Summary Romans 7 reveals one of the most honest confessions in Scripture: Paul’s ongoing struggle with sin even after trusting Christ. Dr. Michael Easley unpacks this tension between knowing what’s right and still doing what’s wrong—the spiritual “finger trap” every believer experiences. Paul’s transparency isn’t weakness; it’s maturity. The more we grow in Christ, the more aware we become of our sin and our desperate need for His grace.  Legalism, Dr. Easley warns, distorts this truth by pretending righteousness can be earned. Instead, Paul’s self-portrait mirrors that of every believer. We are sinners saved by grace, constantly at war with the flesh yet secure in Christ’s victory. Sanctification is not smooth progress but a lifelong conflict between the Spirit and sin’s lingering power. Our hope is not in moral perfection but in dependence on Jesus. “Wretched man that I am—who will deliver me?” Paul cries. And the answer is the heart of the gospel: “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Takeaways The law exposes sin but cannot save—it condemns, not redeems. Paul’s struggle in Romans 7 reflects every believer’s battle with sin. True maturity begins with admitting our sinful nature and need for grace. Sanctification is a lifelong conflict, not a straight line of progress. Evil still dwells within us, but sin no longer controls us. Our only deliverance from sin’s power is through Jesus Christ alone. To read the book of Romans, click here. Click here for other Michael Easley Sermons.

Summary In this sermon from Romans 7:7–13, Dr. Michael Easley unpacks one of Scripture’s most complex questions: If God’s law is good, why does it seem to lead us into sin? Paul reminds us that the problem isn’t the law—it’s the sin within us. God’s law is holy, righteous, and good, but sin twists what is good into an opportunity for rebellion. Dr. Easley outlines seven functions of the law, revealing that while the law defines and exposes sin, it cannot save us from it. The law condemns, provokes, and reveals the depth of our sinfulness, pointing us instead to our desperate need for Christ. No set of rules or moral codes can make us good; only intimacy with Jesus transforms the heart.  When we seek fulfillment in Him rather than in the false promises of the world—whether through lust, greed, or pride—sin loses its grip. Dr. Easley reminds us that the Christian life isn’t about trying harder to stop sinning; it’s about walking more closely with Christ. Only when He becomes our “all in all” can we find the true freedom the law could never provide. Takeaways God’s law is holy, righteous, and good—but sin twists it into an opportunity for rebellion. The law reveals sin’s power but cannot save us from it. No number of rules can make us righteous; only Christ can transform the heart. Sin deceives and provokes, taking what is good and turning it against us. True freedom comes not from resisting sin but from pursuing intimacy with Jesus Christ. When Christ becomes our all in all, the world’s temptations lose their hold. To read the book of Romans, click here. Click here for other Michael Easley Sermons.

Summary In this sermon from Romans 7, Dr. Michael Easley explores what it means to die to the law and live in the Spirit through Jesus Christ. Using Paul’s illustration of marriage, Dr. Easley explains that the law only has authority over the living—once a person dies, they are free from its jurisdiction. Likewise, believers who have died with Christ are no longer bound to the law’s condemnation but are joined to Him to bear fruit for God. Dr. Easley takes time to address divorce and remarriage, acknowledging the pain, complexity, and lifelong consequences that often accompany them. While God hates divorce, it is not an unforgivable sin, and believers are called to respond with grace and mercy toward those who have suffered through it. Ultimately, he reminds listeners that reconciliation, humility, and forgiveness are essential for any marriage to thrive. The sermon concludes with a clear call: the law cannot save, but it can warn. Righteousness comes not through rules but through relationships—being joined to Christ in His death and resurrection. Freed from the condemnation of the law, believers are empowered by the Spirit to live in obedience and holiness that bear lasting fruit for God. Takeaways The law only has jurisdiction over the living; death in Christ frees believers from its condemnation. Romans 7 teaches that we are joined to Christ to bear fruit for God, not bound to the old law. Divorce grieves God but is not beyond His forgiveness or grace. The church must show mercy and compassion to those who have experienced brokenness. Obedience to God’s moral law, empowered by the Spirit, sanctifies believers, conforming them to Christ’s image. The same resurrection power that saves us empowers us to live holy, Spirit-filled lives. To read the book of Romans, click here. Click here for other Michael Easley Sermons.

