Romans Chapter 2 (Part 2)

We are continuing in chapter 2, but from verses 17-29.

Here it deals with the hypocrisy of ALL man, regardless of their outward profession and knowledge. The Jews had the Word of God entrusted to them (as given to them at Mount Sinai in Exodus 20 onwards). They thought that having the knowledge and obeying the letter of the Law/Commandments were sufficient to make them righteous before God. The sad truth is this: they were no better than the Gentiles who were godless - they did not have the true spirit of obedience. An example given is in regards to circumcision. They thought that the act of circumcision makes them 'holy', yet read verse 28-29: true circumcision is not external, but internal - cutting off sin and rebelliousness from the stubborn heart. How sad it is if we are happy with an outward/superficial obedience to God's Word but missed out on the important part.

Lessons: 

• There is a difference between outward obedience that follows the letter of the Law and between inward obedience that follows in the Spirit. The former shows a form of religion. The latter shows true religion!
• Hypocrisy is a damning sin which purposely makes us feel good about ourselves by making others seem useless. It is often seen in religious groupings who are zealous over their 'works' and over their 'traditions'. 

Applications:

1. Do these lessons apply to the modern church as well or are they only applicable to the Jews in Paul's time? In what ways do we see churches obeying only the outward forms of religion, but not having true inward religion?
2. Do we acknowledge the hypocrisy that exist in us? Are we honest about our faults (as it is described by Paul in verses 21-23)? Humility is the 'fruit' of such honesty before God. Can we dare to consider that we are 'broken' and 'humble' before God? Let us take comfort in this verse from Isaiah 66:2 -“But on this one will I look [upon]: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, And who trembles at My word".