““A Dynamic Perspective”A Dynamic Perspective”

Romans 2:12-29Romans 2:12-29

June 13, 2010

I. God’s judgment is based on I. God’s judgment is based on authenticity (12-16)authenticity (12-16)• It has a lot to do with our obedience to It has a lot to do with our obedience to

the instructions we have been given.the instructions we have been given.– Those with or without the Law are judged Those with or without the Law are judged

accordingly.accordingly.– We are not to be hearers only, but doers We are not to be hearers only, but doers

of the Word.of the Word.

• God will judge the secrets of men’s God will judge the secrets of men’s hearts.hearts.– God’s law is written on men’s hearts.God’s law is written on men’s hearts.– This makes everyone accountable to God.This makes everyone accountable to God.

II. God’s judgment has nothing II. God’s judgment has nothing to do with special privileges to do with special privileges (17-24)(17-24)• It has nothing to do with our identity It has nothing to do with our identity

or the way we label ourselves.or the way we label ourselves.– The Jews claimed a special relationship.The Jews claimed a special relationship.– Some Christians claim special status.Some Christians claim special status.

• It has nothing to do with some It has nothing to do with some special revelation.special revelation.– A word of prophecyA word of prophecy– Original languagesOriginal languages– Supernatural experienceSupernatural experience

Matthew 5:27-28Matthew 5:27-28

““You have heard that it was said, You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I

tell you that anyone who looks at tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in committed adultery with her in

his heart.’”his heart.’”

II. God’s judgment has nothing II. God’s judgment has nothing to do with special privileges to do with special privileges (17-24)(17-24)• It has nothing to do with a special calling It has nothing to do with a special calling

if we don’t practice what we preach.if we don’t practice what we preach.– ““You who preach against stealing, do you You who preach against stealing, do you

steal?” (21)steal?” (21)– ““You who say that people should not commit You who say that people should not commit

adultery, do you commit adultery?” (22)adultery, do you commit adultery?” (22)– ““You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?” You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?”

(22)(22)

III. God’s judgment has III. God’s judgment has nothing to do with religious nothing to do with religious ritual (26-29)ritual (26-29)• The value of religion is rooted in The value of religion is rooted in

obedience and discipline.obedience and discipline.– We fulfill religious obligation when we We fulfill religious obligation when we

practice the tenets of the faith.practice the tenets of the faith.– We grow in our relationship with Christ We grow in our relationship with Christ

when we practice spiritual disciplines.when we practice spiritual disciplines.

Matthew 7:22-23Matthew 7:22-23

““Many will say to me on that day, Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers.’”Away from me, you evildoers.’”

III. God’s judgment has III. God’s judgment has nothing to do with religious nothing to do with religious ritual (26-29)ritual (26-29)• True spirituality is inward rather than True spirituality is inward rather than

outward.outward.– External “obedience” when broken External “obedience” when broken

becomes “disobedience.”becomes “disobedience.”– Spirituality is of the heart and results in Spirituality is of the heart and results in

God’s praise rather than man’s.God’s praise rather than man’s.

ConclusionConclusion

God’s perspective:God’s perspective:

He is not impressed by our rituals He is not impressed by our rituals

and religious pride.and religious pride.

He isn’t concerned with the labels He isn’t concerned with the labels we choose and our pet doctrines.we choose and our pet doctrines.

ConclusionConclusion

What DOES matter to God is…What DOES matter to God is…

ConclusionConclusion

What DOES matter to God is…What DOES matter to God is…

ARE WEARE WE

AUTHENTIC??AUTHENTIC??

Does the “outside” match the Does the “outside” match the “inside?”“inside?”