Sterling Severns Devotionals, Life of the Community, Romans, Paul's letter to

Through Many Dangers, Toils, and Snares

We were the only two in line, strangers waiting for the pharmacy to reopen. It took her little or no time to begin to openly share her story with me. As she spoke about her journey through illness and healing, her hands told the story as much as her words.

She gently touched her head, right where the tumor had been, explaining how peace first entered her life—something she grasped intellectually after the surgery, as she processed what she had been through. 

Then, she placed her hand over her heart, describing how that peace deepened, becoming something she could feel more fully. 

But it was when she placed both hands on her stomach that her voice softened, and she said, “But now, I know it here.” This was peace she carried in her gut, a knowing that had grown through suffering, endurance, and the long journey now behind her. And she couldn’t keep it to herself—the peace had become too real, too profound, not to share.

Her testimony brought to life the very words of Paul in Romans 5. He speaks of suffering producing endurance, endurance shaping character, and character leading to a hope that does not disappoint. There are no platitudes here—no quick fix for pain. Paul is sharing the journey that he, and so many others, have walked: through suffering, into endurance, and into a hope that transforms us from the inside out. This is not about earning anything—it’s about receiving the grace of God, who walks with us and delivers us through every trial. God is with us every step of the way.

As we sang together at the end of last Sunday’s sermon,

“Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come; ’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.”

The suffering we endure becomes the very path through which God leads us into hope. This journey isn’t about mere survival—it’s about discovering a peace so deep, a hope so life-altering, that we are never the same.

I invite you to take some time this week to reflect on these powerful truths. If you feel called to explore further, our reflection guide is available on the website as a helpful tool to guide your prayers and thoughts. It offers an opportunity to dive deeper into how God may be transforming your experiences of suffering into endurance and hope. 

Thanks be to God for the gift of grace……leading us home.

Yours in Christ, 

Rev. Sterling W. Severns

Sterling Severns Bible Study, Romans, Paul's letter to, Rule of Life Together

Adult Reflection Guide: Romans 3:21-31

Sermon on Romans 3:21-31 Rev. Sterling W. Severns October 7, 2024


Romans 3:21-31 (The Message )

1. God Sets Things Right, Not Us

Paul’s letter to the Romans reminds us that we don’t “set things right” by our actions—God does it for us through grace. In the sermon, you mentioned how “God isn’t waiting for us to get things right. He already took care of that on the cross.”

  • Question: How does it feel to know that God’s grace comes as a gift and isn’t something we have to earn? Can you think of times when you’ve tried to earn God’s love, only to realize it was already yours?

2. Walking at a Human Pace

You talked about how Jesus walked at a human pace—about 2-3 miles per hour. Not in a rush, but always moving forward in grace. You said, “Discipleship happens one step at a time. We’re walking with Jesus, not running a race.”

  • Question: Are there moments in your life when you’ve felt the need to slow down and walk more closely with Jesus? How might walking at “God’s pace” change how we approach our faith?

3. Temptation to Climb Higher Ground

In the sermon, you mentioned how easy it is to think we’ve made it to higher ground spiritually. You said, “We think we’re walking with God, but sometimes all we’re doing is climbing up to a pedestal.” This can lead to a sense of superiority or separation from others.

  • Question: Have you ever found yourself feeling spiritually “above” others, even unintentionally? How can we guard against slipping into self-righteousness in our daily walk with God?

4. Feet on the Ground, Not on a Pedestal

You shared that God wants us to have our feet on the ground—not up on a pedestal, but also not buried in the dirt of shame. “God is always putting us back in our place—not to knock us down, but to walk with us back home.”

  • Question: What does it mean to have our “feet on the ground” spiritually? How can this help us stay humble while also accepting God’s love and grace?

5. We’re All Walking Each Other Home

You referenced the phrase, “We’re all just walking each other home,” showing how, in the Christian life, we’re not on this journey alone. We’re meant to walk with others in grace.

  • Question: How can we support each other as we walk this journey of faith together? Can you share an example of a time someone walked with you through a difficult season in life?

