Day 9 – August 31, 2018 – Romans 2:17-24

Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and brag about your relationship to God; if you know his will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law; if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark, and instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge of truth — you then who teach others, do you not teach yourself?  You who preach against stealing, do you steal?  You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery?  You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?  You who brag about the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law?  As it is written:  “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” (Romans 2:17-24)

Paul lists the benefits the Jews had:  1) Having the Law.  2) Being descendants of Abraham who was given the covenant. 3) Testing God’s will through being instructed in the Law.  4) Approving only of what is superior.  More importantly, Christians have Jesus, so we also have advantages.  But are we humble and loving about being His heirs?  In being a guide to the blind, do we correct people constantly?  In being a light to those in the dark, do we flaunt our knowledge of the Bible?  In instructing children, are we harsh or loving?  When instructing the foolish, are we fools ourselves?  Do we stand on street corners and tell people they are going to hell if they don’t know Jesus or do we show God’s love to make others want what we have?  When we don’t act in love we are blaspheming God.