Video Notes: 

• Romans 3:1-2
• Benefits:
  • Adoption – This is not a term we ever see in the OT or in Jewish writings regarding Israel, but we do see references to God choosing Israel (chosen people), and Israel being God’s son(s) and He, their Father. Adoption emphasizes that this relationship was of God’s action, not theirs.
  •  Glory – Contextually, this does not include the glory to come which was just referenced in chapter 8 regarding Christians since Paul is lamenting that these Jews are not saved. This is referring to the many times Israel experienced the glory of God, like on Mt Sanai, in the Temple, perhaps even the mighty works of God in Egypt and the wilderness, etc.
  • Covenants – The Abrahamic and Mosaic covenants and, perhaps the Davidic covenant.
  • Giving of the Law – This is a great blessing and was seen as a great blessing by the Jews, though they often misinterpreted the purpose of the blessing.
  • Worship (Temple service) – You may hear this and think it’s only or primarily referring to what the people did, offer sacrifices, pray, offerings, etc., however, the Old Testament often refers to the temple as the place where God promises to hear the people and respond to their needs…to bless them.
    • It’s much like our worship service today is not so much about what we do, but what God promises to do in the worship.
  • Promises – The promises of God.
• In addition to the 6 benefits, Israel also has the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Jacob’s sons) and Jesus came through Israel. The passage is quick to qualify the statement the Christ doesn’t belong to the Jews by their religion, but according to their physical people-group.
• The passage is also sure to remind us that Jesus is the Christ (anointed one) and that He is God, something the Jews whom Paul is referring have rejected.