
Sermon Notes: Romans 2:17–24
Jewish Boasts (Verses 17–20)
- Identity as God’s chosen people.
- Reliance on the law.
- Boasting in relationship with God.
- Knowledge of God’s will.
- Approval of superior things.
- Instruction from the law.
- Conviction of being guides, lights, and instructors.
- Seeing the law as embodiment of knowledge and truth.
Jewish Hypocrisy (Verses 21–24)
- Jews fail to live up to their teachings.
- They teach but don’t follow.
- Preach against stealing but steal.
- Preach against adultery but commit adultery.
- Detest idols but steal from pagan temples.
- Boast in the law but dishonor God by breaking it.
Consequences of Hypocrisy
- The Gospel’s outreach is hindered.
- God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles.
- Blasphemy: God’s name is slandered, seen as evil, hated, disrespected.
Historical Context (Isaiah & Ezekiel)
- Isaiah 52:5 and Ezekiel 36:22 emphasize God’s name being blasphemed.
- God’s judgment on Israel’s oppressors aims to show His holiness.
- Missionary purpose: Nations will know Yahweh is the LORD.
Again we must admit, this is surely how God looks at much of Christendom today. Claiming to be under the umbrella of Christendom, claiming to have some sort of special blessing because the bells ring in the cathedrals, because in the United States great numbers of people go to church, and yet we commit blasphemy against God as we turn from the clear teaching of His Word. It is a sober truth and we must face it: if we have the Bible, if we enjoy all the blessings it brings, and yet by our lives bring shame upon God’s name, we are guilty of the greatest irreverence.… When the man with the Bible treats it as an external thing only, it causes the man without the Bible to dishonor the God of the Bible. Surely, then, the man with the Bible is justifiably under God’s wrath —Francis Schaeffer
Next Steps
Bibliography
- Jackson W., Reading Romans with Eastern Eyes: Honor and Shame in Paul’s Message and Mission (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic: An Imprint of InterVarsity Press, 2019), 60–61.
- Kenneth Boa and William Kruidenier, Romans, vol. 6, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000), 82–84.