Jan. 29, 2023

“DOING THE RIGHT THING”

“RELIGION DOESN’T WORK-ALL ARE GUILTY”

ROMANS 2:17-29

Isn’t being a Christian the same as being religious?

No efforts of our own can bring us to God it is only by God grace.

Ephesians 2:8-9

God not only sees the deeds but He also sees the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

The Jews are as guilty as the Gentiles. God is going to judge religious people.

Religion doesn’t work:

1.   The Jews Religious Arrogance- Romans 2:17-20

*Their Title- they bear the name of God

Romans 2:17 “Indeed you are called a Jew, and rest on the law, and make your boast in God.”

*Their Possession of the Law- they rest in the law

“…and rest on the law” vs.17

*Their Unique Relationship With God-they boast in God

Romans 2:17 “…and make your boast in God.”

To “boast in” meant to claim superior standing because of someone or something and to express a high degree of confidence because of it.

*Their Knowledge of God’s Will- they know the will of God

Romans 2:18 “And know His will, and approve the things that are excellent, being instructed out of the law.”

*Their Responsibility to Instruct the Nations

Romans 2:19-20 “And are confident that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, 20an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, having the form of knowledge and truth in the law.”

2.   Paul Questions The Jews- Romans 2:21-24

We cannot please God without a proper relationship to Him. 

Hebrews 11:6 “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

Paul asks five questions:

• “You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself?”

•  vs.21- Do you practice what you preach? For many people preaching is better than living it. 

• “You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal?” vs.21
• “You who say, “Do not commit adultery,” do you commit adultery?” vs.22 
• “You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?” vs.22
•  “You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonor God through breaking the law? vs.23

Isaiah 52:5 “Now therefore, what have I here,” says the Lord “That My people are taken away for nothing? Those who rule over them Make them wail,” says the Lord, “And My name is blasphemed continually every day.”

Ezekiel 36:20-22 

Romans 2:24 “For “the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you,” as it is written.”

3.   Circumcision- Romans 2:25-29

Romans 2:25-29

Circumcision refers to God’s special covenant with His people and it was a requirement for all Jewish males:

Genesis 17:9-14

Deuteronomy 10:16 “Therefore circumcise the foreskin of your heart, and be stiff-necked no longer.” 

Deuteronomy 30:6 “And the Lord your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live.”

Jeremiah 4:4 “Circumcise yourselves to the Lord, And take away the foreskins of your hearts…”

We can accomplish physical circumcision on our own.

Colossians 2:11-12 “In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.”

Religion can reveal itself in at least three ways:

*Religion Emphasizes the Physical Over the Spiritual.

*Religion Emphasizes Secondary Matters While Ignoring Matters of Primary Importance.

*Religion Promotes Self-Interest Above All Else.

Application:

Our title “Christian” should be worn with honor. 

Our “possession of divine truth”- we have a responsibility to protect and be good stewards of God’s Word.

Our unique “relationship with God”

Our “knowledge of His will”

Our “responsibility to share the gospel to the world”- “go make disciples of all nation.” Are you sharing Christ with others?