6. Justification: God Aligns Us with His Love

You described justification like aligning a Word document—God takes what’s out of place in our lives and brings it back into line with His love. “It’s God saying, ‘We’re good’—not because of what we’ve done, but because of who He is.”

  • Question: In what areas of your life do you need God to bring you back into alignment with His love? How does knowing that God has already made things right change how you live day to day?

Closing Reflection: In what ways does understanding God’s grace more deeply affect your relationships—with God, with others, and with yourself?

Quotes for Reflection

  1. “Grace is not a thing. It is not a substance that can be measured or counted. It is the personal presence of the living God.”
    • N.T. Wright
      This quote emphasizes that grace is the dynamic, personal presence of God in our lives, not something we earn or quantify. How does this reshape your understanding of grace?
  2. “The greatest mystery of the gospel is not our sin, but God’s unrelenting love, which embraces us in our imperfection and calls us beloved.”
    • Richard Rohr
      Rohr reminds us that it’s God’s love, not our failures, that defines us. Reflect on how this truth impacts your sense of worth and relationship with the Divine.
  3. “Justification by faith is about God putting the world back to rights, beginning with us. It’s about reordering our lives in alignment with the Creator’s love.”
    • James Dunn
      Dunn’s insight invites us to see justification as more than personal salvation—it’s the beginning of a wider restoration. How might this understanding impact how you interact with others and the world?
  4. “The way of Jesus is the way of the cross. It is a call to downward mobility, to humility, to solidarity with those who are least in the eyes of the world.”
    • Henri Nouwen
      Nouwen’s words remind us that following Jesus involves walking the path of humility. How does this challenge you in your relationships and lifestyle?
  5. “To believe in justification by grace is to accept that we are constantly being forgiven, renewed, and invited to start again—this is the journey of faith.”
    • Rowan Williams
      Williams highlights that grace is an ongoing process of renewal. How does the idea of continual forgiveness and renewal change how you approach your daily spiritual walk?
Sterling Severns Bible Study, Romans, Paul's letter to, Rule of Life, Rule of Life Together

Adult Reflection Guide: Romans 3:1-20

Welcome!

We invite you to take some time to reflect on key themes from our recent sermon on Romans 3. Paul’s message in this chapter challenges us to look honestly at our own imperfections and embrace the transformative grace of God. Whether you choose to reflect on one or all of the themes, this guide is here to support your personal or group study. The goal isn’t perfection but to create space for spiritual reflection and growth.

Sermon can be found at marker 42:56

Sermon Summary

1. The Reality of Sin (Romans 3:10-12)
Paul reminds us that “there is no one righteous, not even one.” This statement isn’t about condemning us, but about leveling the playing field—no one can claim perfection. All of us are in need of God’s grace. This realization sets the stage for transformation, which begins when we acknowledge our own brokenness.

2. Judgment and Projection (Romans 3:9-10)
Paul critiques the human tendency to judge others while ignoring our own failures. Judgment often stems from insecurity, as we try to shift the focus away from our own shortcomings. Paul calls for humility—an honest self-assessment instead of focusing on others’ mistakes.

3. Grace as the Foundation for Transformation (Romans 3:20-24)
Paul emphasizes that the law was not given for us to boast about following it perfectly. Instead, it reveals how far we fall short, making room for grace. True transformation begins when we stop relying on our own righteousness and embrace God’s grace as the foundation for change.

4. God’s Faithfulness (Romans 3:3-4)
Even when humans are unfaithful, God remains faithful. This promise reassures us that our failures do not diminish God’s love or commitment to us. Knowing this allows us to confront our brokenness with honesty, knowing God’s grace will always meet us.

5. The Treasure in Clay Jars (2 Corinthians 4:7)
Paul’s metaphor of “treasure in clay jars” reminds us that we are fragile and imperfect, yet we carry something precious—God’s love and grace. Rather than disqualifying us, our flaws become opportunities for God’s power to shine through us.

6. Transformation Starts with Honesty
Paul teaches that true transformation starts with transparency. We don’t need to pretend we have it all together. Instead, when we admit our need for God’s grace, that’s when real healing and change begin.