Summary In this sermon, Dr. Michael Easley unpacks one of the most misunderstood truths in the Christian life: freedom in Christ does not mean freedom to sin. If salvation is truly a gift—something we did not earn and cannot lose—then why does how we live still matter? Paul’s answer in Romans 6 is both simple and profound: because we are no longer slaves to sin, we are now slaves to righteousness. Dr. Easley reminds us that everyone serves a master—either sin or God. Before Christ, we were bound to sin, chasing desires that only led to death. But in Christ, we’ve been set free—not to live as we please, but to live as His. This new kind of slavery is not oppressive; it’s liberating. To be “enslaved to righteousness” means willingly submitting our lives to the One who saved us. Obedience born from gratitude, not guilt, marks the heart of a true believer. As Dr. Easley explains, the wages of sin are still death—but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ. True freedom is not doing whatever we want—it’s wanting to obey the One who freed us. Takeaways True freedom in Christ means choosing to serve righteousness, not indulging in sin. Everyone serves a master—either sin that leads to death or Christ who gives life. Salvation frees us from sin’s power but binds us joyfully to obedience. Obedience from the heart reflects genuine transformation, not mere duty. The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ. Living under grace means wanting to obey, not feeling forced to obey. To read the book of Romans, click here. Click here for other Michael Easley Sermons.

Summary In this sermon, Dr. Michael Easley returns to the book of Romans and reminds us that Paul is calling for a mindset change. Too many people live as though they must do something to earn God’s favor, to get His attention, or to prove themselves worthy. But the gospel in Romans 6 tells us a different story. We don’t live in order to please God—we live because of what Christ has already done for us. Paul gives us three crucial verbs: know, consider, present. To know that our old self was crucified with Christ. To consider ourselves dead to sin. And to present ourselves as instruments of righteousness. These three truths frame the believer’s identity and equip us to stand against the power of sin. Sin is powerful, and temptation comes at us from every direction. But Paul is clear: don’t let sin reign in your mortal body. Don’t present your life as a weapon for unrighteousness. Instead, present yourself to God as one made alive in Christ. We are no longer under the law’s condemnation, but under grace. Grace transforms how we live and frees us to walk in the power of Christ. Takeaways Romans 6 teaches us to live because of Christ’s work, not to earn His approval. Our identity is rooted in who we are in Christ, not in what we do. Paul commands believers not to let sin reign like a king in their lives. Sin seeks to master us, but grace empowers us to resist and live differently. Believers must know, consider, and present themselves as alive in Christ. The power of the Holy Spirit is greater than sin’s pull, enabling true freedom. To read the book of Romans, click here. Click here for other Michael Easley Sermons.

Summary In this sermon, Dr. Michael Easley reminds us that the Christian life begins with a new identity. Just as cicadas emerge from the ground, shed their shells, and take flight, believers are transformed the moment they trust Christ. We are regenerated, made new, and indwelt by the Holy Spirit who is committed to changing us day by day. But many Christians wrestle with sanctification—trying to measure growth, compare progress, or put it in categories of “lordship” or “grace-only.” Paul gives us a better way in Romans 6. The Christian life is not an “in order to” relationship with God, as though we live to earn His approval. It is a “because of” relationship. Because of what Christ has already done, we live differently. Paul outlines three essentials: know that your old self was crucified with Christ, consider yourself dead to sin, and present your life as an instrument of righteousness. Christ’s death was once for all, and His resurrection means sin no longer has mastery over us. The call is simple but profound: stop living to please God as though you must earn His favor, and start living because of what He has already done for you in Christ. Takeaways The moment we trust Christ, we are regenerated and given a new identity. Sanctification is God’s ongoing work of transforming us into Christ’s likeness. Paul calls us to live “because of” what Christ has done, not “in order to” earn His approval. We are to know our old self is crucified, consider ourselves dead to sin, and present our lives to God. Christ’s death was once for all, and His resurrection ensures sin and death no longer rule. Living under grace means we walk in newness of life as instruments of righteousness. To read the book of Romans, click here. Click here for other Michael Easley Sermons.

