Introduction
A. Chapter 3 has two sections:
1. The first section (3:1-20) is about Sin.
2. The second second (3:21-31) is about Salvation.
B. Chapter 3 is an outline for the rest of the Book of Romans:
1. Romans 3:1-4–Israel’s unbelief is the subject of chapters 9-11.
2. Romans 3:8–Living in sin is the subject of chapters 6-8.
3. Romans 3:21–Justification by faith is the subject of chapters 4-5.
4. Romans 3:31–Establishing and obeying the Law if the subject of chapters 12-16.
Harold L. Willmington is the author of the following outline below:
First Q & A, vv. 1-2
A. Question: What are the advantages of being a Jew or of being circumcised?
B. Answer: The most important advantage is that Israel has been entrusted with the Word of God.
Second Q & A, vv. 3-4
A. Question: Will Israel’s unfaithfulness nullify God’s promise?
B. Answer:
1. Paul’s testimony: “Of course not! Though everyone else in the world is a liar, God is true.”
2. David’s testimony: Paul quotes from Psalm 51 to prove his point.
Third Q & A, vv. 5-8
A. Question: If our unrighteousness brings out God’s righteousness, isn’t He unfair to punish us?
B. Answer:
1. The repudiation: Paul has been falsely accused of teaching this: do evil that good may result.
2. The reply: Paul responds, “If you follow that kind of thinking, you might as well say that the more we sin the better it is! Those who say such things deserve to be condemned.”
Fourth Q & A, vv. 9-20
A. Question: Are the Jews better than all other people?
B. Answer:
1. The corruption (vv. 10-18): Paul describes the cancer of sin that has infected the human race.
a. Human conscience is depraved (vv. 10-11): No one even desires to know and follow God.
b. Human character is depraved (v. 12): All have left the path of good and have become worthless.
c. Human conversation is depraved (vv. 13-14): People’s talk is foul and filthy, resembling:
1) the stench from an open grave (v. 13a);
2) the poison from a deadly snake (vv. 13b-14).
d. Human conduct is depraved (vv. 15-18):
1) “they are quick to commit murder” (vv. 15-17);
2) “they have no fear of God” (v. 18).
2. The conclusion (vv. 9, 19-20): After presenting all the terrible facts, Paul reaches two conclusions:
a. Both Jew and Gentile have sinned against God, v. 9.
b. Both Jew and Gentile stand accused before God, vv. 19-20.
Fifth Q & A, vv. 21-30
A. Question: How then does God save people?
B. Answer:
1. The need for salvation (v. 23): It is desperately needed, for all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory.
2. The Old Testament witness to salvation (v. 21b): The Scriptures promise salvation apart from the law.
3. The method of salvation (vv. 22, 24-25, 27-29)
a. Negative (vv. 27-28): It is not accomplished by good works.
b. Positive (vv. 22, 24-25): It comes by grace through faith in the sacrifice of Christ.
4. The legal accomplishment of salvation (v. 26): It permits a just and holy God to declare repenting sinners righteous.
5. The scope of salvation (vv. 29-30): It is available for both Jews and Gentiles.
Sixth Q & A, v. 31
A. Question: Does faith nullify the Law?
B. Answer: No, faith fulfills the Law!
Conclusion
Paul uses three important words for salvation:
A. Justified, v. 24: declared righteous in God’s sight throught he merits of Christ. This justification is God’s righteousness imputed or credited to our account.
B. Redemption, v. 24: delivered from sin and its penalties by the payment of a price. This price was Christ’s blood on the cross.
C. Propitiation, v. 25: God’s holy Law demands the death penalty. Christ’s substitutionary sacrifice appeases God’s wrath and Law, making it possible to forgive sinners and remain just. God’s justice has been satisfied.