One of the classic arguments against Christians is, “How dare you push your morality on me?” This is a good argument if morality is simply a conversation about whose personal opinion about morality is better. The flaw in the argument is that Christian morality is from God, not from the individual. In other words, our morality as Christians is not our own. A response to this person might be, “Are you not simply saying your morality is better than my morality? What makes yours better? And, by the way, why are you insisting I abandon my morality for yours?” (insert loving, caring tone) This week in Romans Paul addresses human self-righteousness and morality.
The bottom line is that any sort of self-righteousness does not save. In Romans 2:1-16 Paul confronts the person who wags their finger at the “sinners” in chapter one. Many in the first century would have said, “That’s right Paul. All of those things you mentioned in chapter one are awful. And the people who practice them are awful. Shame on them!” Paul now addresses these self-righteous people. They existed in the first century and they exist today. In fact social media and politics is full of self-righteous people who say, “my morality is better than your morality.”
This Sunday in Romans I will address the self-righteous moralist. Romans says that they not only can’t save themselves by their self-righteousness, but their self-righteousness condemns them! We will continue to find out that every human ultimately needs the grace of God. Every one needs Jesus. And the gospel of Romans is powerful enough to save everyone!
“Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things.” - Romans 2:1-2
- Pastor Curt
Please take note of ways to gather for Sunday Service at The Rock:
1) We are meeting outside at Manhattan Beach Pre-School for our Sunday Service at 4:30 pm. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and Bibles!
2) We will also be live on Facebook Live. If you don’t feel comfortable joining us in person, are feeling sick, or have been exposed to someone who is sick stay connected through this live-stream - CLICK HERE at 4:30 Sunday afternoon.
3) Finally we will provide a video link to the sermon on our website.
Theological Word of The Week:
Grace
God’s goodness toward those who deserve only punishment.
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology
Upcoming Events
Children's Ministry
Children can join Cameron every Sunday for Bible time during the service. They will go through the Bible story by story.
Sermon Topic - July 24
Romans: The Gospel Changes Perspectives
Romans 2:1-16
“Morality Does Not Save”
A21-M22 Fiscal YTD