Summary In this sermon, Dr. Michael Easley unpacks Romans 6, where Paul addresses a dangerous misunderstanding of grace: if God’s grace abounds where sin abounds, should we continue sinning so grace may increase? Paul’s emphatic answer is, “May it never be!” Believers are not free to sin, but free from sin. Through Christ’s death and resurrection, Christians are united with Him—baptized into His death, buried with Him, raised with Him, and called to walk in newness of life. Death in Scripture signifies separation, and for the believer, it means separation from sin’s controlling power. Though temptation remains, sin no longer rules our lives. Dr. Easley also explores baptism, clarifying that it is not a requirement for salvation but a faithful response of identification with Christ. Grace is never meant to be exploited as permission to sin. Instead, it should fuel our gratitude and obedience. Ultimately, Paul’s charge is clear: we are dead to sin but alive in Christ. Grace is not for sin-negotiation—it is the foundation for grateful living. Our lives should reflect not a return to the sewer of sin, but the newness of life Christ has secured for us. Takeaways Grace is not an excuse for sin but the reason believers live differently. Death in Scripture signifies separation—believers are separated from sin’s power. Baptism identifies believers with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. Justification and reconciliation are God’s work alone; we cannot add to them. Sanctification is the lifelong process of becoming more like Christ and less like Adam. Walking in newness of life is better than trying not to sin—it is living gratefully in Christ. To read the book of Romans, click here. Click here for other Michael Easley Sermons.

Summary In this sermon Dr. Michael Easley unpacks Romans 5 by showing six striking contrasts between Adam and Christ that reveal the depth of the gospel. Through Adam’s disobedience came sin, condemnation, and death for all. Through Christ’s obedience comes grace, justification, and life for those who believe. We are reminded that every person is either “in Adam” or “in Christ”—and our eternal identity rests on that reality. Adam’s one sin spread like a contagion, bringing death to all mankind. But in Christ, God gives the free gift of righteousness and eternal life. Where sin reigns, grace overflows in abundance. Dr. Easley stresses that justification is not earned—it is God’s declaration that the guilty are made righteous through Christ’s work on the cross. The law only magnifies our sin, but grace rescues us. Christ took our place, bore our condemnation, and offers life everlasting. Dr. Easley challenges listeners to consider their true identity: are we clinging to the brokenness of Adam, or have we trusted Christ, who brings forgiveness, freedom, and eternal life? The decision is clear, remain in Adam, or step into the grace and life found only in Christ. Takeaways Adam’s sin brought judgment and death, but Christ’s obedience brings justification and life. We are either “in Adam” or “in Christ”—our true identity is found in Him. Justification means we are guilty but declared righteous through Christ’s work, not our own. Death reigns through Adam, but life reigns through Jesus Christ. Where sin increases, God’s grace abounds all the more. The law exposes sin, but only Christ’s abundant grace saves and sustains us. To read the book of Romans, click here. Click here for other Michael Easley Sermons.

Summary In this sermon, Dr. Michael Easley teaches from Romans 5, unpacking the sobering truth that through Adam’s sin, death entered the world and spread to all humanity. Drawing from the historical use of primers and catechisms in early American education, Dr. Easley illustrates how generations once clearly taught the doctrine of original sin. Today, however, our culture resists the very concept of sin, preferring to redefine or dismiss it altogether. Yet Scripture is clear: sin is not simply a collection of bad choices but a condition that rules, spreads, and ultimately kills. Dr. Easley explains the imputation of sin and contrasts differing theological views, emphasizing that in Adam, all humanity fell, but in Christ, believers are given life. Sin’s pervasiveness demonstrates our desperate need for redemption. The either/or reality Paul presents is simple but profound: we are either in Adam, under the curse of sin and death, or in Christ, where His one act of righteousness secures eternal life. The good news is that through faith in Christ alone, we are no longer condemned but made right with God. Only in Christ can the guilt of sin be removed and the gift of eternal life received. Takeaways Through Adam’s sin, death entered the world and spread to all humanity. Our culture resists the concept of sin, but Scripture affirms its power and pervasiveness. Sin is not just an action—it is a condition that controls, spreads, and kills. Theological views may differ, but Romans 5 is clear: in Adam, all sinned. In Christ, believers receive the imputation of righteousness and the gift of eternal life. The gospel’s hope is simple: we are either in Adam under death, or in Christ under grace. To read the book of Romans, click here. Click here for other Michael Easley Sermons.

