Idol Hiding

Scott Beyer
07/06/23 - Bulletin

“You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?” (Romans 2:22b)

            During the trials of Jesus, there was a particular type of injustice that was seen.  The Jewish people professed to hate the Romans and their idolatrous ways, but then turned to them when they needed their help to crucify Jesus.  They also gave Judas thirty pieces of silver to betray Jesus, but then they refused to accept the money back because it was blood money.  Their religious convictions were pliable when presented with an opportunity for advantage.

            The above verse in Romans addresses this tendency in all of us.  We say we hate sin until it would force us to make a change to our entertainment choices.  We profess moral convictions unless our job requires us to do something immoral, and then we hide behind “company policy”.  We cry from the housetops against sin, but then we enter those same houses and secretly practice the very things we have just denounced.

            Make sure your faith is consistent.  Don’t cry against the idols while hiding them in your closet.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Romans 2:22-29

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

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