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Today on Bold Steps with Mark Jobe … we’re learning how to be victorious in our walk with Christ. Going against the crowd or the cultural norms of any given society can be difficult to do … but it’s nothing new.  And as we’ll see today, it’s something that even the apostles had to deal with and work through!  Our message is called Take Your Place.  And so, if you have your Bible handy, flip to the book of Ephesians because Mark’s going to be showing us that … When You Believe … Everything Changes.

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Paul encourages Timothy to keep preaching the truth and to

be ready to share his faith. Despite his impending death, Paul is

content, knowing he has fought the good fight, and a crown awaits

him in heaven. He warns Timothy about people who will reject

truth and provides final instructions and greetings.

Wendy was feeling a little left out. During lunch break, her boss had left chocolates on everyone’s desks—except hers. Puzzled, she lamented to a friend, “Why did he leave me out?”

When asked, their boss explained: “Those chocolates are still good, but they’ve been around for some time. Wendy’s pregnant, so I just wanted to play it extra safe.” Then he laughed. “As for the rest of you . . . .”

The little incident became a running joke in the office, but it got me thinking about how we sometimes misread God’s intentions because of our limited understanding and perception. We may even believe ourselves to be victims of unfair treatment, forgetting that God always has our best interests at heart. Always.

Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us that while we may not fully understand God’s thoughts and ways, we can be sure that they’re “higher than our ways” (v. 9). Ours are often influenced by selfish desires; His are perfect, compassionate, and righteous. So, even when things don’t look good for now, we can trust that God will provide what we truly need (vv.1-2), for He is loving and faithful to His own everlasting promise (v. 3). Let’s “call on him while he is near” (v. 6), knowing that He’ll never leave us.

Sermon Overview

Scripture Passage: Romans 2:1-8, 16

In Romans 2, the Apostle Paul reveals how God handles hypocrites, specifically addressing those who were indignant at the sins of others, and indulgent in their own.

“Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things…” (Romans 2:1).

Hypocrites will be judged according to the truth, so there will be no disguise.

Today, we see truth being exchanged for style and sacrificed for comfort. But no performance or pretense will fool God, as truth is His standard.

Hypocrisy comes from within; a hypocritical heart believes that outward appearance is all that matters. If hypocrites can appear righteous, they believe they will be seen as righteous in the eyes of God.

Adrian Rogers says, “God doesn’t look on the exterior; God looks at the heart.”

Hypocrites also believe that if they do not have trouble, they are right with God. But we know our blessings are not merited by our behavior. God gives us blessings to bring us to Him, to lead us to repentance. Delayed judgment does not mean no judgment; God waits until the time is ripe before He judges, and we will not escape His judgment.

Hypocrites will be judged according to their deeds, without distinction.

As Christians, we are not saved by works, but we are judged by works. We will be held accountable for our actions and attitudes, as well as for our advantages.

Finally, hypocrites will be judged according to the Gospel.

“...in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel” (Romans 2:16).

Adrian Rogers says, “If the Gospel does not save you, the Gospel will judge you. The same Jesus who wants to be your Savior will one day be your Judge if you do not allow Him to save you.”

The Gospel is a two-edged sword that will either heal or slay. It reveals everything we try to repress and hide, and often, the judgment of the hypocrite is harsher than that of the heathen.

Apply it to your life

Knowing the dangers of hypocrisy, are there any areas in your life that you need to confess and repent of? Pray and ask God to examine your heart, so that you can identify your struggles and live authentically and truthfully.

If you’re feeling the weight of leadership, this episode offers a timely reminder: your most effective strategy may not be something new you do, but someone deeper you become. Join us as Tami Heim, President and CEO of the Christian Leadership Alliance, shares how personal spiritual formation is the foundation for lasting impact in Christian leadership.

Find full show notes here: https://bit.ly/447tamiheim

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Justin Throupe serves as Head of School at Summit Christian Academy in Yorktown, Virginia. Prior to serving as Head of School, he served as Upper School Principal, and prior to joining Summit, he served in public education for 15 years as a high school teacher, coach, and administrator. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in History and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Christopher Newport University, as well as an Eds. in School Policy and Administration from Virginia Tech. Justin and his wife, Lori, have two children who attend Summit.