Reflection Questions

These questions are designed to help you think more deeply about the themes from the sermon. Whether you reflect on them individually or with a group, allow them to spark meaningful conversation.

Facing the Truth: In the sermon, we heard the famous line from A Few Good Men: “You can’t handle the truth.” When faced with difficult truths about yourself, how do you typically respond? Do you tend to confront those truths or avoid them? Why do you think that is?

Judging Others vs. Judging Ourselves: Paul talks about our tendency to judge others while ignoring our own faults. How often do you catch yourself being critical of others instead of reflecting on your own struggles? How might shifting your focus to self-reflection change your relationships?

Paul’s Indictment and Our Hearing: Paul’s words might sound harsh or judgmental at first, but he’s speaking from a place of humility, acknowledging his own brokenness. How do you think your personal experiences or insecurities shape the way you hear challenging messages, whether from Scripture or others? How might it change your perspective to hear those words as coming from someone who is “in the mix” with you, rather than judging you from above?

The Nature of Sin: The sermon described sin as “missing the mark” and how it puts us out of sync with God. In what areas of your life do you feel out of sync with God? What would it look like for you to realign your heart and actions with God’s purposes?

God’s Faithfulness: Paul reassures us that even when we are unfaithful, God remains faithful. Where in your life are you struggling to trust in God’s faithfulness? How does this promise challenge or encourage you as you face uncertainty or failure?

Breaking the Cycle of Judgmentalism: We learned that judgmentalism often comes from a place of insecurity or self-loathing. How have you seen this cycle play out in your own life? What steps can you take to break free from judgmental thinking and move toward grace?

Sin and Projection: The sermon explored how we sometimes project our own discomfort by focusing on others’ faults. In what ways have you seen this dynamic in your own relationships? How might embracing vulnerability instead of judgment deepen your connections with others?

Transformation and Honesty: Transformation begins with an honest appraisal of our limitations and failures. Is there an area in your life where you’ve been avoiding the truth about yourself? What would it take for you to bring that into the light and experience God’s grace for healing?

Carrying God’s Treasure: Paul’s metaphor of “treasure in clay jars” was highlighted in the sermon. How do you see God’s grace shining through your own imperfections and weaknesses? What might it look like to embrace your vulnerability as a strength?

The Weight of Sin and the Law: We heard that the law reveals our need for grace rather than giving us a means to boast about our righteousness. How has your understanding of the balance between law and grace evolved? How does this shift in understanding impact how you live out your faith day to day?

Receiving Grace in Community: The sermon emphasized that none of us are exempt from the human condition of sin. How does recognizing your shared brokenness with others affect the way you engage with your community? How might it change the way you receive or extend grace?

Quotes for Reflection

Here are a few quotes to ponder as you reflect on the sermon’s themes. Use them as conversation starters or points of meditation.

  • “There is no one righteous, not even one.” (Romans 3:10)
  • “Judgmentalism is often rooted in our own insecurities. When we judge others, we are projecting our discomfort with our own sins.” — Richard Rohr
  • “Even when we are unfaithful, God remains faithful.” (Romans 3:3-4)
  • “Transformation begins with honesty—admitting our brokenness is the first step to experiencing God’s healing.” — N.T. Wright
  • “The principle of Transformation reminds us that nothing, no one, no situation is immune from the transforming love of God.” – Desmond Tutu
  • “The law shows us our flaws, but grace enables us to grow beyond them.” — Charles Talbert
  • “We carry this treasure in fragile clay jars, but it is in our weakness that God’s power shines through.” (2 Corinthians 4:7)

We hope this guide prompts meaningful reflection as you explore Romans 3 in your personal journey or with others in your community. Let this be a reminder that God’s grace meets us where we are and leads us toward transformation, not through perfection, but through honesty and love.

