Ink and Fire: The Words that Changed the World Part Four: Safe, But Not Secure Micaiah Irmler Romans 2:17-29 NLT Romans calls us back to the gospel: raw, relentless, and real. God doesn’t want a copy of faith—He wants a crucified, consecrated, and authentic heart. A replica may look right, but only the real thing lives right. FALSE SECURITY FEELS COMFORTABLE—BUT LEADS TO COLLAPSE. Romans 2:17-29 NLT 17 You who call yourselves Jews are relying on God’s law, and you boast about your special relationship with him. 18 You know what he wants; you know what is right because you have been taught his law. 19 You are convinced that you are a guide for the blind and a light for people who are lost in darkness. 20 You think you can instruct the ignorant and teach children the ways of God. For you are certain that God’s law gives you complete knowledge and truth. 21 Well then, if you teach others, why don’t you teach yourself? You tell others not to steal, but do you steal? 22 You say it is wrong to commit adultery, but do you commit adultery? You condemn idolatry, but do you use items stolen from pagan temples? 23 You are so proud of knowing the law, but you dishonor God by breaking it. 24 No wonder the Scriptures say, “The Gentiles blaspheme the name of God because of you.” 25 The Jewish ceremony of circumcision has value only if you obey God’s law. But if you don’t obey God’s law, you are no better off than an uncircumcised Gentile. 26 And if the Gentiles obey God’s law, won’t God declare them to be his own people? 27 In fact, uncircumcised Gentiles who keep God’s law will condemn you Jews who are circumcised and possess God’s law but don’t obey it. 28 For you are not a true Jew just because you were born of Jewish parents or because you have gone through the ceremony of circumcision. 29 No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by the Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people. Quote: “Biblical literacy without spiritual intimacy leads to spiritual hypocrisy. Note: Circumcision was the Jewish mark of identity. But Paul says it's pointless without obedience. Modern Application: Baptism, church membership, communion, worship music—beautiful symbols, but they don’t mean anything without submission to God. Note: External Symbols Are Meaningless Without Internal Substance. Quote: Don’t let tradition be the tomb where your transformation dies. ~Unknown God defines His people by , not by rituals. Don’t mistake the tradition for the . Religion changes . The Gospel changes people. Note: They allowed their religion to become their refuge. Note: You can wear the jersey and never play the game. Note: We live in a time like never before. Question: If you see me wearing this jersey and none of you think for a moment that I play for the team do you? Question: Why do we allow people to wear a cross that aren’t willing to carry the cross? God doesn’t measure faith by how we look in public—but by how we surrender in private. Question: Do you possess something that you don’t put into practice? Jesus wants you and I to do more than carry His name He wants us to carry His . Remember: Let Him move you from Sunday faith to everyday fire. Quote: “Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than going to a garage makes you a car.” – Billy Sunday Note: God’s greatest work in your life is internal before it’s ever external. We are to be more than a label. 2 Timothy 3:5 – “Having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.” Note: Israel had the Ark of the Covenant but lost battles. The Pharisees kept the Sabbath but missed the Savior. Remember: Jesus didn’t die for better behavior—He died to make us new. Question: Where is Gods power seen in your life? Note: I shouldn’t have to tell you that I am a Christian. Question: What habits have become hollow instead of holy? We are all looking for security. Economic, Political, Financial, Social, Relational, Spiritual, and eternal security. Note: Saying you don’t believe in Heaven or Hell is a way of creating a sense of security. False can only give you a Identity. Whatever you look to for security will eventually shape your identity. JP Pokluda said this about the young rich ruler that he is none of those things now. Identity built on role, ritual, or reputation is always fragile. Remember: Don’t let your label become your Lord. Insecurity loves to hide behind activity. We know that our identity is not based on our past but our identity is also not to be based on our performance either. Note: Thats good that people know your Jews but I ’m more concerned that people would know you’re Jesus’ Note: Secure is about feeling safe, settled, and significant. You’re never in trouble but your never transformed. They Got Stuck in What Made Them Feel Secure. What holds you molds you. Information is not Intimacy with God vs. 17-21 The Holy Spirit wants to make the Word alive in you—not just in your notes, but in your nature.