Finding Security from False Security
Romans 2:17-29
! I. Intro
· Dad’s retirement security, over 100k in today’s dollars
· We pursue all kinds of security to avoid unpleasant events for which we aren’t prepared: Internet security, Homeland security, Health and Life Insurance.
· When brave enough to think about it, most who are insecure about their eternal situation, would like to be secure. Secure in their belief that they are good enough for heaven, or that they can be secure in believing that there is no afterlife at all. Some wish to feel secure in their system of religious belief.
· I feel secure in Jesus who I trust has paid the price for my sins.
· Are any of these false securities? Do they impact on the more earthly pursuits of security? Let’s see.
II. Security through “insider status”
· Owners or stewards?
· “the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord” Jer. 7:3–7
C. Teach yourselves then!
· Sermon on the Mount: humble, meek, seeking righteousness, merciful, pure, peacemakers, bold, free of anger and lust, faithful, loving and forgiving of even enemies, prayerful, putting God first and others second always. Perfect!
D. The Lost dishonor God due to our testimony
· Pounding followed by label removal – virtually useless and more frustrating.
· Why repent if we have not truly done so?
· If God punishes they ask “why would I subject myself to that?” And if He withholds they say He is impotent or unholy!
· Our sin gives the appearance that God is a liar to the lost
· They will judge us by our joy, power, goodness and love, not our orthodoxy and our Sunday suits
· There is no security here. We know we’ll never be perfect.
III. Security in Ceremony: Spiritual Baptism vs. Water Baptism
· John added, “And do not suppose that you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father’; for I say to you, that God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham”
· baptismal regeneration
· eating Lord’s supper can condemn
· doers not hearers, memorizers, and knowledge bowl winners
· Abide, walk in the Spirit, let Scriptures set limits, and externals reinforce.
· There is no security in ceremony and religion. Ceremonial purity w/o real perfection does not fool God. And again… We know we’ll never be perfect.
IV. Secure in Jesus: Circumcision of the Heart: The spiritual man’s yardstick
· “Yes they know much about God, but I know much of God” - God’s approval, and communion
· We cut off the old life, setting all our will & heart on Jesus.
· Mt 6