Additional Reflection Guides for Children & Youth:

Going Deeper: Exploration of Romans 3:1-20 with your Teen
Going Deeper: Exploration of Romans 3:1-20 with Your Children

Sources Cited

  • Wright, N.T. Paul: A Biography
  • Rohr, Richard. Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life
  • Talbert, Charles H. Romans: A Theological Commentary on the Bible
  • Peterson, Eugene. The Message (Paraphrase of Romans 3:10)
Judy Fiske Romans, Paul's letter to, Staff, Worship

What can we expect in worship on Sunday, 9.29.2024

Greeting Tabernacle Family!This week is the 19th Sunday after Pentecost and Sunday number 4 of Romans.

This Sunday our scripture passage is Romans 3:1-20.  I will again encourage you to read this passage in as many different translations as you can find.   This passage reminds me of a time in my life when I spent a lot of time trying to figure out how to get to the end of a sin chain that began with something good—–like I sacrificially gave a gift to someone who needed it which meant I had done something good, but then I was proud of myself for doing something good for someone which meant I had done something bad (Matt.6:3) —–so then I “repented” for being proud and ended up being proud of myself for regretting being proud in the first place and this process just kept going—-a never ending sin cycle which began with a good action. 

Such is life under the law and it seemingly does you no good to be a religious insider in this situation, it just causes you to ask more questions.    During this time period I also spent a lot of time with an old gospel song that goes like this “I am satisfied with Jesus, He has done so much for me, He has suffered to redeem me, He has died to set me free.  I am satisfied, I am satisfied, but the question comes to me as I think of Calvary, is the Master satisfied with me.” (B. B.McKinney, 1926)  

This song served both to remind me that I had responsibility to keeping thinking about that “sin cycle” so I did not get stuck in one of the “proud” cycles and that in spite of the “sin cycle” I had Jesus on my side.  This seems to me to be a bit of what Paul is trying to express in these verses in Romans.  So much sin and so much of God loves you!
 
Come Sunday and explore this chapter of Romans with us and discover what it means in your life.  The following Sunday, Oct. 6,  will be World Communion Sunday.

Judy

Dr. Judy Fiske
Minister of Worship/Music

Sterling Severns Bible Study, Going Deeper, Romans, Paul's letter to, Staff, Worship

Sermon Reflections: The Destructive Power of Judgmentalism

The Destructive Power of Judgmentalism: Romans 2:1-16

Sermon: September 22, 2024

Romans 2:1-16: The Destructive Power of Judgmentalism

Going Deeper

Understanding God’s Judgment and Kindness in Romans 2

In Romans 2, Paul confronts the tendency to judge others while failing to recognize one’s own sins. Theologian Charles H. Talbert points out that Paul is addressing a primarily Jewish audience who might feel superior to Gentiles because of their knowledge of the law. However, Paul makes it clear that knowledge alone does not justify anyone before God. Instead, it’s the transformation of the heart and actions that matters (Smyth & Helwys Bible Commentary: Romans, Charles H. Talbert, p. 52).

Paul’s emphasis on God’s kindness leading to repentance (Romans 2:4) is not a sign of leniency, but an opportunity for change. The kindness of God is meant to transform, not to condone continued disobedience. Talbert describes this kindness as an invitation to a “radical life-change,” where one stops depending on outward observance of the law and instead focuses on a life transformed by God’s love and grace.

Reflection:

  • How do we, like Paul’s audience, sometimes depend on our religious knowledge or practices to justify ourselves?
  • In what ways is God’s kindness inviting you to a deeper transformation?

The Hypocrisy of Judgmentalism

N.T. Wright, in his biography of Paul, explains that Paul’s concern is not just with overt acts of judgment, but with the underlying hypocrisy. For Paul, the real issue is not about who is ‘in’ and who is ‘out,’ but about the state of the heart. Wright emphasizes that God’s judgment is impartial and based on truth, regardless of one’s background or identity (Paul: A Biography, N.T. Wright, p. 189).

Paul’s challenge is to both Jews and Gentiles to move beyond a superficial observance of the law and to embrace the deeper work of the Spirit. He points out that those who judge others are guilty of the same things they condemn. The only path forward is humility and repentance, acknowledging that we all stand in need of God’s mercy.

