Romans: Rooted in Jesus, No Partiality

Imagine you’re in the Roman Church, surrounded by the depraved culture the Apostle Paul described in Romans 1:29, “filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, and malice.” The sexual debauchery and shameful acts being carried out in the brothels and homes confronts you every day. But you know the truth, you were raised to obey God, you believe and have devoted your life to your faith and traditions. How would you feel if people from that culture walked into your church proclaiming that they believe in the risen Christ? Would you feel morally superior? Would you be quick to welcome them? How would you respond to their struggle to break the habits of their upbringing and experience?

As we begin chapter two in Romans, Paul confronts the assumptions of the life-long religious person! Does their upbringing and practice make them “better than”? Should their “moral goodness” give them a leg-up in the church? Does God favor them over their Gentile brothers and sisters? Join us Sunday as we explore what Jesus describes as older brother syndrome in the story of the Prodigal, Luke 15:11-32. Maybe watch this video from the Bible Project on the Prodigal Son’s older brother.