Understanding Romans 3:1-8: Questions and Answers from Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones's Sermon

What is the main issue that Paul addresses in Romans 3:1-8?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, Paul is addressing difficult arguments that arise from his previous statements about Jews and Gentiles both being under God's judgment. This passage deals with three related objections that Jewish listeners might raise: 1) If Jews are judged like Gentiles, what advantage was there in being Jewish? 2) If Jewish unfaithfulness highlights God's faithfulness, isn't God unfair to punish them? 3) If sin magnifies God's grace, why not sin more? Lloyd-Jones calls this "one of the most difficult passages, not only in this epistle to the Romans, but in the whole of scripture."

Why did Dr. Lloyd-Jones find comfort in Romans 3:8?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones calls the words "as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say" in verse 8 possibly "the most comforting words for any preacher in this congregation tonight of any words in the whole of scripture." He finds comfort in knowing that even the Apostle Paul was completely misunderstood by certain people who "made him say the exact opposite of what he was actually saying." This gives modern preachers comfort when their own messages are misunderstood or misrepresented.

What are the three arguments Paul addresses in this passage?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones identifies three arguments Paul addresses: 1. Does the Jews' unfaithfulness nullify God's faithfulness and make the oracles of God worthless? 2. If Jewish unrighteousness demonstrates God's righteousness more clearly, isn't God unjust to punish them? 3. If sin magnifies God's grace, shouldn't we "do evil that good may come"?

To each, Paul responds with strong rejection ("God forbid") followed by reasoned explanations based on fundamental principles about God's character.

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones suggest Christians should handle difficult theological arguments?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones recommends following Paul's method: "In each instance, he doesn't start with details, but he falls back on some great fundamental principle." When facing difficult arguments: 1. Start with something you're absolutely certain about 2. "When you've got the unknown, start with the known" 3. Look for big principles that are related to the details 4. Test views by asking: "Is this view humbling to me, glorifying to God?" 5. Remember fundamental truths like God's faithfulness and righteousness are not up for debate

How can preachers know if they're presenting the gospel correctly?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones offers this surprising test: "If your presentation of the gospel does not expose it to the charge of antinomianism, you are probably not putting it correctly." He explains that the true gospel of free grace will sometimes be misunderstood as promoting lawlessness (antinomianism). Paul himself was accused of this. If a preacher never faces this accusation, they may be preaching works-righteousness instead of grace. The gospel always risks being misunderstood because it declares salvation is "irrespective of what man does," not based on good works, church membership, or moral living.

What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones say about God's faithfulness despite human failure?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that "God's unconditional promises do not depend upon the faithfulness of men. Indeed, were they to do so, there would never have been a salvation at all." He points to the Old Testament as demonstrating that despite Israel's "failure after failure after failure," God remained faithful to His purposes. Lloyd-Jones applies this principle to the Christian church, saying, "If the Christian church had been a human institution only, it's perfectly certain that she would have ceased to be centuries ago." God's purposes will be accomplished despite human unfaithfulness.