Summary In this sermon from Romans 5:9–11, Dr. Michael Easley explores the profound truth of reconciliation with God. Drawing from the story of Eric Lomax, a British POW who endured years of torture under Japanese captivity, Dr. Easley illustrates the unimaginable depth of forgiveness and reconciliation between bitter enemies. Lomax’s eventual reconciliation with his tormentor serves as a powerful picture of the greater reconciliation God offers to us. Paul reminds believers that through Christ’s death we are justified—declared righteous before God—and through His life we are reconciled, no longer enemies but friends of God. Dr. Easley explains the difference between justification, a legal declaration of righteousness, and reconciliation, a relational restoration to peace and friendship with God. Because Christ died for us while we were His enemies, we can be assured He will also save us as His friends. Dr. Easley challenges us to embrace the joyful confidence that comes from being reconciled to God. Our salvation is secure, not by our contributions but by Christ’s finished work. As reconciled enemies, we are called to live with humble confidence, rejoicing in the love and grace of God who declares us righteous and calls us His friends. Takeaways Through Christ’s death we are justified, declared righteous before God. Reconciliation goes beyond justification, restoring relationships between former enemies. Believers are assured they will escape God’s wrath through Christ. If God loved us enough to die for us as enemies, He surely saves us as His friends. Our salvation is secure in Christ’s finished work, not our own contributions. Reconciled enemies of God should live with joyful confidence and humble worship. To read the book of Romans, click here. Click here for other Michael Easley Sermons.

Summary In this sermon, Dr. Michael Easley teaches from Romans 5:6–8, reminding us that God has already proved His love in the most powerful way possible: through Christ’s death for sinners. Our experiences—pain, betrayal, loss, injustice—often whisper the lie that God does not love us. Yet Scripture tells us the opposite. Paul writes that while we were helpless, ungodly, and even enemies of God, Christ died for us. Dr. Easley contrasts God’s sacrificial love with human love, pointing out that while some may be willing to die for a good person, Christ died for the undeserving. This is love beyond comparison, a demonstration that cannot be undone by our circumstances or doubts. Dr. Easley reminds us that the cross is not only about physical suffering but about substitution—Jesus taking the full weight of God’s wrath in our place. The cross declares: “God loves you.” Regardless of how you feel or what you’ve endured, this truth stands firm. The only way to truly know God’s love is through trusting Christ—believing He lived, died, and rose again for you. Once for all, God has proved His love. Takeaways Our experiences often make us question God’s love, but Scripture assures us otherwise. Romans 5:6–8 shows that Christ died for us when we were helpless, ungodly, and sinful. Human love, even at its best, cannot compare to the sacrificial love of God. The cross demonstrates God’s love once for all, proving it beyond doubt. Jesus bore the wrath of God in our place—substitutionary atonement for sinners. The only way to know God’s love is by trusting Christ for salvation. To read the book of Romans, click here. Click here for other Michael Easley Sermons.

