“A Dynamic Perspective” Romans 2:12-29 June 13, 2010

I. God’s judgment is based on authenticity (12-16) It has a lot to do with our obedience to the instructions we have been given. It has a lot to do with our obedience to the instructions we have been given. –Those with or without the Law are judged accordingly. –We are not to be hearers only, but doers of the Word. God will judge the secrets of men’s hearts. God will judge the secrets of men’s hearts. –God’s law is written on men’s hearts. –This makes everyone accountable to God.

II. God’s judgment has nothing to do with special privileges (17-24) It has nothing to do with our identity or the way we label ourselves. It has nothing to do with our identity or the way we label ourselves. –The Jews claimed a special relationship. –Some Christians claim special status. It has nothing to do with some special revelation. It has nothing to do with some special revelation. –A word of prophecy –Original languages –Supernatural experience

Matthew 5:27-28 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.’”

II. God’s judgment has nothing to do with special privileges (17-24) It has nothing to do with a special calling if we don’t practice what we preach. It has nothing to do with a special calling if we don’t practice what we preach. –“You who preach against stealing, do you steal?” (21) –“You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery?” (22) –“You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?” (22)

III. God’s judgment has nothing to do with religious ritual (26-29) The value of religion is rooted in obedience and discipline. The value of religion is rooted in obedience and discipline. –We fulfill religious obligation when we practice the tenets of the faith. –We grow in our relationship with Christ when we practice spiritual disciplines.

Matthew 7:22-23 “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 perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers.’”

III. God’s judgment has nothing to do with religious ritual (26-29) True spirituality is inward rather than outward. True spirituality is inward rather than outward. –External “obedience” when broken becomes “disobedience.” –Spirituality is of the heart and results in God’s praise rather than man’s.

Conclusion God’s perspective: He is not impressed by our rituals and religious pride. He isn’t concerned with the labels we choose and our pet doctrines.

Conclusion What DOES matter to God is…

Conclusion ARE WE AUTHENTIC?? Does the “outside” match the “inside?”