We’ve been walking through the book of Romans—Paul’s rich, passionate letter about the power of the gospel and the reality of our need for it.
- In week one, we heard Paul’s intense introduction and his longing to proclaim the gospel.
- In week two, we saw how Paul lays out the seriousness of sin—the problem isn’t just “out there” in the world, it’s also inside each of us.
- Last week, we looked at the danger of hypocrisy—when what we say doesn’t match how we live.
Today, Paul continues turning up the heat—not on the outsider, but on the insider.
- On the person who grew up in church.
- The one who knows the lingo.
- The one who’s comfortable in a pew, but maybe not surrendered in the heart.
- It’s a word that’s just as relevant now as it was 2,000 years ago:
Religion without regeneration is a dangerous illusion.
Paul’s message to the religious elite of his day echoes down to ours: It’s possible to wear the label of faith without living the life of faith.
And the world is watching.
Religion without regeneration is a dangerous illusion.
I. When Faith Becomes a Front
(vv. 17–20)
Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and boast in God; 18 if you know his will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law; 19 if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark,20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of little children, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth—21 you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself?
A. Knowing About God Isn’t the Same as Knowing God
“If you call yourself a Jew… if you know His will…” (vv. 17–18)
It’s possible to be proud of your religious background but disconnected from the heart of God.
Paul lists all the “if” statements—
- if you boast,
- if you know,
- if you approve…
He’s building toward a confrontation: knowing what’s right isn’t the same as doing it.
Illustration:
Imagine someone who works at a pro shop, wears golfing gear, and posts game tips online—but never actually plays golf. They know all the facts but have never put in the reps.
Likewise, we can know God’s Word, quote verses, and attend Bible studies—without allowing it to shape our lives.
B. Being a Light Doesn’t Mean You Are walking in it.
if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark, 20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of little children, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth”— (vv. 19–20)
We often see ourselves as spiritual influencers, but do we practice what we preach?
Social media makes it easy to become a “life coach” for others—even if your own life is in disarray.
- You can repost inspiring quotes,
- give advice,
- and create a spiritual persona
- but it might not match your reality.
Paul warns us not to think our role or platform excuses our responsibility to live authentically.
C. Teach Yourself First
“You who teach others, do you not teach yourself?” (v. 21)
Integrity begins with applying God’s truth to your own life before pointing it at others.
Years ago, I had a friend that decided to give me dating advice. Funny thing was they had never dated device may or may not have been good advice. I don’t recall, but I do recall that I did not take it seriously because the person offering advice seem to have no context for sharing it
That’s Paul’s point: it’s easier to correct others than confront our own hearts.
You may be in a season where leadership and influence are growing—but so is the temptation to lead publicly while neglecting private holiness. Paul is saying: start with yourself.
Don’t settle for a secondhand faith.
- Don’t rely on your upbringing, your reputation, or your spiritual knowledge as a substitute for obedience and transformation.
- Let God’s Word be more than information—let it be formation.
II. Hypocrisy Discredits the Truth
I wonder if hypocrisy in the name of God does more damage than unbelief.
(vv. 21–24)
“You, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? 22 You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23 You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? 24 As it is written: “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”
A. Practice What You Preach
“You who teach others, do you not teach yourself?” (v. 21)
God isn’t impressed by spiritual talk without spiritual walk.
Imagine a driving instructor who lectures students on safe driving—but texts while behind the wheel. No matter how convincing the lesson, the lifestyle cancels the message.
Young adults are quick to spot performative religion—when people preach morality but live with double standards.
Do we expect more from others than you do from yourself?
B. Hidden Sin Destroys Public Witness
“You who preach against stealing, do you steal? 22 You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? ” (vv. 21–22)
Our private compromises undercut public credibility.
Picture this: There’s a fitness influencer on Instagram. Their feed is full of protein smoothies, gym selfies, and motivational quotes like, “Your body is a temple—treat it like one!”
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- They sell meal plans. They do workout livestreams. People follow them for inspiration.
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- But one night, a follower spots them in the Taco Bell drive-thru… at midnight… ordering six cheesy gordita crunches and a Baja Blast—for one.
- Now, is Taco Bell a sin? Of course not (though some stomachs may disagree).
- But it does reveal something serious: When someone’s public image doesn’t match their private habits, it affects credibility.
