A Christian ?

 

 

 

 

Call Yourself a Christian?

Romans 2 v 17–29

Remember, in this whole chapter Paul is addressing the religious person, who thinks, “I am not like the pagan. I am moral and religious, so I am not under God’s judgment.”

Relying on Goodness?

Read Romans 2 v 17–24

What were the Jews of Paul’s day proud of (v 17–20—I count six things)?

All this boils down, basically, to a pride in their moral decency and virtue.

What is the challenge to them at the beginning of verse 21?

Paul asks them to consider three ways they may not be practicing what they preach (v 21–23). The third is striking, because there is no record of Jews taking idol-statues from pagan temples. So this is likely figurative; Paul is saying that underneath their outward religiosity, the Jews are worshiping idols just as much as those who go to idol-temples. They may “abhor idols” outwardly, but if inwardly they find meaning in power, comfort, possessions, sex etc., then they are idolaters.

What is the tragic result of this kind of hypocritical religion (v 24)?

Relying on Ceremony?

Read Romans 2 v 25–29

Circumcision was the religious ceremony in which a Jew was brought into the community of Israel.

How much does circumcision matter, does Paul say (v 25–27)?

What “circumcision” matters (v 29)?

No religious ceremony or observance can change the heart. Only the Holy Spirit can do this, and he isn’t limited by whether or not someone is circumcised or baptized etc.

Insert “Christian” for “Jew,” and “baptism” or “church membership” for “circumcision,” and then paraphrase v 17–20 and 25–29.

How does this help us see how these verses might challenge us as professing Christians today?

 Apply

Just because we call ourselves Christians, doesn’t mean we have living faith. How can we tell if our faith is empty and we are facing judgment (even if we’re an active church member)? Paul alludes to four signs:

1.  A theoretical-only approach to the Bible (v 21). We don’t allow ourselves to be challenged and changed by it.

2.  A feeling of moral superiority (v 17). We look down on others, and are defensive when our weaknesses are exposed.

3.  Lack of inner spiritual life (v 29). We don’t pray, or know God loves us.

4.  Hypocrisy (v 22).

Do any of these particularly challenge you?

 Pray
Re-read verse 29 and ask God’s Spirit to work in your heart, increasing—or giving—living faith.^[1]

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^[1] Timothy Keller, “Romans,” in 90 Days in John 14–17, Romans, James