QT 10/23/2024 Rom 2:17-22, A true believer understands his wretchedness

Romans 2:17–22 (ESV) —

17 But if you call yourself a Jew and rely on the law and boast in God 18 and know his will and approve what is excellent, because you are instructed from the law; 19 and if you are sure that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, 20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— 21 you then who teach others, do you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? 22 You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?

 

NOTE: Even though this is specifically focused on a Jew, I think in this case, it is perfectly correct to start out the paragraph: "But if you call yourself a Christian …." You could also substitute "a believer in God." Of course, the key difference is that a Jew believed they could obey the Law and receive salvation because of their special significance as God's people. The problem is that they don't obey the law in its entirety. In his letter to the Galatians, Paul writes that if you fail on one point, you have failed completely.

 

The issue is an attitude of self-righteousness and a moral superiority. That is why I feel you could change the term "Jew" to "Christian" because many Christians (or at least church-goers and the religious) feel morally superior to those who do not do what they do. The focus here is on works. When we begin to see our self-importance because of our Christian works, we lose part of our witness -- that God can save the sinner by mercy and grace.

 

I see many who have fallen into this trap. I too, fall into the trap, when I begin to see my ministries making me different or better than another. What a foolish trap that is! May I never glory in works but in the cross alone!

 

PONDER:

1. Do I see myself better than others because of my service or ministry?
2. Have I forgotten my salvation? Have I forgotten what God did? Do I not understand his grace and mercy?

 

PRAYER: Father, forgive me for thinking of myself more highly than others. I am a wretched sinner that you have made clean. You did it all. Everything I am today and into the future is because of your work in my life. I did not deserve any of your mercy or grace. Thank you so much!