Based on Romans 2:17-18
17 Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God, 18 And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law; 19 And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness, 20 An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law. 21 Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? 22 Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? 23 Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God? 24 For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.
This is very relevant to those of us who acknowledge the law of God in our lives. By building good habits we can keep many laws that others break, and this is right and good, it is only possible by the work of the Holy Spirit and the reconciliation of Jesus. When we have made some positive lifestyle changes, looking at others can lead us to think that God has now finished with us, and become proud. But there are many faults God wishes to correct us from. You may not be able to think of any fault you have, but spend time daily in prayer and Bible study; think about the character and obedience of Jesus and imitate these things in your own life. Praise God for how far you have gone, but you will find that you have a long way to go still.
Thursday, 9 May 2013
Tuesday, 7 May 2013
Romans 2:13-15 // Moral Law
Based on Romans 2:13-15
13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. 14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: 15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)
It is not true that knowing and believing the truth about Jesus dying for our sins is necessary and sufficient for our salvation. Of course, this is more specifically talking about the law, which is the standard of truth, and what is right. Simply going to church and hearing and believing the truth does not make you righteous. We would all agree on that. But it may be new for some to know that to be righteous in God's eyes we must actually do what he commands in his law. The Bible is not teaching legalism here, that issue is addressed later. But you ought to know that if you know the Ten Commandments and knowingly break any, you are in peril. If you are told not to eat between meals and you agree it's bad for you and you say you won't do it, that doesn't help your health if you do it anyway. Saying the law is good doesn't help you if you break it anyway.
Six of the Ten Commandments are known by every human, without being told. We have a sense we need to honour our elders and leaders and have a natural affection for our parents. We all feel guilty about killing at first, even killing animals. We know it's wrong to betray our close companions; of all betrayals, unfaithfulness in marriage may be the most extreme example. We know that there is something unfair about stealing. Lying is so deeply perceived as wrong that they can make lie detectors which detect the physical revulsion our body has for lies. We know that envy is not helpful or desirable, especially in others. All societies share these general principles, and have traces of the first three commandments. Desire for unity relates to the command to be united by God. Desire for censorship of evil relates to the command to keep our attention away from worthless idols. Rules against coarse language relates to the command to use God's name with respect. This general sense of what is morally right means that every society shares some common moral threads. God does not condemn people who do not have access to the Bible for failing to keep all of his Ten Commandments. He only expects them to live up to the commandments they know, as he brings conviction. On the other hand, when people who are ignorant of God's entire law break the laws they do know, they accuse each other. An example of this is the politician test. The best test of the morality of a nation is the esteem with which they hold their politicians. This is because politicians get into power through general popularity, and therefore accurately represent the ordinary people. In very depraved societies politicians are despised, in very upright societies politicians are revered. This is a general rule of thumb, how does your society rate? What does that suggest about the standard of morality you are comparing yourself to? Compare yourself to Christ not to evil men.
We are told here that those who do not know the law are allowed to have their own standard to be judged by. What about those that do know the law or have access to it? Can they be judged by their own standard too? I think that issue will come up later, but from what I see here; my answer would be "no". If you own a Bible you will be judged by all of the Ten Commandments. Now, there may be room for interpretation, subject to whether God brings conviction. We notice in history that after the warped theology of the Middle Ages the reformers were only themselves able to each make a few small steps, back into the truth. And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world... (Acts 17:30) The time of judgment has come, the time has come when it is time to measure up to the full truth again, God excused people in the past, but now we need to keep the full law.
That means obeying the law, not merely acknowledging it is good. That also means remembering the Sabbath Day to keep that day holy, not some other day. That particular commandment has not so much to do with rest as it has to do with the day itself. Have a read of it and see for yourself. I used to rest all day once a week and think I was keeping the commandment, but if you read it carefully you will notice that it doesn't even mention work until it is half over.
God is preparing a group of people all over the world, to stop needing to be winked at, and start repenting. Only Jesus can make us faithful to his commandments, pray that he will make us faithful.
13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. 14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: 15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)
It is not true that knowing and believing the truth about Jesus dying for our sins is necessary and sufficient for our salvation. Of course, this is more specifically talking about the law, which is the standard of truth, and what is right. Simply going to church and hearing and believing the truth does not make you righteous. We would all agree on that. But it may be new for some to know that to be righteous in God's eyes we must actually do what he commands in his law. The Bible is not teaching legalism here, that issue is addressed later. But you ought to know that if you know the Ten Commandments and knowingly break any, you are in peril. If you are told not to eat between meals and you agree it's bad for you and you say you won't do it, that doesn't help your health if you do it anyway. Saying the law is good doesn't help you if you break it anyway.