Reflection:

  • Where in your life do you see a gap between what you say you believe and how you live?
  • How might God be calling you to close that gap?

The Law Written on Our Hearts

A crucial part of Paul’s argument in Romans 2 is that true obedience is a matter of the heart, not just external adherence to the law. A. Katherine Grieb highlights that for Paul, the real ‘circumcision’ is not physical, but spiritual—circumcision of the heart (Romans: A Theological Commentary on the Bible, A. Katherine Grieb, p. 54). This internal transformation is available to both Jews and Gentiles, making it clear that God’s judgment is based on inner transformation and not just outward compliance.

Grieb explains that this “circumcision of the heart” is an act of the Holy Spirit, transforming believers from the inside out. It represents a new way of belonging to God that transcends ethnic and cultural boundaries. This challenges us to reflect on the ways we might rely on external markers of faith rather than seeking the inward renewal that God desires.

Reflection:

  • In what ways have you relied on external practices or traditions to define your faith?
  • How might God be inviting you to experience a deeper, heart-level transformation?

God’s Transformative Love: Moving Beyond Judgmentalism

Richard Rohr talks about how Paul’s message isn’t just about following rules or judging who’s right and wrong. Instead, it’s about how God’s love invites us to be changed from the inside out. In Romans 2, Paul warns that when we judge others, we’re often blind to our own faults. Rohr reminds us that God isn’t focused on punishing or rewarding us based on our behavior. God wants us to experience a deeper transformation—a change in our hearts that helps us see ourselves and others through the lens of grace (In the Footsteps of St. Paul, Richard Rohr).

Paul is inviting us to stop focusing on what’s wrong with others and, instead, allow God to work within us. This means letting go of our tendency to judge and embracing a new way of living—one that is grounded in love, compassion, and humility. When we do this, we can experience the radical life-change that Paul talks about in Romans 2, where our hearts are transformed and we become more like Christ.

Reflection Questions:

  • How can you allow God’s love to change your perspective on others, especially those you are tempted to judge?
  • In what areas of your life do you sense God inviting you to let go of judgmental attitudes and embrace transformation?
  • How might seeing yourself and others through God’s eyes of grace change the way you interact with people?

The Bigger Picture of God’s Plan

N.T. Wright explains that Paul’s message in Romans isn’t just about individual salvation; it’s part of a much bigger story of God’s plan to renew all creation. He emphasizes that God’s judgment in Romans 2 is not about punishing individuals, but about holding humanity accountable for how we’ve failed to live out our calling as image-bearers of God. God’s purpose has always been to bring about new creation through a transformed people, and this begins with us (Into the Heart of Romans: A Deep Dive into Paul’s Greatest Letter, N.T. Wright, p. 74).

Paul reminds us that judging others distracts us from our own failures to live as God intended. Instead of pointing fingers, we are called to reflect God’s love and grace in the world, participating in the restoration of creation that God envisions. This means recognizing that we are all part of the problem and all invited to be part of the solution through God’s transformative love.

Reflection Questions:

  • How does seeing God’s plan as bigger than individual salvation change the way you read Romans 2?
  • In what ways can you participate in God’s plan for renewal and restoration, starting in your own community?
  • How might embracing your role as an image-bearer of God impact how you treat others, especially those you are tempted to judge?

The Trap of Judgmentalism

In the sermon, we talked about how easy it is to fall into the trap of judging others. Paul warns us in Romans 2:1 that when we judge, we are often condemning ourselves, projecting our own insecurities onto others. Judgmentalism is a form of hypocrisy that isolates us from experiencing God’s grace and truth. Instead of focusing on others’ faults, we are invited to examine our own hearts and seek God’s transformation.

Reflection Questions:

  • Can you think of a time when you judged someone harshly, only to later realize you were struggling with a similar issue? What did God reveal to you in that experience?
  • How does judgmentalism create barriers between you and others? What might it look like to replace judgment with curiosity or compassion?
  • What fears or insecurities might be at the root of your judgmental attitudes? How is God inviting you to address these today?

