Romans 2:17-21 The Jews and the Law

Ouch!

The scathing words Paul has for the Jews really hits home! But, I’ll get to that in a minute.

In Romans Chapter 2, Paul is addressing God's “Chosen People” (Deut. 7-6), the Jews. The Jews were given the Law; they were born into it, they have relied on its teachings their entire lives – to such an extent that Paul calls them out. Even though they profess to know God's will, to recognize their approval of the superiority of His Law, and to boast of their relationship with God, their thinking is flawed.

Further, the Jews have taken their knowledge of the Law and have made themselves teachers who don’t themselves teach, and preachers who preach against stealing, but yet themselves steal (vs.21). They condemn adultery, yet themselves commit adultery, and abhor idols, but rob from temples (vs.22).

Then, Paul puts the nail in the coffin. He asks them. “ Why do you dishonor God by breaking His Law, even as you boast of your relationship with Him?”

And then comes the zinger!

Because of the dichotomy between how they live and what they say…their outward behavior…and their head knowledge of the Law… they blaspheme the very name of God (Isaiah 52:5)!

Boy, talk about a bad witness!

In fact, I need to look at my life, not as a Jew, but as a follower of Christ. Do I give Him authority over my life? Do I proclaim Him as Lord, but show those around me that He isn’t, because of my actions and words…my behavior? So, the question for all who profess Christ as Lord…

Do you just talk the talk, or do you in fact walk the walk?

- Jim Stiggins