What is the curse of the law?
(Romans 3:1-20, 23; Psa.14:1-3) Blog Oct. 15-21, 2017
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: In his letter to the church in Rome Paul first states his theme – the Gospel of God. After showing how to receive salvation through this Gospel he lists the steps one may take towards damnation. Having presented these two options in chapter one he assures all humanity that God will at some future date consider their entire lives and pass judgment according to the standard of his holy Ten Commandment Law. There will be no bias in this judgment nor any missing evidence. The doers of God’s Law will be justified in that day.
Let God be true (Romans 3:1-8; Deut. 32:1-4)
1. What primary advantage did the Jews have over the Gentiles?
2. What characteristic of God does Paul emphasize in verses 3-5?
3. In what ways is God righteous?
4. What just right of God does Paul mention in verse five and how does this relate to God’s judgment?
5. How does the sinfulness of humanity emphasize the righteousness of God?
6. What is Paul’s attitude to those who say that our doctrine of justification encourages sin?
Universal condition (Romans 3:9-18; Psalm 14:1-3; 36:1-4; 51:5; 58:3)
7. In verse 9 where does Paul say all humanity is located?
8. On what basis does Paul say all humanity is “under sin”?
9. What sin does Paul especially emphasize as descriptive of a sinful nature?
10. When does a person acquire a lying tongue and a sinful nature?
Application (Romans 3:19-23; 5:12, 17)
11. If we are born depraved as well as degenerate would it be right to say we are born justified?
12. Are all people born under the curse of the law?
13. What is the curse of the law?
14. According to verse 19 under what condition are we all found?
15. What two time frames are mentioned in verse 23?
16. If God requires righteousness to pass his judgment and ours is insufficient to meet his standard what must we all do in his presence?
ANSWERS: 1. They had the Word of God; 2. His righteousness; 3. In nature, character, & actions; 4. His right to
punish the unrighteous showing that God’s judgment is not to be trifled with for it results in traumatic events –life or
death; 5. By displaying the sharp contrast between the behavior & character of humanity with the behavior & character
of God & even more so if he were to forgive human sin; 6. Very negative – he says they deserve damnation; 7. Under
sin; 8. On the basis of Holy Scripture; 9. That of telling lies; 10. At conception; 11. Certainly not; 12. Yes, so states
Romans five; 13. It is condemnation to eternal death; 14. Guilty before God’s judgment; 15. Past tense & present
continuous tense; 16. Shut our mouths.