Romans 3:1-2 – Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision? Much in every way. To begin with, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God.
In the days of the New Testament, the racial and cultural division between Jews and Gentiles ran deep. They did not intermarry, worship together, or much care for one another. Then, Jesus Christ saved, and the Holy Spirit filled both Jews and Gentiles, bringing them together as God’s family the Church.
Since they both had the grace of God and power of the Spirit, the question was then raised on what benefit it was to be a Jewish believer. To ask it in today’s terms, what good does it do to grow up in church?
Paul said that it was a blessing to grow up under God’s Word.
For starters, even if we do not know God, if we know some Scripture, it does help to put some moral guardrails up in our life to reduce our folly and bad choices. There are blessings and benefits in this life from heeding the warnings of God’s Word.
Additionally, if we know God and live under His Word, we place ourselves in the place that God blesses. God blesses not just people, but rather people who place themselves under the authority of His Word not only in this life, but into eternal life.
When it comes to God’s Word, there are only really 3 ways to view it:
- Scripture is perfect and from God
- Scripture is imperfect and from people
- Scripture is a combination of 1-2 and we get to choose which part is which
What Paul is saying is that those who believe Scripture is perfect and from God and seek to obey it have life change. This promise has proven true. In a study of 400,000 people “The Power of 4 Effect” was discovered. Being in God’s Word 1-3 days a week had negligible effect on a person’s behavior. However, massive life changed occurred in such areas as physical addiction, emotional health, and mental wellness when God’s Word was part of at least four days of a person’s week. The findings prove that when God’s Word is a part of the majority of your week, your life changes by God’s power.
To learn more visit: https://www.backtothebible.org/research
To find the free Romans study guide for individuals and small groups, hear Pastor Mark’s entire sermon series on Romans, or find a free mountain of Bible teaching visit realfaith.com or download the realfaith app.