Pride and Prejudice in the Human Heart

Summary: We continue "Opening up Romans" and Paul's devastating critique of humanity's sin- including the Jewish people. Romans 2:17-24 speaks to those who called themselves "Jews" yet didn't give up to that name. ISRAEL's PRIDE (VV. 17-24) Six boasts: Their Name (v.17) Their Law (v.17) Their God (v.17) Their Knowledge (v.18) Their Discernment (v.18) Their Ministry (v.18) Application: my boast/your boast… ISRAEL'S FALL (VV. 19-20) Bridging to the Gospel: Your righteousness will never save you. Christ's always will! Martin Luther: "to humble the proud and to bring them to a full knowledge of their evil conditions; to teach them that they need grace; to destroy their own righteousness, so that in deep humility they seek after Christ, confess their sins and so accept grace and be saved." John Calvin: "No one who is seriously touched or moved by the fear of God will ever dare to raise up his eyes to heaven, since the more he strives to attain true righteousness, the clearer he will discern how far he is from it." Conclusion: Look to Christ and Live!