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Romans 2:17-24
When the Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the church at Rome it is believed that the congregation was mostly Gentile, as history would place this shortly after the Jews were allowed back into the city following an edict that required all Jews to leave Rome. So far, Paul has made it clear that everyone is subject to the wrath of God outside of the faith that is required unto salvation in Christ Jesus. He has shown the church at Rome that the Gentiles are no less important in the eyes of God than are the Jews.
In Romans 2:17-20 Paul gives respect to the Jews in the church at Rome as they are the people that God chose to represent Himself to the world in making Himself know as the one Almighty true God of heaven and earth. But in Romans 2:21-24 Paul makes known that as the Jews are to teach the ways of God to the world around them and be God’s example of following Him, Paul also puts their action in faith into question. Paul is trying to show the Jews in leading the church at Rome that leading is not just about teaching others, but that in the teaching is a required obedience to the truth of God that is being taught. Simply put; the Jews need to follow the things that they are teaching the Gentiles to follow – they are no better off for knowing these things in which they are teaching, but they too need to follow them. Paul goes as far as to quote Isaiah 52:5 and Ezekiel 36:22 in Romans 2:24 by proclaiming (NKJV), “the name of God I blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you,”
This is a command to practice what we preach in the eyes of God.
This is a great passage for us all to learn from in keeping a humility to God in being an example of a Christian to those around us in our daily walk. As Christians, our salvation experience and walk with the Lord is unique to each of us as God has called us precisely for a particular reason and given us individual gifts that, as we put them into action through His daily guidance, will bring glory to Him – in Christ.
Dear LORD,
As we all are at different places in our relationships with You through our salvation in Christ Jesus, we are still yet subject to the humility that shows respect to You, our brothers and sisters in Christ, and to all of humanity. Please help us to be reflective of our Savior Christ Jesus and a blessing to one another in growing together in Christ. In Jesus name I pray, amen.