Having difficulties understanding Romans?

Good enough for heaven?

On judging others and being judged by God Romans 2:1- 16

How some judge others: v1-4. How God judges all: v5-11.

How some judge others: v1-4. How God judges all: v5-11. Application:- (a) How we judge others. (b) How we judge ourselves. (c) How others judge us. (d) How God judges us.

Chapter 1- Immoral pagans.

Chapter 2-The pious. Seneca the Younger circa 4AD - 65BC Stoic philosopher

Being judgmental leads us to MAGNIFY the sins of others and MINIMIZE our own sins. “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” Matt 7:3

Christians get very angry towards other Christians who sin differently then they do. I understand God’s patience with the wicked but I do wonder how he can be so patient with the pious. Pastor Rama, FBC Church, Subang Jaya (s.m.s devotion, 03/03/13)

How NOT to apply the Book of Romans

JUDGMENTAL

Judgmental 87% Hypocritical 85% Barna Group Research 2007, sampling from non Christians (source; Unchristian: what a new generation thinks about Christianity, David Kinnaman)

Judgmental 52% Hypocritical 47% Barna Group Research 2007, sampling from active church goers (source; Unchristian: what a new generation thinks about Christianity, David Kinnaman)

Being judgmental leads us not to righteousness, but to self righteousness. The Jews considered themselves more morally upright than Gentiles (Romans 2:17-29,Luke 18:9-14). Do you consider yourself more morally upright than others?

Pharisee and the Tax Collector- Luke 18:9-14

Modern day Pharisee

Being judgmental leads us to blindness to biblical truth

Does 1 Cor 6:19-20 teach us that smoking is a sin?

Aceh bans women from straddling motorcycles. “Women must not straddle motorcycles as it provokes the male drivers.” Mayor Suadi Yahya, Jan 2013

“I cultivate my flowers and I burn my weeds”. Charles Spurgeon “And so puffing contently, on land, at sea, at home, I smoke my pipe and worship God”. Johann Sebastian Bach “It won’t send you to hell but it will make you smell like you have been there”. John McArthur C.S. Lewis Chuck Colson

Jews, Gentiles, Indians, Americans, Africans, Filipinos, Italians, Malays, Chinese, Australians, clergy, laity, students, singles, families, youth, youth adults, retirees, etc, etc…. So stop judging and start loving.

Being judgmental leads to conflict, bitterness and lack of repentance. As it is written: “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” Romans 2:24

judgmental Critical spirit discriminatejudgmental Believe lies over truth Condemning others Unrepentant heart Blind to own sins Hatred & bitterness Self righteous

We have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin. Romans 3: 9b There is no difference, all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Romans 3:22b-23

The ground is level at the foot of the cross.

Judging others and the Cross The Cross reminds us that we are all sinners alike. Jesus and the woman caught in adultery John 8:1-11

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us, with all wisdom and understanding. Eph 1:7

Judging others and the Cross The Cross reminds us that we are all sinners alike. The cross teaches you humility when you are judging others, as we remember how Christ humbled himself to the point of death. Phil 2:8 The Cross entails us to ask for forgiveness when we have judged others wrongly. (when was the last time you apologized sincerely for judging someone wrongly?)

Judging others and the Cross The Cross reminds us that we are all sinners alike. The cross teaches you humility when you are judging others, as we remember how Christ humbled himself to the point of death. Phil 2:8 The Cross entails us to ask for forgiveness when we have judged others wrongly. (when was the last time you apologized sincerely for judging someone wrongly?)

Chinese idea of an apology

The Resurrection

Judging others and the resurrection The resurrection reminds us to build up the other party you have judged. (How many times do you encourage vs how many times do you criticize?) The resurrection encourages us to have a victorious spirit, even in a judgmental environment. The resurrection reminds us that we are all works in progress in our spiritual life.

There is a place to judge others Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self condemned. Titus 3:10-11 (in the context of someone propagating foolish controversies)

Judging others and the resurrection The resurrection reminds us to build up the other party you have judged. (How many times do you encourage vs how many times do you criticize?) The resurrection reminds us that we are all works in progress in our spiritual life.

I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: Romans 1:16

Saved by grace. Judged by works. Romans 2:6

I do good deeds and try to live a morally life because….. I am afraid I may go to hell if I don’t. I want God to give me what I want. I want to be respected. I am proud I can do so. I feel guilty.

Accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior. YAY!

Accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior. YAY! On Fire and serving God…..

Accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior. YAY! On Fire and serving God….. Hard to live Christian life…..

Accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior. YAY! On Fire and serving God….. Hard to live Christian life….. Just go to church la.

The ground is level at the foot of the cross. For God does not show favoritism. (Rom 2:11)