Problems with the human condition: reflections of total depravity
Paul is addressing the Jewish disposition: Summary

• A self-righteous attitude
• A profession, yet void of obedience
• hypocritical behavior among the Jews
• pride and arrogance based on recipients of the Law and the covenant of circumcision
• v. 24 God’s name is blasphemed among the
Gentiles because of you

If we are genuine believers (truly transformed) there will be supernatural substance. An outward walk corresponding to an inward transformation. Evidence lacking among the prideful Jews of the day.

Paul’s reference to circumcision of the heart has plenty of background reference: Deut 30:6

1 When all these blessings and curses I have set before you come upon you and you take them to heart wherever the LORD your God disperses you among the nations, 2 and when you and your children return to the LORD your God and obey him with all your heart and with all your soul according to everything I command you today, 3 then the LORD your God will restore your fortunes[a] and have compassion on you and gather you again from all the nations where he scattered you. 4 Even if you have been banished to the most distant land under the heavens, from there the LORD your God will gather you and bring you back. 5 He will bring you to the land that belonged to your fathers, and you will take possession of it. He will make you more prosperous and numerous than your fathers. 6 The LORD your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live.

Jeremiah 4:4; 9:24-25
4 Circumcise yourselves to the LORD,
circumcise your hearts,
you men of Judah and people of Jerusalem,
or my wrath will break out and burn like fire
because of the evil you have done—
burn with no one to quench it.

25 “The days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will punish all who are circumcised only in the flesh— 26 Egypt, Judah, Edom, Ammon, Moab and all who live in the desert in distant places. For all these nations are really uncircumcised, and even the whole house of Israel is uncircumcised in heart.”

v. 29 “No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man’s praise is not from men, but from God.”

Harrison (1976) making reference to Paul says, “He goes on to note a Jew transformed by the Spirit would really be living up to the name he bears, for ‘Jew’ comes from Judah, which means ‘praise.’ He would be praiseworthy in the eyes of God, fulfilling what the law requires, but cannot produce (cf. 8:3, 4).”

3:1-4 “What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision? Much in every way! First of all, they have been entrusted with the very words of God.”

To be “entrusted” was much more than just a recipient, custodian, or transmitter of the “very words of God.” Harrison highlights the understanding: to be “entrusted” calls for faith and obedience. Here is where the Jew failed (cf. 1 Cor 10).

The Jew because of their unbelief would face judgment. The wrong idea was that somehow the Jew was immune from judgment because of his Jewish status. However, God is always faithful to His promises and to Who He is. God’s punishment to Israel for unbelief “exhibits faithfulness to his righteous character” (NIV Study Bible Notes).

3:5-8 The false idea that falsehood and unbelief promotes God’s righteousness is absurd and Paul says against anyone holding this idea, “Their condemnation is deserved.”

v. 9 We are all alike, whether Jew or Gentile: completely sinful people in need a Savior.

v. 10-18 Testimony of Scripture–Total Depravity is our plight.

v. 19-20 “…so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God.” God is righteous and always does what is right (Gen 18:25).

Harrison also made reference to the “silence” of those who are being judged (Rev 20:11-14; Matt 25:41-46. In other words, at the end of time there will be no objections to righteous judgment from a Holy God.

Remember the Law makes us aware of our sin and by necessity points us to Christ.

Persevere!

References:

1. The Expositor’s Bible Commentary. F. E. Gaebelein (1976). vol. 10

2. NIV Study Bible (1984).