Matt Morton

Grace Bible Church

“Why Religion Falls Short”

Romans 2:17-3:20

Religious affiliation and observance is not sufficient to merit eternal life or favor with God.

Romans Outline (so far)

I. Introduction/Theme (1:1-17)

II. All of Humanity Condemned Because of Sin (1:18-3:20)

A. God’s Wrath Revealed (1:18-32)

B. The Moral Man Condemned (2:1-16).

C. The Religious Jew Condemned (2:17-3:8).

D. Everybody is Guilty (3:9-20).

Why Religion Falls Short:

Objection 1: But I Know All About God (2:17-24)!

For as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the law, to perform them.” Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident; for, “The righteous man shall live by faith.” However, the Law is not of faith; on the contrary, “He who practices them shall live by them.”

—Galatians 3:10-12

Objection 2: But I Am In the Right Group (2:25-29)!

Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision; for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh, although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh.

If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more: circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless. But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ.

—Philippians 3:2-7

Objection 3: It’s Not Fair (3:1-8)!

Conclusion: Everybody’s Guilty (3:9-20).

• What is the ground of my confidence? Religious activity or Jesus’ grace?