After Romans 2, the Jews ask what good is it being a Jew?

Oracle: - more than just scripture, centering on God's promises.

Deut 4:8 Jews to be the light, but they didn't use it properly.  They had a great advantage and blew it.

Rom 1 - they do bad      Rom 2 - we do bad    Rom 3 I do bad

Rom 3:9 all are under sin.

Romans 1&2 slam humanity, as does Rom 3:20, but always need a positive - verse 21.

Something in our human nature makes us think we're doing OK, but no, we are all dead, not one is good.  Jesus came to save us from our extreme sinfulness.  Only when we realize we are nothing can we become something in Jesus.

Use the words of the Bible and know them.

redemption - the slave does not have the means to free himself.

justification - the joy of being judged "not guilty"

propitiation - after redemption, leads to mercy, where love and judgment connect, like the prodigal son 's father after forgiveness.

v27 no boasting, no snobbery

The message of Romans is quit staring at other's sins, we are all worthless, saved by Jesus.  Therefore, is the law void? (v31)  The law demands righteousness, therefore, requiring Jesus.