We’ve been exploring Romans 2 and the four points that Paul was making to the religious Jews of his day:

• Knowledge without action is not enough.
• Teaching without lifestyle is not enough.
• Ceremony without heart change is not enough.
• Heritage without obedience is not enough.

Today, we’re looking at Teaching without lifestyle is not enough. (Romans 2.17 – 24)

I remember helping someone move a long time ago and thinking to myself as we were packing and loading, “Boy, this guy sure has a lot of junk!” A few years later, I was moving locally, and some friends were helping me. Sure enough, somewhere in the process one of them said, “Bob, you sure have a lot of junk!” Oops.

Here’s something Paul might have said today, “You who teach against lying, do you lie?” We say, “Certainly not!” Really? Have you ever forwarded an email without fact-checking it first?

You shall not spread a false report. (Exodus 23.1, ESV)

Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom… The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. (James 3.13, 17, ESV)