The Oracles of God; the Living Word

May 31,2020 Sunday Night Written Bible Study

Romans 3:1-4

What advantage then has the Jew, or what is the profit of circumcision? 2 Much in every way! Chiefly because to them were committed the oracles of God. 3 For what if some did not believe? Will their unbelief make the faithfulness of God without effect? 4 Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar. As it is written:

“That You may be justified in Your words, And may overcome when You are judged.”

What does this mean to us as believers?

God’s covenant to the Jews was a promise that man will not be left to his own understanding or belief as to how things will turn out. Many have and still do reject this promise and belief in God. However, the Bible is a testimony that the oracles of God; the laws and the covenants that had been given by God Himself to the nation of Israel; is God’s word for us. In the Old Testament circumcision is clearly defined as a covenant between God and all Jewish males. Circumcision was an outward demonstration for an internal obedience; a change of heart. This scripture doesn’t mean that the covenant only applied to the Jews but meant only that the Jews are responsible for their accurate transmission throughout history. The Old Testament Scriptures revealed the God who created the universe. They told also of His perfect holiness, justice, love, mercy, and absolute sovereignty. They were given the guide and standard of all true worship – the Oracles of God. In Romans 3 the apostle Paul emphasized the great privilege, and for that matter, the great responsibility that had been given unto the Jews. God entrusted the Jews with His living Word and with that came a responsibility to live by that Word. This covenant applies to all believers and Jesus Christ has come and fulfilled God's salvation plan. God is looking for the internal circumcision; a change of heart; in all that believe and trust His word.

If others don’t believe, will God punish us all? NO! Romans 3:4 says let God be true and every man a liar. Does that mean every man is a liar? No! But the word of God is true! If God says one thing and every man says another, man is a liar because God is the true and living word. God is unchanging and His word is immutable. God will keep His covenant with those that believe.

It is said that “New Covenant Christians” cannot understand Jesus Christ, His doctrine, His church, and God's plan without the Old Testament. We can see this by how frequently the apostles quote from the writings of Moses, David, and the prophets to support and fill out their doctrinal teachings. Most of the New Testament has some reference to the Old Testament which is a vital part of the living word. We see the reference to Romans 3:1-4 in the following scriptures…

Psalm 89:30-37

30 “If his sons forsake my law and do not follow my statutes, 31 if they violate my decrees and fail to keep my commands, 32 I will punish their sin with the rod, their iniquity with flogging; 33 but I will not take my love from him, nor will I ever betray my faithfulness. 34 I will not violate my covenant or alter what my lips have uttered. 35 Once for all, I have sworn by my holiness— and I will not lie to David— 36 that his line will continue forever and his throne endure before me like the sun; 37 it will be established forever like the moon, the faithful witness in the sky.”

The Psalmist expressed God’s covenant here to show that in spite of errors, rebellions and sins in the lives of many, God is determined to complete and fulfill His plan for David’s throne to endure forever. Again, the living word of God is the truth. God does not forsake us! Paul emphasized this in Romans 3 by stating even if some Jews did not believe the Word of God, God will be faithful to what He has promised.

What does that mean today?

The children of God, the believers; are to believe God’s truth even if no one else believes it. We are to stand on God’s word and not the word of man or the universal opinion. In this day in which we live these oracles of God; these divine utterances, the living words as recorded in the Bible, have been committed to us. They are to be believed, read, studied, obeyed, and proclaimed.

So, in conclusion the Holy Scriptures make up the very “utterances” of the living God. Old and New Testaments alike are the holy words preserved for us in our Bible. We should read and study the word of God; the Bible, with a changed heart through the Holy Spirit. We should learn, apply and obey the living word every day and proclaim that Jesus Christ is the son of the living God.

Have a blessed week and a Blessed new month!