Romans 2: 17-24

In verse 17 it states “You are called a Jew”.

The word Jew has come to be a name for a type of people an ethnic group of people. But in reality it identifies a religious system of Judaism.

The characteristics of this religious system is what comes after.

It is interesting he uses the word “called” and not "Are”. Many people are called Christians by name only. But their heart is far from God. It is a

Sometimes, your relationship with God is like a rollercoaster, today you want to be as close as possible, but tomorrow you feel like not going to church, it is a drag to go to church.

We understand that God sees the heart and does not look at exterior motives.

Rest (trust, remain) on the Law

Make you boast (take pride in something or someone in God

You know(understand, acknowledge) His will

You approve (put to the test, examine, prove) those things which are more excellent

You are confident (you’re convinced, believe, trust, obey) that you are a light and a guide

Darkness-

Lexham Theological Wordbook σκότος

In the NT, this word is most often used for those who are blind to the gospel or under the power of sin and evil

He goes on to ask questions. Not that He is looking for an answer, but to reflect on what condition our hearts are in.

During the Men’s breakfast I spoke on Jonah and how he wanted God to destroy Nineveh, but God had other plans fort that wicked city.

People changed their ways and their heart, therefore God saved the city.

Romans 8:3–4 “For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

Are we a guide to the blind?

Are we a light to those who are in darkness?

Verse 21

If we teach others, do we not teach ourselves

If we preach that you should not steal, do we steal?

if you say do not commit adultery, do you commit adultery?

1 John 3:18–21 “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.”

Colossians 3:17 “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”

Verse 24

The name of the Lord is blasphemed among the Gentiles (unbelievers) because of you.

When people hear about Christianity, what goes through their mind.

What’s the first thought they get.

is it a negative thought or is it a positive thought.

I am not speaking about one particular person, or region, but I am speaking about the world in general.

Negative perceptions

Judgmental and Hypocritical

Old Fashioned and too political

Intolerant

Negative Stereo types

Superficial Faith

Internal Criticism

This is what people think about Christianity.

How did they come up with this, well unfortunately sometimes, we the church give them those ideas.

By the way we act, what we say,

Ephesians 4:1–6 “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”

Philippians 1:27–30 “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.”

Philippians 2:1–4 “If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”