Eternity Daily Bible Study - No. 508 Series: Romans 1-8 "A Righteousness That Is By Faith" Verses: Romans 2:17-24 Topic: Hypocritical Religion Date: 1st September 2005 Romans 2:17-24 MKJV Behold, you are called a Jew, and rest in the Law, and boast in God; (18) and know His will and approve the things excelling, being instructed out of the Law; (19) and persuading yourselves to be a guide of the blind, a light to those in darkness; (20) an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, who have the form of knowledge and of the truth in the Law. (21) Therefore the one teaching another, do you not teach yourself? The one preaching not to steal, do you steal? (22) The one saying not to commit adultery, do you commit adultery? The one detesting idols, do you rob temples? (23) You who boast in Law, do you dishonor God through breaking the Law? (24) For the name of God is blasphemed among the nations because of you, as it is written. Many people think that because they "know more" about God that is all that is required to make them a better person. In this view, knowledge and expertise in religion equals virtue - and the more knowledge and expertise, the greater the level of spiritual virtue attained by that person. But a "look out the window" at the real world tells us that such a view is merely a clever self-delusion. There are many people with lots of Bible knowledge who lack charity, grace and kindness, and even some who are downright mean and nasty - such as the leaders of spiritually abusive bible cults. We occasionally find people who consider themselves to be spiritual leaders but who do not lead spiritual lives. These false teachers and hypocrites claim to: "know His will and approve the things excelling, being instructed out of the Law; (19) and persuading yourselves to be a guide of the blind, a light to those in darkness; (20) an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, who have the form of knowledge and of the truth" - yet who lead lives that are the absolute opposite of righteousness, who are proud elitist and selfish, who have carnal appetites and numerous sexual affairs, who are financially dishonest and emotionally predatory. They are completely "of the world" and are devoid of the Spirit. Thus they have the knowledge but not the testimony, they have bible verses but not bible lives, they have degrees and write books, but they do not obey the commandments of Christ. They consider salesmanship and communication skill as a substitute for real righteousness and obedience. They delude themselves that preaching the gospel is their good deed, and that living out the gospel is for those who hear them, but not for the teacher! They are all talk, all "Lord, Lord.." I lip but not in life, of these Jesus says: Matthew 7:21-23 MKJV Not everyone who says to Me, Lord! Lord! shall enter the kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in Heaven. (22) Many will say to Me in that day, Lord! Lord! Did we not prophesy in Your name, and through Your name throw out demons, and through Your name do many wonderful works? (23) And then I will say to them I never knew you! Depart from Me, those working lawlessness! In Romans 2; 21-24 Paul points out the direct contradictions in the lives of some of these bible-believing Jewish Christians: (21) Therefore the one teaching another, do you not teach yourself? The one preaching not to steal, do you steal? (22) The one saying not to commit adultery, do you commit adultery? The one detesting idols, do you rob temples? (23) You who boast in Law, do you dishonor God through breaking the Law? (24) For the name of God is blasphemed among the nations because of you, as it is written. The key to this is the initial volley: Therefore the one teaching another, do you not teach yourself? The true disciple is always trying to learn, to be teachable and "teaches themselves" many things and always tries to put what they learn into action. If we read " be kind to one another" we can then ask "how can I do that?" and then try and put into action, and watch the result and give ourselves feedback and thus, in time, learn how to be kind in wise and practical ways. Some people can give you the Greek definition of each of the nine fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23 - but have they "taught themselves" how to live that way so they show these fruit? Now let me quickly add that knowledge is good, but it is not enough, we need also to act on it. The result of all this religious talk, (even though it may be theologically correct and deeply insightful) without accompanying action is that god is not glorified - rather He is dishonored and blasphemed: You who boast in Law, do you dishonor God through breaking the Law? For the name of God is blasphemed among the nations because of you, as it is written. Thus God is not glorified by Christian communication alone. Communication without action, is the gospel without discipleship, and results in blasphemy, not glory. The people of this world want to see consistent Christian lives that ring true, and they observe our character, our actions, and our fruitfulness as a person. Do we treat others well? Are we kind to small children? Are we patient with the elderly? These things matter more than a thousand speeches on why they should believe. God is not looking for knowledge and information, He is searching for genuine faith and obedience. The Gentile who obeys God and is kind and good and patient and honest and faithful to his wife and caring to his children is better than the Jew who commits adultery and robs temples even if that Jew is a High Priest. Tomorrow we will see that Paul defines a "real Jew" as someone with a changed heart, not a removed foreskin. God is interested in having people who are real and true and loving and obedient and righteous - even if they are dorky communicators. Now by all means study the Scriptures and think deep theological thoughts (Paul certainly did) but do so with the determination to live it out in real life. Blessings In Christ, John Edmiston (johned@aibi.ph) __________________________________________________________________ REFER OTHERS: If this devotional is a blessing to you, maybe you have a friend or family member that would like to start receiving this daily bible study. 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