ROMANS 3:9

“What then? Are we better than they? Not at all; for we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin;”

Don’t you just avoid snobby people? People who think they are better than everyone else can rub you the wrong way. You’ve heard it expressed that they are “looking down their nose” at everyone. Literally, that means they are tilting their head back and raising their chin in physical posture of superiority. The problem with tilting your head back like that is if you get caught in a rainstorm, you can drown, lol.

Paul uses the middle voice of the Greek word proechó, which is only used here in today’s verse. It means “to hold oneself before others.” (Strong’s). Paul never asks a question to which he did not have the answer. He has been discussing the differences between Gentiles and Jews the past two chapters. He knows that both groups have their own sense of superiority over the other, but the truth is neither was superior. Both were doomed for eternal destruction unless they responded to the Lord.

APPLICATION

The Topical Lexicon says, “The apostle’s rhetorical question refutes the idea that covenant possession or moral striving places anyone closer to justification apart from faith in Jesus Christ.” In Proverbs 6:17 we are told the Lord hates “haughty eyes.” He hates those who think they are better than others. Now, when I say He hates them, I mean He hates their heart attitude. Of course, He loves them and wants them to come to Him, but He will not tolerate their outlandish attitudes.

The attitude of the Gentiles and Jews still exists today, even in our churches. The Baptists think they are better because of their doctrinal stance on eternal security. The Catholics believe they have the true church. The Church of Christ would argue their church is THE church. One day, when we arrive in heaven, we are going to be surprised at who we find and don’t find there.

How’s your heart attitude today towards others? Are you sitting in judgment over them? Or have you humbled yourself to the point that these issues don’t matter? God needs humbled servants who are willing to do whatever He asks. He may ask you to serve someone you think is unreachable. Remember, you are just the vessel.

Father God, mold and remold me into the vessel You can use to reach whomever You send my way.

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