Romans 2:17-29

The passage begins with a very thorough (more thorough than I'd like) description of a Jew, which applies to modern Christians as well. When asked to define 'Christian', we often just stop at 'one who follows Jesus'. While that response isn't wrong, it's not very definitive -- a Christian is so much more, and Romans 2:17-20 tells us exactly what a real follower of Jesus is (notice how I didn't say Christian). We are to:

• rely on the Law & boast in God
• know of His will & approve of what is superior b/c we are instructed by the law 
• be guides for the blind & lights for those in the dark
• be instructors of fools & teachers of children

Followers of Christ embody all that and more (John 14:12).

The next bit is a slap in the face:
²¹ you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? ²² You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? ²³ You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? ²⁴ As it is written: “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”

We are definitely missing the mark. We are called to shine His light and show the way to those in the dark. What's stopping us: do we have on lampshades (Matt 5:14-16) or are we just dim?

If it's a matter of removing the lampshade, we're not in much trouble. But if we're dim, how can we guide others; how can we call ourselves Christians? A dim light will only lead to dead ends; dim Christians will not lead to God. The Bible calls these people fools (Prov 1:7). And what do fools do? A fool repeats in his folly (Prov 26:11).

Is this how we should present ourselves? No wonder God says 'His name is blasphemed among the Gentiles" because of us. There are a couple kids at my school that are almost saints; they're better than some of the people at SCBC. How can I expect them to believe me when I say God is a loving god? God's clearly done nothing for us. Are we letting God in?

I don't think I'm a very bright Christian. Gotta read the Bible more, talk to God more -- care more. As we studied a few weeks ago in Joshua, Christianity isn't only present on the outside, it's a reflection of what's goin' on inside. Good deeds do not indicate good character, but good character will lead to good deeds. What I need is God to revamp my character. Have to start living for God, not myself.

I've talked the talk. Now, to walk the walk.

Sonia