#120 – A Massive Problem

Sep 30, 2021

Guest

Jen Wilkin

Jen Wilkin, an influential biblical teacher, joins theologian JT English and pastor Kyle Worley to dive deep into Romans 3:1-20. They discuss the implications of total depravity and the universal need for redemption. Exploring the differences between Jews and Gentiles, they emphasize God's unwavering faithfulness. The trio also addresses the concept of functional atheism, encouraging self-reflection on faith and righteousness. Through humor and serious biblical insight, they highlight the transformative power of the gospel and the importance of knowing one's fallen state.

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INSIGHT

Jewish Advantage?

Paul opens Romans 3 by addressing the perceived advantages of the Jews.
He questions the value of circumcision and their possession of God's oracles.

INSIGHT

God's Faithfulness

The Jews were entrusted with God's word, but their unfaithfulness doesn't negate God's faithfulness.
God remains faithful even when his people are not.

INSIGHT

Complacency vs. Holiness

Israel's privileged position led to complacency, not greater holiness.
Their nearness to God resulted in self-reliance, not trust in him.

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Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley continue their discussion in the book of Romans by looking at Romans 3:1-20.

Questions Covered in This Episode:

Why does Paul open up with this question?
What advantage did the Jews have?
Does God keep his promises?
If you were to summarize verses 1-8 in a few sentences how would you say it?
But hold on, Jews aren’t better than the Greeks just because of this advantage (V. 9)?
The bad bad news (Rom. 3:10-18)...where does this come from?
Is this true of us? Or just the Jews and Gentiles Paul is addressing? Is it true of Christians before salvation or after salvation or both?
Let’s talk about total depravity and the doctrine of sin.
Who is the audience of the letter?
How do you see value as those who are in Christ on reflecting on our fallen state apart from Christ? How does that keep us in the fear of the Lord?

Helpful Definitions:

Total depravity: Unable and unwilling to choose righteousness.
Posse peccare, posse non peccare: Able to sin, able not to sin.
Non posse non peccare: Not able not to sin.
Posse non peccare: Able not to sin.
Non posse peccare: Unable to sin.
Functional atheist: One who professes the fear of the Lord and lives as if he has none. Making excuses for himself because his actual reference point is human instead of divine but still is doing a lot of religious activity.
Anthropology: What does it mean to be human?
Hamartiology: What is the doctrine of sin?

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

Romans 3:1-20, James 2:1-13, Romans 7:22-23
“Romans 1-8” by C. E. B. Cranfield
“Romans” by Tom Schreiner

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