Summary In this sermon, Dr. Michael Easley teaches from Romans 5:1–5, highlighting three profound benefits of being justified by faith: peace with God, standing in grace, and hope in the glory of God. Before Christ, we were enemies of God—hostile and guilty. But through Jesus’ work, God not only forgives us, He declares us righteous and welcomes us into His presence. This peace is far more than the absence of conflict; it is a restored relationship with our Creator. We also stand in grace—a position we did not earn and cannot lose—offered solely through faith in Christ. Out of gratitude, our lives become a continual “thank You” to God, not an attempt to earn His favor. Finally, we boast in the hope of God’s glory. This hope sustains us through tribulation, producing perseverance, proven character, and deeper hope. Trials are not meaningless; they are God’s refining process, shaping us into what we could never become on our own. Because our hope is anchored in Him, it will never disappoint. Dr. Easley urges us to lift our eyes from life’s burdens to the eternal vistas God has promised—resting in the peace, grace, and hope only He provides. Takeaways: Justification by faith gives believers peace with God—a restored relationship, not just the absence of conflict. Before Christ, we were enemies of God, but through His work we are declared righteous and welcomed into His presence. Standing in grace means living in a permanent position of God’s favor, received through faith, not earned by works. Tribulations produce perseverance, which shapes proven character and strengthens our hope in God. God uses trials like a master craftsman tempers steel—refining us without breaking us. True hope in God will never disappoint because it is anchored in His glory, not our accomplishments. To read the book of Romans, click here. Click here for other Michael Easley Sermons.

Summary In this sermon, Dr. Michael Easley unpacks Romans 4, where Paul uses Abraham’s life to explain what it means to be justified by faith. Paul is resolute: we are justified by faith apart from works of the law. Looking at Abraham, Paul illustrates that true faith trusts God’s promises even when circumstances seem hopeless. Abraham faced the reality of his own limitations—his age, Sarah’s barrenness—yet believed in the God who gives life to the dead and calls into existence things that do not exist. This kind of faith glorifies God, not self, and rests fully on His promises rather than human effort. Dr. Easley challenges us to consider the nature of our faith. Are we trusting in our ability to believe, or in the object of our belief—Jesus Christ, who was delivered for our sins and raised for our justification? This passage calls us to turn from self-reliance and rest in the God who creates life from death and credits righteousness to all who believe in Him. Takeaways: We are justified by faith apart from works of the law, as seen in Abraham’s example. True faith trusts God’s promises even when circumstances seem impossible. God gives life to the dead and creates something out of nothing. Abraham’s faith glorified God, showing us that faith rests on God’s ability, not ours. Faith grows stronger as we understand the character and promises of God. Our justification rests on Christ’s death for our sins and His resurrection for our life. To read the book of Romans, click here. Click here for other Michael Easley Sermons.

Summary In this sermon, Dr. Michael Easley teaches from Romans 4 to remind us that salvation is never earned by works, signs, or laws—it is given by God through faith. Paul confronts Jewish objections that Abraham’s righteousness depended on circumcision or the Mosaic Law. Instead, Paul demonstrates that Abraham was justified long before receiving any outward sign. This truth is foundational: righteousness comes only by faith, not through religious rituals or lineage. Paul explains that the law was never meant to save but to expose our sin and reveal our need for grace. God’s grace is His undeserved favor toward us even when we deserve His wrath. Abraham believed God’s promise, and that faith—not his works—was credited to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6). For believers today, this means we can trust God’s promises fully. Our salvation rests not on fragile human performance but on the solid foundation of Christ’s finished work. Like Abraham, we are called to walk in faith—not to crawl across life’s “ice” with fear, but to trust the One who secures our steps. Takeaways: Abraham was justified by faith before receiving any outward sign. Circumcision and law-keeping do not save—faith alone does. God’s promise always precedes human effort or religious ritual. The law reveals sin and wrath; grace provides forgiveness and life. Salvation is secure because it rests on God’s promise, not our performance. Our only response to God is trust in Christ’s finished work. To read the book of Romans, click here. Click here for other Michael Easley Sermons.

