Book of Romans: Laundry List of Righteousness

Logan Holloman | Next Gen Pastor | February 25, 2024

What’s on your “list”?

Romans 2:17-24 (NIV)
Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and boast in God; if you know his will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law; if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of little children, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? As it is written: “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”

Our list keeping has the potential to turn people away from God

Romans 2:25-27 (NIV)
Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, you have become as though you had not been circumcised. So then, if those who are not circumcised keep the law’s requirements, will they not be regarded as though they were circumcised? The one who is not circumcised physically and yet obeys the law will condemn you who, even though you have the written code and circumcision, are a lawbreaker.

Matthew 23:25-28 (NIV)

Romans 2:28-29 (NIV)
A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God.

Colossians 2:6-7, 13-15 (NIV)

Do I trust in Christianity or Christ?

“If you want to chart your progress on the spiritual journey, test the quality of your closest relationships- namely, by love and the fruit of the Spirit. Would the people who know you best say you are becoming more loving, joyful, and at peace? More patient and less frustrated? Kinder, gentler, softening with time, and pervaded by goodness? Faithful, especially in hard times, and self controlled?”
— John Mark Comer, Practicing the Way

Does my life look more like fandom or apprenticeship?
Are my actions a safety net or outpouring of a changed heart?
Do I do things for God or for others?

Matthew 7:21-23 (NIV)
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

 

Reflection Questions:

1. What are you relying on to bring you acceptance, confidence and purpose in life?

2. In Romans 2, Paul highlights the three big “no-no” sins for the Jews. What are three of our cultural equivalents for Christians? How might we be guilty of the same thing?

3. In what ways has your heart changed since following Jesus? What are tangible expressions of that in your daily life?

4. Those outside of faith in Jesus often cite hypocrisy from Christians as reason to reject God. Is your life attractive to others or off putting?

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Notes Page: https://journeybozeman.com/sermons/notes/2024.02.25.pdf