“The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians: who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, walk out the door, and deny Him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable.” - Brennan Manning

What cancer is to the body, hypocrisy is to the church.

Big Idea: Living authentically means committing to transparency that reflects God's truth and love.

Romans 2:1-16

1. Love the sinner, Hate YOUR sin 

Romans 2:1

Matthew 23:3-4

Matthew 23:13

“Of all bad men, religious bad men are the worst.” - C.S. Lewis

1 Corinthians 13:1-3

2. You’re a terrible judge! 

Romans 2:2

John 7:24

3. Live Transparently 

Romans 2:16

Luke 12:1-3

“We cannot pray in love and live in hate and still think we are worshiping God.” - A.W. Tozer

Response:

• Search your own heart.

• Pursue Jesus, not better behavior.

• Embrace Truth.

DISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY

► Connection questions:

1. What are you thankful for?

2. What is a challenge you are facing?

3. How did you do with last week’s “I will” statement?

► Have at least one member of the group restate the passage in their own words

► Individual answers to five questions:

1. What stands out to you?

2. What does this passage tell us about people?

3. What does this passage tell us about God?

4. Based on the passage, what is one thing I could do differently starting now and what would happen if I did? (each person commits to their action for one week using an “I will…” statement)

5. Who are you going to tell about what you discovered? (each person commits to having that conversation before the next meeting)