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Suddenly, all the “discipline” and “clean eating” talk feels fake. Their influence starts to fade—not because they didn’t say the right things, but because they didn’t live them.
C. The Reputation of God Is at Stake
“God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”
(v. 24) quoted from Isaiah 52:5
Hypocrisy makes unbelief easier for others.
Paul quotes Isaiah to show that when believers live inconsistently, it gives non-believers an excuse to mock or reject God.
- Think about celebrity scandals in Christian leadership—how many people walk away from church, not because of Jesus, but because of Christians?
Our lives reflect something about God—either a reason to trust Him or a reason to reject Him.
“We may be the only Bible some people ever read.”
III. Religious Rituals Can’t Replace Real Obedience
(vv. 25–27)
“Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, you have become as though you had not been circumcised. 26 So then, if those who are not circumcised keep the law’s requirements, will they not be regarded as though they were circumcised? 27 The one who is not circumcised physically and yet obeys the law will condemn you who, even though you have the[c] written code and circumcision, are a lawbreaker.”
Circumcision was the Jewish sign of belonging to God—but it meant nothing without obedience.
Religious signs are only meaningful when paired with a life of obedience.
- It’s like wearing a wedding ring but living like you’re single.
- The ring has meaning—but only if the relationship it symbolizes is honored.
Circumcision (for Jews) or baptism (for Christians) is the same: it’s only meaningful if your life reflects the covenant behind it.
Where would you rather eat at the restaurant of someone who never went to culinary school but cooks amazing food or a formally trained chef whose meals presentation is impeccable, but the taste is lacking?
Training matters—but what you do with it matters more.
IV. Real Faith Is a Matter of the Heart
Romans 2:28–29 is the climax of Paul’s argument in this section. He moves from external religion to internal transformation, from human recognition to God’s approval.
(vv. 28–29)
“A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. 29 No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God.
A: Your True Identity Isn’t Outward
A well-known actor is filming a hospital drama. Dressed in scrubs and a white coat, he looks every bit the part of a brilliant surgeon. During a break in filming, he walks down the block to grab a snack. As he waits in line at the food truck, someone nearby collapses—clearly having a heart attack.
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Panic sets in. People see his outfit and shout, “Doctor, help him!” The actor freezes. He looks like a doctor, but he isn’t one. He knows his lines. He’s practiced the motions. But he has no real training—nothing to offer in that moment that could save a life.
That’s the danger Paul is talking about. You can wear all the right things, say all the right words, and be part of the “right crowd”—but if your heart hasn’t been changed by God, you’re just playing a role.
B. True Change Starts on the Inside
“A person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is of the heart, by the Spirit…” (v. 29a)
Real spiritual change is internal and Spirit-led, not external or only rule-driven.
Think of heart disease. You can change your clothes, your diet, your gym routine—but if your heart is diseased, you need something deeper. Surface changes can’t fix a core problem.
Likewise, spiritual transformation requires a change of heart, not just behavior modification.
Today our society is full of self-improvement—planners, apps, habits, fitness. But only God’s Spirit can change the deepest part of who you are.
C. Aim for God’s Applause, Not People’s Approval
“Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God.” (v. 29b)
What matters most is not how people see you, but how God sees you.
- Ever posted something and then anxiously checked back for likes or comments? We crave approval—but Paul reminds us: the only “like” that matters is God’s.
- Live for the audience of One. When your heart is right with God, His approval matters more than human applause.
- God isn’t calling you to wear a label—He’s calling you to live a transformed life. Let Him do heart work, not just image work.
CONCLUSION:
Let’s be honest—this passage hits close to home.
Because many of us were raised around the church. We know the verses. We’ve been through the motions.
But Paul reminds us: God is not impressed by what’s on the outside—He’s after our hearts.
You can:
- Wear the jersey and never play the game.
- Know the rules and never follow them.
- Quote the Bible and never be changed by it.
But when the Word cuts to the heart and begins to transform us from the inside out—that’s where real faith begins.
So today, the invitation is simple but profound:
- Don’t settle for secondhand faith.
- Don’t perform for people’s applause.
- Let God do deep, honest work in your heart.
Let Him turn
- Your religion into relationship.
- Your knowledge into obedience.
- Your performance into transformation.
Because in the end, the only praise that matters doesn’t come from people—it comes from God.
“Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God.” (Romans 2:29)
So what does God see in you today? And what do you want Him to see?
