Opening: What characteristics, mannerisms, values, beliefs, practices, and
idiosyncrasies have you picked up from your parents, whether you wanted to or
not? Is there some trait that people say reminds them of one of your parents or
some other family member?
Scripture: Read Romans 2:17-3:8.
Connect
the Text with Your Life:
- Do you struggle with accepting others into Christian fellowship who are struggling with some sin in their lives (alcoholism, drug abuse, etc.) Do you have a feeling they need to “straighten up” before coming? Would you hold yourself to that same criteria? Should you? Is that what happened to you? What was the example we saw with Jesus?
- To Paul’s Jewish readers, this passage must have been devastating. The Jew was certain that God regarded him or her with special favor, simply and solely because of his national descent from Abraham and the badge of circumcision. Paul insists that Jewishness, special favored of God, is not a matter of race at all; it has nothing to do with circumcision. It is a matter of conduct. If we swop the word “Jew” for “Christian”, then we realize that just because we may have grown up in a Christian home and go to a Christian church, faith conduct is still what makes us Christian. Can others see your Christianity in your behavior, values, and good works?
Prayer
Focus: That we would strive for holiness in our lives,
while welcoming anyone who still has a long way to go.