Summary In this sermon, Dr. Michael Easley unpacks Romans 4. This chapter centers on Abraham, the patriarch of Israel, to illustrate Paul’s central argument: justification comes by faith alone, not by works or adherence to the law. Paul draws from Genesis 15:6, where Abraham “believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” The Jewish audience highly esteemed Abraham’s obedience, but Paul reframes their understanding—Abraham’s righteousness was not earned; it was imputed by God’s grace. This chapter unpacks the Abrahamic covenant and demonstrates how God’s promises extend beyond Israel to bless all nations.  Through Abraham’s example, Paul builds a defense for justification by faith, culminating in the Reformers’ essential word: alone. Michael Easley reminds us that nothing we do—no obedience, no good works—can earn God’s favor. Likewise, our sins are no longer credited to us but placed on Christ, whose righteousness is given to us. The miracle of forgiveness should never grow stale; it transforms how we see ourselves and how God sees us—in Christ, righteous and redeemed. Romans 4 calls us to rest in this grace, boasting not in ourselves, but in God’s provision through Jesus Christ. Takeaways: Romans 4 uses Abraham’s life to explain justification by faith alone. Abraham’s righteousness was imputed, not earned by obedience or works. The Abrahamic covenant points to God’s plan to bless all nations through Christ. Paul contrasts Jewish views of merit with God’s grace credited through faith. Our sins are not counted against us; Christ’s righteousness is credited to us. Forgiveness is a miracle we must never take for granted. To read the book of Romans, click here. Click here for other Michael Easley Sermons.

Summary In this sermon, Dr. Michael Easley explores Romans 3:21–31. Through Paul’s words, we’re confronted with the sobering reality that all people are equally sinful and fall short of God’s glory. The good news is that God makes sinners righteous, not through human effort, but through His grace, accomplished by the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Dr. Easley walks through Paul’s logic, showing how God's righteousness is revealed apart from the Law, through faith in Christ alone. He explains that justification is a gift—completely unearned and undeserved. It was made possible because Jesus bore the wrath we deserved. The cross is not just a moment of forgiveness, but the very place where God’s justice and mercy meet. As Dr. Easley explains, this truth dismantles religious pride. There’s no room to boast. All have sinned. All need grace. And anyone—Jew or Gentile—can be justified by faith. In a culture that minimizes sin and elevates self, this sermon re-centers believers on God’s incredible mercy and the unmatched significance of Christ’s finished work. Takeaways Jesus redefined the Law by exposing sin not just in actions, but in the heart. All people, regardless of status or background, are equally sinful before God. God's righteousness is revealed apart from the Law and is accessed by faith alone. Justification is a free gift given through grace, not earned by works. Jesus' sacrifice satisfies God's justice and redeems us from sin’s penalty. Because salvation is entirely God’s work, there is no room for boasting. To read the book of Romans, click here. Click here for other Michael Easley Sermons.

Summary In this sermon, Dr. Michael Easley unpacks the biblical doctrine of sin and humanity’s universal need for salvation. He begins by addressing how both the church and culture define “sin,” exposing the world’s denial of sin and the believer’s need to own it personally: “My sin is the problem.” Drawing on Paul’s sweeping argument, Dr. Easley shows that all people—Jew and Gentile alike—are under the power of sin. No one seeks God. No one does good. We are condemned not just by our actions but by our very nature. Dr. Easley walks through Paul’s Old Testament citations to demonstrate sin’s pervasive reach: we sin against God, with our speech, and through our actions. Even religious privilege, like being entrusted with God’s Word, doesn’t give immunity from sin’s reign. Ultimately, he reminds us that the law exposes our sin but cannot justify us. Only a perfect Savior—Jesus Christ—can rescue us. Takeaways Everyone is a sinner—no one is righteous. Sin isn’t just what we do; it’s our nature. The law reveals sin but cannot save. We can’t stand before God on our own merit. Christ alone makes us righteous by His work. Believing culture’s view of sin leads to deception. To read the book of Romans, click here. Click here for other Michael Easley Sermons.

