False Confidence | Romans 2:17-24

Some Put Confidence in their RELIGIOSITY (17-18)

The first group are those who put their confidence in their ability to “keep the law”. Their confidence in their religiousity, their personal adherence to religious belief.

These people feel that because they have been “religious” their whole lives, because they know the right things to say, and know scripture that they are right with God.

They “call themselves” a Christian.

There are some, who because of their “goodness” feel that they deserve God’s grace.

Romans 2:17–18 ESV

But if you call yourself a Jew and rely on the law and boast in God and know his will and approve what is excellent, because you are instructed from the law;

Notice, these are people who are putting their faith in their ability to be good people.

A great example of the people of Jesus’ day.

Religious people go to hell.

Some Put Confidence in Their SELVES

Others put their confidence in their selves. This is similar to the previous one, but Paul makes this distinction:

Romans 2:19–24 ESV

and if you are sure that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— you then who teach others, do you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law. For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”

But Paul is clear, that just because we know what to do, just because we know the religious things to do, doesn’t mean we are going to heaven.

Religious people go to hell.

Good people go to hell.

Some Put their Confidence in their FAMILY HISTORY

Paul then notes that for those he is speaking to, their position as “Jews” gave them confidence in their salvation.

Romans 2:25–27 ESV

For circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision. So, if a man who is uncircumcised keeps the precepts of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? Then he who is physically uncircumcised but keeps the law will condemn you who have the written code and circumcision but break the law.

The Pharisees are an example of this.

John 8:37–44 ESV

I know that you are offspring of Abraham; yet you seek to kill me because my word finds no place in you. I speak of what I have seen with my Father, and you do what you have heard from your father.” They answered him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would be doing the works Abraham did, but now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did. You are doing the works your father did.” They said to him, “We were not born of sexual immorality. We have one Father—even God.” Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me. Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

Notice the Jews thought that their “heritage” would save them. They were in a good place because of their parentage.

Many believe they will be saved because they were “born” a Christian.

You cannot be born “Christian” you must be “born again” Christian.

Religious People Go to Hell.

Good People Go to Hell.

Christian People Go To Hell.

Our Confidence must be in CHRIST

Romans 2:29 ESV

But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.

Religious People Go to Hell.

Good People Go to Hell.

Christian People Go To Hell.

Born-Again People Are Saved by Grace.