Romans 3 Study Guide – Grace, Justification, and the Gospel of Christ

Romans Chapter 3

Section 1: God’s Faithfulness (Romans 3:1–8)

Key Points:

• Jews had a unique advantage: being entrusted with the very words of God (Romans 3:1–2).

• Human unfaithfulness does not nullify God’s faithfulness; He remains true even when people fail (Romans 3:3–4).

• God’s righteousness is not an excuse for sin; arguments that evil can bring about good are condemned (Romans 3:5–8).

Discussion Questions:

1. What was the main advantage of being a Jew? (Romans 3:1–2, Deuteronomy 4:7–8; Psalm 147:19–20).

2. How does God remain faithful despite human unfaithfulness? (Romans 3:3–4, 2 Timothy 2:13; Numbers 23:19).

3. Why is the idea of “doing evil so good may result” condemned? (Romans 3:7–8, Isaiah 5:20; James 1:13).

Section 2: No One Is Righteous (Romans 3:9–20)

Key Points:

• Both Jews and Gentiles are under the power of sin; no one is righteous by their own effort (Romans 3:9–12).

• Sin affects every part of human life—speech, actions, relationships, and reverence for God (Romans 3:13–18).

• The Law exposes sin and holds the whole world accountable before God (Romans 3:19–20).

• No one is made righteous by works of the Law; its purpose is to reveal sin (Romans 3:20).

Discussion Questions:

1. What does Paul mean by “there is no one righteous”? (Romans 3:10, Ecclesiastes 7:20; Romans 5:12).

2. How does sin affect every part of a person’s life? (Romans 3:13–18, Jeremiah 17:9; Ephesians 4:17–19).

3. What is the role of the Law in revealing sin? (Romans 3:19–20, Galatians 3:24; 1 Timothy 1:8–11).

Section 3: Righteousness Through Faith (Romans 3:21–31)

Key Points:

• God’s righteousness has been revealed apart from the Law, testified by the Law and Prophets (Romans 3:21).

• Righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe, Jew and Gentile alike (Romans 3:22–23).

• All have sinned and fall short of God’s glory but are justified freely by His grace through Christ’s redemption (Romans 3:23–24).

• Jesus is the atoning sacrifice for sin, received by faith, demonstrating God’s justice and mercy (Romans 3:25–26).

• Justification is by faith, not works; boasting is excluded (Romans 3:27–28).

• God is God of both Jews and Gentiles, justifying all through the same faith (Romans 3:29–30).

• Faith upholds the Law by fulfilling its true purpose (Romans 3:31).

Discussion Questions:

1. What does it mean that righteousness is “apart from the law”? (Romans 3:21, Philippians 3:9; Galatians 2:16).

2. Why is Romans 3:23 such an important verse? (Romans 3:23, Isaiah 64:6; 1 John 1:8).

3. How does Paul describe justification? (Romans 3:24–26, Titus 3:5–7; 2 Corinthians 5:21).

4. Why is boasting excluded in salvation? (Romans 3:27–28, Ephesians 2:8–9; Jeremiah 9:23–24).

5. How does faith uphold the Law? (Romans 3:31, Matthew 5:17; Galatians 5:14).