Six of the Ten Commandments are known by every human, without being told. We have a sense we need to honour our elders and leaders and have a natural affection for our parents. We all feel guilty about killing at first, even killing animals. We know it's wrong to betray our close companions; of all betrayals, unfaithfulness in marriage may be the most extreme example. We know that there is something unfair about stealing. Lying is so deeply perceived as wrong that they can make lie detectors which detect the physical revulsion our body has for lies. We know that envy is not helpful or desirable, especially in others. All societies share these general principles, and have traces of the first three commandments. Desire for unity relates to the command to be united by God. Desire for censorship of evil relates to the command to keep our attention away from worthless idols. Rules against coarse language relates to the command to use God's name with respect. This general sense of what is morally right means that every society shares some common moral threads. God does not condemn people who do not have access to the Bible for failing to keep all of his Ten Commandments. He only expects them to live up to the commandments they know, as he brings conviction. On the other hand, when people who are ignorant of God's entire law break the laws they do know, they accuse each other. An example of this is the politician test. The best test of the morality of a nation is the esteem with which they hold their politicians. This is because politicians get into power through general popularity, and therefore accurately represent the ordinary people. In very depraved societies politicians are despised, in very upright societies politicians are revered. This is a general rule of thumb, how does your society rate? What does that suggest about the standard of morality you are comparing yourself to? Compare yourself to Christ not to evil men.
We are told here that those who do not know the law are allowed to have their own standard to be judged by. What about those that do know the law or have access to it? Can they be judged by their own standard too? I think that issue will come up later, but from what I see here; my answer would be "no". If you own a Bible you will be judged by all of the Ten Commandments. Now, there may be room for interpretation, subject to whether God brings conviction. We notice in history that after the warped theology of the Middle Ages the reformers were only themselves able to each make a few small steps, back into the truth. And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world... (Acts 17:30) The time of judgment has come, the time has come when it is time to measure up to the full truth again, God excused people in the past, but now we need to keep the full law.
That means obeying the law, not merely acknowledging it is good. That also means remembering the Sabbath Day to keep that day holy, not some other day. That particular commandment has not so much to do with rest as it has to do with the day itself. Have a read of it and see for yourself. I used to rest all day once a week and think I was keeping the commandment, but if you read it carefully you will notice that it doesn't even mention work until it is half over.
God is preparing a group of people all over the world, to stop needing to be winked at, and start repenting. Only Jesus can make us faithful to his commandments, pray that he will make us faithful.
Monday, 6 May 2013
Romans 2:12,16 // The Judgment
Based on Romans 2:12,16
12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; 16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
I have skipped the parentheses and will address them next. We have read that God does not favour people that have advantages over those who do not. Here we find that sinners who do not know the law/truth will not be judged by it by Jesus, they will be judged and they will perish for their sin, we learn more about that later. Those who know the law - know the truth - will be judged by the law, and if they have been breaking it they will be condemned. The judgment of the secrets of men by Jesus Christ is a part of the true gospel.
6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, 7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. Revelation 14:6-7
The message of the gospel includes a declaration of God's judgement, when secrets will be judged. In heaven this judgment is already happening, and we should fear God and give a positive representation of him in our lives, including being willing to worship him as the Creator when the idea is becoming unpopular. More than simply worshiping him as Creator, we must honour him as the one that made the world in six days and rested on the seventh. Many people believe in Creation but doubt the chronology of it described in Genesis 1 and reiterated unmistakably in the fourth commandment which calls on us to worship the Creator every Saturday as a sign of loyalty to him.
Praise God for his sign that helps us to have faith that the Bible really is true and he really is the Creator.
Fear God - not man - and live in the way he requires - not as man recommends - refuse to compromise his principles; help those who need help, be willing to sacrifice for strangers. Show the angels that Jesus has transformed your life, and ask Jesus to keep working on you because you know you need it.
12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; 16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
I have skipped the parentheses and will address them next. We have read that God does not favour people that have advantages over those who do not. Here we find that sinners who do not know the law/truth will not be judged by it by Jesus, they will be judged and they will perish for their sin, we learn more about that later. Those who know the law - know the truth - will be judged by the law, and if they have been breaking it they will be condemned. The judgment of the secrets of men by Jesus Christ is a part of the true gospel.
