Topic: Arrogance in the Church
Introduction and Overview
The scriptures here in Romans 2:17-24 are an excellent reminder about arrogance in the church, and more importantly, not to be arrogant.
As much as we would like to think that there is no arrogance in the church, it does exist. There are some who think they know more, or are better than others. This is not the way of Christ and it is to be avoided and overcome.
Arrogance does not show the love of God, which is filled with humility, compassion, concern for others, the desire to help, and so on. So, hopefully this study will help us all to learn and grow closer to the Lord by following the example of Jesus.
Reading: Romans 2:17-24
Key points from reading:
- Just because we are Christians does not mean we are better than anyone else on earth.
- Knowing what the scripture says does not put us above others. Rather, it should bring us to the place where we offer comfort, help, compassion and more, knowing that God desires everyone to come to salvation.
- We must also beware of hypocrisy as it is because of this that those who are not Christians judge and deride our faith. We cannot say one thing and do the opposite lest people slander and dishonour the name of Jesus Christ because of us.
Discussion:
- Scripture: Romans 2:17-20
- These verses show the kinds of arrogance that can permeate the church.
- Even though Paul is talking about Jews and the law, the principles are the same for the church. If we call ourselves Christians and boast in our knowledge of His word, then we have got it wrong.
- Knowing the word of God does not put us on a pedestal. It puts us in a place to help others so that they may find the glory of Jesus Christ and the promises of salvation that come through Him
- Scripture: Romans 2:21
- Verse 21 is the fulcrum on which this section of scripture swivels. If you are teaching others, be sure that you learn the lessons yourself.
- If we know what the scripture says, we need to do what it says. If you read the previous Bible Study in this series, the focus of that was that we must be DO-ERS of the words and not hearers only.
- The Christian who hears the word but does not follow it and do what Jesus taught is a hearer only. And hearers will not receive the benefits of the words of God. Consider and read the scripture in Matthew 7:21-23. The key is that those who will enter God’s kingdom are those who DO the will of God.
- Read also the scriptures in Matthew 7:24-27. In these words Jesus shows that those who DO His words are building on the rock, who is Jesus. They will not be moved when the troubles of this life come against them. But those who hear and do NOT do the will of God will come crashing down.
- Scripture: Romans 2:22-23
- There are those in the church who are not living in accordance with the will of God. They claim to be Christians, but are not doing what is right.
- And worse, in this scripture Paul shows that they judge others for their sin when they are doing exactly the same things.
- We do not have the right to judge others. As the scripture says (read it) in James 4:11-12, there is only ONE lawgiver and judge. And it is not you or I. God is the judge and only He has the right to judge.
- Remember also the scripture that talks about taking the log out of your own eye before trying to take the speck out of your brothers eye. (Matthew 7:1-5) The section begins by saying, “Judge not that you be not judged.”
- It is not our place to judge others for what they are doing as God will judge everyone. We need to be humble and compassionate with all.
- Scripture: Romans 2:24
- The final verse in this section is important because what we are trying to do ALWAYS is to uphold the name of Christ.
- We do not want anyone to blaspheme Christ or the Christian faith because we are being hypocritical.
- We also do not want to promote infighting between Christians or any form of competition, oneupmanship, arrogance, petty squabbling and so on.
- Although there are divisions in the church, it is important that when we come together, we can meet peacefully on the grounds of what we each agree on rather than to fight and argue over our differences.
Key Takeaways:
- Do not be arrogant in the church thinking you are better than others
- We are called to DO the words of the Lord not just hear them and this is important for entry into His kingdom
- Be aware that hypocrisy will lead to persecution and blasphemy among those outside the church, which is why it is important to do the will of God at all times.
Prayer Points
- Pray for those who you may know who suffer from these forms of arrogance.
- Watch yourself and test yourself praying that you too don’t fall into these traps.
- Pray that you can always walk in humility with the Lord, following His example by DOING what He taught.