
you don’t obey God’s law, you are no better
off than an uncircumcised Gentile. 26 And
if the Gentiles obey God’s law, won’t God
5 “But,” some might say, “our sinfulness
serves a good purpose, for it helps people see
how righteous God is. Isn’t it unfair, then, for
him to punish us?” (This is merely a human
point of view.) 6Of course not! If God were
not entirely fair, how would he be qualified
to judge the world? 7“But,” someone might
still argue, “how can God condemn me as a
sinner if my dishonesty highlights his truthfulness and brings him more glory?” 8And
some people even slander us by claiming
that we say, “The more we sin, the better it
is!” Those who say such things deserve to be
condemned.
All People Are Sinners
9Well then, should we conclude that we Jews
are better than others? No, not at all, for we
have already shown that all people, whether
Jews or Gentiles,* are under the power of sin.
10As the Scriptures say,
11
“No one is righteous—
not even one.
No one is truly wise;
no one is seeking God.
2:22 Greek do you steal from temples? 2:24 Isa 52:5 (Greek version). 2:29 Or receives praise. 3:2 Greek the oracles of God.
3:4 Ps 51:4 (Greek version). 3:9 Greek or Greeks.