6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, 7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. Revelation 14:6-7
The message of the gospel includes a declaration of God's judgement, when secrets will be judged. In heaven this judgment is already happening, and we should fear God and give a positive representation of him in our lives, including being willing to worship him as the Creator when the idea is becoming unpopular. More than simply worshiping him as Creator, we must honour him as the one that made the world in six days and rested on the seventh. Many people believe in Creation but doubt the chronology of it described in Genesis 1 and reiterated unmistakably in the fourth commandment which calls on us to worship the Creator every Saturday as a sign of loyalty to him.
Praise God for his sign that helps us to have faith that the Bible really is true and he really is the Creator.
Fear God - not man - and live in the way he requires - not as man recommends - refuse to compromise his principles; help those who need help, be willing to sacrifice for strangers. Show the angels that Jesus has transformed your life, and ask Jesus to keep working on you because you know you need it.
Sunday, 5 May 2013
Romans 2:10-11 // Respect of Persons
Based on Romans 2:10-11
10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: 11 For there is no respect of persons with God.
It is generally considered a fairly modern idea that all people are equal; in the ancient world it was not a commonly held belief. But equality is popular in the kingdom of heaven; the rest of the universe considers every person to be equal, because God himself does not favour anyone because of his position or advantages. Being equal doesn't mean being the same in everything, it means being entitled to justice and so on. God speaks against those who consider the ability to be successful in the world to be a sign of virtue, in 2 Timothy 6:5, when it finally sunk in to my mind what that passage meant, I realised that everywhere around me that is exactly how people think.
One of the results of our bias against the insignificant is our satisfaction with the state of Christianity in countries outside the English-speaking world. Most of these countries have very few people that really know and practice Bible religion. The English-speaking world is similar, but we have the chance to hear the truth if we want to, in many other countries there is simply no way to find the truth. Many places are neglected because we think people are worth more who live in more fortunate countries. That's how I think, I pray God may change that.
Another example is our worship of anyone who becomes famous or achieves highly in some field that is honoured by the world (society). God is not after prime ministers, CEOs, QCs, Nobel laureates or (dare I say it) surgeons; he wants people who will be faithful in doing a humble work that will bring the greatest good to his eternal kingdom. It is tempting to study honours, it is tempting to study a master of teaching, it is tempting to study a master of divinity or even a graduate diploma but right principles must not be sacrificed to my perception of what would make my future easier. God's plan is always best, and he can direct our paths when we trust him and follow his principles; in fact he promises he will in Proverbs 3:5-6. A life that is leading to eternal life will have major struggles, and it is good to bear the yoke while still young (Lamentations 3:27) so take heart, bear the yoke now and save yourself a lot of trouble later on.
The glory of being an accurate reflector of God, the honour of being one of his faithful children, and the peace of knowing eternal bliss awaits is promised to every person that does good by the working of the Holy Spirit, no matter where you've come from. This is Jesus' gift to you.
10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: 11 For there is no respect of persons with God.
It is generally considered a fairly modern idea that all people are equal; in the ancient world it was not a commonly held belief. But equality is popular in the kingdom of heaven; the rest of the universe considers every person to be equal, because God himself does not favour anyone because of his position or advantages. Being equal doesn't mean being the same in everything, it means being entitled to justice and so on. God speaks against those who consider the ability to be successful in the world to be a sign of virtue, in 2 Timothy 6:5, when it finally sunk in to my mind what that passage meant, I realised that everywhere around me that is exactly how people think.
One of the results of our bias against the insignificant is our satisfaction with the state of Christianity in countries outside the English-speaking world. Most of these countries have very few people that really know and practice Bible religion. The English-speaking world is similar, but we have the chance to hear the truth if we want to, in many other countries there is simply no way to find the truth. Many places are neglected because we think people are worth more who live in more fortunate countries. That's how I think, I pray God may change that.
Another example is our worship of anyone who becomes famous or achieves highly in some field that is honoured by the world (society). God is not after prime ministers, CEOs, QCs, Nobel laureates or (dare I say it) surgeons; he wants people who will be faithful in doing a humble work that will bring the greatest good to his eternal kingdom. It is tempting to study honours, it is tempting to study a master of teaching, it is tempting to study a master of divinity or even a graduate diploma but right principles must not be sacrificed to my perception of what would make my future easier. God's plan is always best, and he can direct our paths when we trust him and follow his principles; in fact he promises he will in Proverbs 3:5-6. A life that is leading to eternal life will have major struggles, and it is good to bear the yoke while still young (Lamentations 3:27) so take heart, bear the yoke now and save yourself a lot of trouble later on.
The glory of being an accurate reflector of God, the honour of being one of his faithful children, and the peace of knowing eternal bliss awaits is promised to every person that does good by the working of the Holy Spirit, no matter where you've come from. This is Jesus' gift to you.
