The moralist and the religionist had their indignation stirred by Paul's exposure of the idolater's sins. They have agreed with Paul that these are sinful people who are facing grave consequences. They were not ready for Paul to turn the tables on them and point to their own sinfulness. But he has done so and done so convincingly. At this point in our passage, they are quieted. They seem to have conceded Paul's point. Now it is time for Paul to pass message of hope. It would seem time for Paul to deliver to them the hope of Salvation found in Christ and His cross. While they are on the ground he should step in to pick them up. But before Paul offers to show them a way up, Paul digs a grave for them and throws them in.

Bread of Life Radio message #2 of Psalm 73 pt. 3

Bread of Life Radio message #2 of Psalm 73 pt. 2

The work of the Spirit is consistent in convicting a person of sin. The response of the person under conviction is also consistent. Paul is an evangelist. He has seen that response multiple times. Here is a diatribe Paul recreates the responses of a man who is under conviction. Listen in and see if you recognize the pattern.

Bread of Life Radio message #2 of Psalm 73 pt. 1

Bread of Life Radio message 1 of Psalm 73 pt. 2

Bread of Life Radio message 1 of Psalm 73 pt. 1

The Jew's national identity found in circumcision considered by Paul. What it didn't do for them and what was its advantage. Apply the lessons to the Christian religion with its ordinances and its heritage. What is its limitations and what its value.

Now Paul turns to the Jew who counts his privileges and his position and his separation from the world as evidence that he stands apart from the threat of God's judgment. Paul acknowledges (if not here in Romans 9-11) the privileges of the Jews and the great position God had given to them over all other peoples and the separate lives they were called too. But here Paul teaches us that a good thing can become a bad thing when it is held as a self-vindicating/self-justifying thing.

In Romans 2:12-16 Paul explains that you cannot claim ignorance of the law as a defense against God's judgment of your sin. "I didn't know I wasn't supposed to do that?" Is a defense that won't hold up before God. Let's go verse by verse for a moment and then we will draw out some key principles to apply for ourselves.