Summary In this sermon, Dr. Michael Easley unpacks the challenging theological argument Paul makes in Romans 3:1-8. He begins by exploring the question, “What advantage is there to being a Jew?” Paul acknowledges the Jews’ privileged status as recipients of God’s oracles, the trustworthy Scriptures, and the covenant people through whom Christ would come. However, Paul also confronts objections regarding human unfaithfulness and God’s righteousness. If many Jews are unfaithful, does that mean God is unfaithful? Paul emphatically denies this, asserting that God’s faithfulness stands firm even when humans fail. Dr. Easley outlines four key objections Paul addresses: the significance of religion, faithfulness, righteousness, and truth. Some argue that human unrighteousness somehow glorifies God’s righteousness, or that sinning more might enhance God’s glory. Paul condemns such thinking as blasphemous and dangerous. The heart of the message is that God’s righteousness and faithfulness are unchanging, regardless of human failure. Believers today hold the same “oracles of God” in Scripture and in Christ, entrusted with a living Word that calls for faithful response. Dr. Easley challenges listeners to cherish and live out this divine trust faithfully. Takeaways: God entrusted the Jews with His oracles, giving them great religious advantage. Human unfaithfulness never negates God’s perfect faithfulness. God’s righteousness remains true even when humans are unrighteous. Sinning cannot be justified as a means to glorify God—it is condemned. The gospel reveals the mystery of how God declares sinners righteous in Christ. Believers today are entrusted with the living Word of God, calling for faithful stewardship. To read the book of Romans, click here. Click here for other Michael Easley Sermons.

Summary In this sermon, Dr. Michael Easley unpacks Romans 2:17–29, where Paul confronts religious hypocrisy among the Jews in Rome. Though they boast in the law, claim to know God's will, and present themselves as moral guides, Paul warns that their actions betray their claims. When believers condemn sin while committing the same, they dishonor God and cause His name to be blasphemed. Dr. Easley highlights how spiritual privilege—like bearing the name "Jew," possessing the law, or having the sign of circumcision—does not excuse hypocrisy. Instead, it demands authentic obedience. Paul insists that true identity before God is not about outward signs, but about inward transformation—a heart changed by the Spirit, not the letter of the law. The same is true for Christians today. It’s not enough to appear religious; God desires inward change. Dr. Easley reminds us that we are all "consistently inconsistent" in our walks with Christ, and when we fail, we must acknowledge it, confess it, and seek forgiveness. That kind of humility has a profound impact, even on those far from faith. The goal isn’t religious performance—it’s genuine heart change through Christ. Takeaways: Spiritual status means nothing without obedience to God’s Word. Religious hypocrisy causes God’s name to be blasphemed. Outward signs like circumcision are meaningless without inward change. God desires heart-level transformation, not surface-level religion. When Christians live inconsistently, humility and confession build credibility. True obedience is rooted in salvation, not spiritual pride. To read the book of Romans, click here. Click here for other Michael Easley Sermons.

Summary In this sermon, Dr. Michael Easley unpacks Romans 2 and explores the inescapable and impartial judgment of God. Beginning with Paul’s transition from addressing the sins of the Gentiles in Romans 1 to confronting the Jews in chapter 2, Easley explains how no one is exempt from God’s righteous judgment—neither those with the Law nor those without it. All people appeal to some moral standard, which points to a moral Lawgiver. God judges according to truth, and His judgment is always just, never biased. Dr. Easley highlights that self-righteous judgment is condemned—not judgment itself. Paul uses a diatribe to anticipate and respond to objections, showing that both Jews and Gentiles are guilty before God. God's patience and kindness should lead to repentance, not complacency. Ultimately, everyone will stand before the impartial Judge—Jesus Christ—who knows every secret. For believers, Christ becomes both their advocate and substitute, having absorbed God's wrath on the cross. For unbelievers, judgment remains a fearful certainty. Takeaways: God’s judgment is inescapable because it is based on absolute truth, not personal or cultural standards. Both Jews and Gentiles are guilty before God—possessing the Law or conscience does not exempt anyone from judgment. Self-righteousness is condemned; judging others while committing the same sins reveals a hardened, unrepentant heart. God’s kindness and patience are meant to lead us to repentance, not justify continued rebellion. Every person will be judged impartially by Christ according to their works and the motives behind them. The only true hope in judgment is the advocacy of Jesus Christ, who bore God’s wrath so we could receive eternal life. To read the book of Romans, click here. Click here for other Michael Easley Sermons.