In Romans 2:17-29, Paul confronts the danger of being close to the truth without being changed by it. He warns against outward religion, spiritual pride, and misplaced confidence. In the same way that the Jews relied on their "Jewishness," church people today can rely on their baptism, church membership or Bible reading. God has always desired heart transformation, not mere knowledge or ritual. True faith flows from an inward heart transformation by the Spirit of God.

In Romans 2:1–16, Paul turns from condemning pagan Gentiles to confronting religious Jews who assumed they were exempt from God’s judgment. He exposes self-righteousness, reveals God’s impartial judgment, and shows that all people are accountable—by the Law they know or the conscience they bear. Yet before judgment comes, God displays His kindness, patience, and mercy, ultimately revealed in Jesus Christ.

While Romans 1:24–32 exposes the tragic depth of humanity’s rebellion and the darkness of a world that exchanges God’s truth for lies, Isaiah 9 announces a greater hope. Into that darkness, God sends a rescuing Light—Jesus, the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father,  and Prince of Peace.

In this message, we confront the sobering truth of God’s righteous wrath. Paul shows that humanity suppresses the truth, rejects God’s revelation, and exchanges His glory for idols. We explore the wrath of God, the reality of wrath in a broken world, and the tragic results of wrath when people turn from Him. Yet even in judgment, God’s purpose is to draw us back to His saving grace.

In Romans 1:16–17, Paul boldly declares he is “not ashamed of the gospel” because it is the very power of God to save. This message exposes our sin, confronts our pride, and reveals that we cannot earn righteousness. We must receive it by faith in Christ. When we do, God takes our righteousness which is filthy rags and clothes us with the perfect righteousness of Christ. We are called to believe it, live it, and proclaim it without shame.