Romans 2
Last week was: THEY (the world) have no excuse.
This week is: WE (the church) have no excuse.
Romans 2:1 “You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.”
Romans 2:2-4 “ Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. 3 So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? 4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?”
You are always going to be around people that look, think, believe, and act different than you.
WHY DO WE, AS HIS CHILDREN, WANT TO TRICK OURSELVES INTO THINKING THAT GOD NEEDS ME TO TAKE UP HIS GAVEL AND JUDGE PEOPLE IN HIS PLACE?
Sin outside the church – unbelievers:
- Don’t judge
- Pray for them
- Show God’s love and mercy like God did with us
Sin inside the church:
Matthew 18:15 “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.”
What if they don’t listen?
Matthew 16: 16-17 “But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. 17 If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church;”
We need to realize the difference between:
- Sin
- Character issues
- Personality quirks and differences.
Sin – is when someone is doing something against God and His Word.
Character issue – is when someone needs to grow in a spiritual characteristic.
Personality quirks and differences – are the different characteristics that make us unique.
SOMETIMES WE JUST NEED TO REALIZE WE ARE DIFFERENT AND CHOOSE TO LOVE AND ACCEPT.
The church is to be the ultimate place of unity and community.
- If we judge we will only divide.
- If we handle sin improperly we will not have restoration and maturity.
- If we fail to bear with one another’s differences, then we will never grow in a healthy community.
