Romans: Rooted in Jesus - We Are The Lord's

I do some cooking at home in service to my family. Debbie and I coordinate which nights I’m cooking dinner, and I plan my meal around what I know they like (we have some picky eaters). I print my recipe, highlight what I need from the store, head to stinky Kroger after work for food, then rush home. I put on my “have you hugged a Presbyterian?” apron and get to work in the kitchen. Having put it all together, food cooked, I present it to the family, alongside a cake because my rule is “When dad cooks, we all get cake.” Then I wait, watching their reactions, hoping they enjoy it and give me rave reviews. Why do I do that? Is my ego tied to my cooking? Is my identity determined by whether the food is a hit or not? Does my standing in the family change if the food is a bomb? After all, I did provide cake!

In our text, Paul goes after the motive behind our piety. Piety just means our religious practices. In the Roman church, some continued to celebrate religious days and ceremonial food laws. The issue the Apostle challenges is their motive. Their motive explains their desired outcome. Are they acting piously for recognition from others or to get extra credit with God? Neither motive rests in Christ’s grace. So, what should be our motive? How do we evaluate our motive and seek grace to change? Join us Sunday as we engage the only One to live out of love successfully and faithfully.