Religion Isn't Enough Series

Series: The Cure [#4]

RELIGION ISN’T ENOUGH

Romans 2:17-29

Introduction:

We have studied many different areas of sin in just 2 chapters of Romans. This morning’s sermon may point out one of the most dangerous problems in the Church- Religion. I do understand that Christianity is a religion and is the only true religion; but acting religious can be a serious problem for the Church.

There have been many religious people through the years that will spend all of eternity in Hell. They might have been totally dedicated to their religion even to the point of death; but that’s not enough to get you into Heaven. Our Church rolls are full of people that are religious; but are not saved. If we really knew who was saved and who just plays a good game; we would probably be shocked.

Romans 2:17-29

There are 3 things that this passage shows us about religious people.

Religious…

1. Labels won’t save you.

There were many Jewish people in the Church who thought they were automatically saved because they were Jewish. This is not uncommon to any group. There are Catholics who think they are in because they are Catholic. There are Baptist who think that they are in because they are Baptist. The list could go on and on.

Religious…

2. Rules won’t save you.

There were many who were depending on the Law, (the 1st 5 books of the Old Testament) to save them. The problem is that the Law condemns us. The 10 Commandments prove over and over again that we are Law breakers. In any religion, group, business, etc…; rules are made. There is nothing wrong with rules; but it’s human nature to want to enforce rules but not follow them. That’s what Paul is talking about.

Religious…

3. Behavior won’t save you.

No matter how hard you try to be perfect it won’t matter. It only takes 1 sin to be a sinner. There are some who are trying real hard to be good enough to get into Heaven. There are others who go through different rituals trying to follow the rituals all the way to Heaven.

Conclusion:

No matter who you are or what you do, it’s not going to get you into Heaven. Jesus is the only way to become part of God’s Family and spending eternity in Heaven.