A Toddler in the Parking Lot: An Illustration of God’s Love

During the sermon, we reflected on a story of a toddler running away from his mother’s hand, unaware of the danger around him. This story illustrates how we often pull away from God’s guidance, thinking we know better. Like a loving parent, God doesn’t force us to stay close but continues to pursue us, ready to guide us back to safety. When we finally choose to stop running, we can take God’s hand and trust in divine guidance, experiencing the true freedom found in walking with God.

Reflection Questions:

  • In what areas of your life have you pulled away from God’s guidance, thinking you knew better? How has that impacted you?
  • How have you experienced God’s loving pursuit, even when you’ve made choices that led you away from divine protection?
  • How can you create space in your life to listen for God’s guidance and respond, especially in areas where you’ve struggled to trust?

The Consequence of Rejecting God’s Love

In the sermon, we discussed how judgmentalism leads to storing up wrath, not as punishment, but as the natural result of rejecting God’s love and grace. It’s like trying to run a car without oil—it simply won’t work as intended. God’s kindness, however, is meant to lead us to repentance, inviting us to let go of judgmentalism and turn back to love.

Reflection Questions:

  • How have you experienced the consequences of judgmentalism in your own life? How has it impacted your relationships with others and with God?
  • What might God be inviting you to repent of today? How can God’s kindness lead you to change your mind and heart?
  • In what ways is God’s love inviting you to move beyond judgmental attitudes and into a deeper experience of God’s grace?

Receiving God’s Love, Loving Ourselves, and Loving Others

We also explored the importance of receiving God’s love for ourselves before we can truly love others. When we accept God’s love, flaws and all, we begin to see ourselves as beloved children of God. This acceptance enables us to love ourselves and, in turn, to love others more authentically and freely, even those who are difficult to love.

Reflection Questions:

  • What practical steps can you take this week to remind yourself of God’s love and extend that same grace to others?
  • What does it mean for you to love yourself as God loves you? How might this self-love change the way you interact with others?
  • Who in your life is difficult to love right now? How might receiving more of God’s love for yourself enable you to love that person more genuinely?

Empathy: The Antidote to Judgmentalism

The sermon highlighted how judgmentalism often stems from our own shame and insecurities. Brene Brown’s insights show us that empathy is the antidote to judgment. By seeing others through the eyes of compassion and understanding their struggles, we can replace judgment with love and connection. This is the kind of transformation that God’s kindness and grace invite us into.

Reflection Questions:

  • Think of someone you’ve judged recently. What might they be struggling with that you haven’t considered? How can you show them empathy this week?
  • Where have you felt judged or misunderstood by others? How has this experience impacted your ability to be empathetic toward them?
  • What is one concrete way you can show empathy to someone you’ve struggled to understand this week?

A Call to Transformation

In summary, the sermon invited us to look inward, to recognize where judgmentalism has taken root, and to allow God to transform us. By receiving God’s love, embracing empathy, and breaking down barriers, we can move beyond judgment and live more fully into the love and grace God offers.

Reflection Questions:

  • What steps can you take to let go of judgmental attitudes and embrace God’s transformative love?
  • How can you actively practice empathy and understanding in your daily interactions?
  • What does it mean for you to participate in God’s healing work in your own life and in the world around you?

Thoughtful Quotations

“To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you. This is hard. It is perhaps not so hard to forgive a single great injury. But to forgive the incessant provocations of daily life—to keep on forgiving the bossy mother-in-law, the bullying husband, the nagging wife, the selfish daughter, the deceitful son—how can we do it? Only, I think, by remembering where we stand, by meaning our words when we say in our prayers each night, ‘Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those that trespass against us.’”
— C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory

“You didn’t think, did you, that just by pointing your finger at others you would distract God from seeing all your misdoings and from coming down on you hard? Or did you think that because he’s such a nice God, he’d let you off the hook? Better think this one through from the beginning. God is kind, but he’s not soft. In kindness he takes us firmly by the hand and leads us into a radical life-change.”
— Eugene Peterson, The Message, Romans 2:3-4

“When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand.”
— Henri Nouwen, Out of Solitude