Saturday, 4 May 2013
Romans 2:8-9 // God Is My Judge
Based on Romans 2:8-9
8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, 9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;
The previous verse described how the righteous who are seeking immortality, honour and God's glory receive eternal life. But troublemakers who refuse to submit to the saving truth from God's word but enslave themselves to their passions and are led into doing much evil, abusing the righteous and each other, receive the justice of a very passionate and emotional Jesus who is not an insipid wimp. With flushed indignation and hot-blooded vengeance Jesus will bring crushing trouble and dire straits to the very soul of all humans who incorrigibly abuse themselves and others no matter what church they have membership in.
And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell*. Matthew 10:28 *Gehenna; the lake of fire.
The human avenger kills the body but not the soul, resurrection can occur. But in the lake of fire God will destroy the body and the soul; the thoughts, the emotions, the will, the memory, the senses and any other part of body and soul there may be. They will be destroyed forever with no possibility of return.
Jesus does not enjoy bloodshed, but he hates sin, and pities his persecuted people. Jesus will be angry when he returns to bring justice to an unjust world.
Make sure you are not unjust, it helps to know the standard of the law the judge will judge you by.
8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, 9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;
The previous verse described how the righteous who are seeking immortality, honour and God's glory receive eternal life. But troublemakers who refuse to submit to the saving truth from God's word but enslave themselves to their passions and are led into doing much evil, abusing the righteous and each other, receive the justice of a very passionate and emotional Jesus who is not an insipid wimp. With flushed indignation and hot-blooded vengeance Jesus will bring crushing trouble and dire straits to the very soul of all humans who incorrigibly abuse themselves and others no matter what church they have membership in.
And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell*. Matthew 10:28 *Gehenna; the lake of fire.
The human avenger kills the body but not the soul, resurrection can occur. But in the lake of fire God will destroy the body and the soul; the thoughts, the emotions, the will, the memory, the senses and any other part of body and soul there may be. They will be destroyed forever with no possibility of return.
Jesus does not enjoy bloodshed, but he hates sin, and pities his persecuted people. Jesus will be angry when he returns to bring justice to an unjust world.
Make sure you are not unjust, it helps to know the standard of the law the judge will judge you by.
Thursday, 2 May 2013
Romans 2:6-7 // Good Ambitions
Based on Romans 2:6-7
6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds: 7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:
The previous verse describes the judgment of God. He will judge every person according to his or her actions. It seems that although we are saved by grace through faith, we will be judged by works; our actions. This is a pretty worrying thought, so what kind of works do we need to be saved?
Eternal life is given to those who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality. These are people who are willing to sacrifice for the gospel and the welfare of others in a determined and persistent way.
How are they motivated? By a desire for glory, what kind of glory? The attention and worship of others?
It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory. Proverbs 25:27
No, not for their own glory.
Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord. Psalm 105:3
We seek the Lord, we glory in his name, his identity. This was what Moses sought.
18 And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory. 19 And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy. Exodus 33:18-19
God's character is his glory, to glorify is to enhance the reputation. Those who are saved are trying/seeking to reflect the character of God so that people will appreciate him for who he is.
How else are they motivated? By a desire for honour, what kind of honour?
Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity... If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour... 2 Timothy 2:19,21
Paul mostly uses the word honour in his analogy about some pots made for honour and others for dishonour; meaning some people saved for honour and others condemned for dishonour. God wants to save everyone (2 Peter 3:9) but only those who exercise faith in him can be saved; made honourable. The others still serve a purpose, in showing that rebellion against God leads to evil, this is a dishonourable purpose. I want to be a person that is honoured by God because I have allowed him to save me, I want to be an example of "what to do", not "what not to do". So I am driven by my desire to be honoured by God.
What is the last motivation? A desire for immortality. I do not have any kind of immortality at the moment, (1 Timothy 6:16) I am living on borrowed time. If I am living my life in a way that glorifies God and that will bring me honour from God, my time in this sinful age is not going to be very nice. I want immortality so I can enjoy what life is meant to be like after sin is done away, and enjoy it forever.
4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. Revelation 21:4-5
Jesus says "Surely I come quickly." Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
That's something to look forward to, and it's worth making an effort to submit to the Holy Spirit in the purging of my life from sin. Ask for a stronger desire for victory.
6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds: 7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:
The previous verse describes the judgment of God. He will judge every person according to his or her actions. It seems that although we are saved by grace through faith, we will be judged by works; our actions. This is a pretty worrying thought, so what kind of works do we need to be saved?
Eternal life is given to those who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality. These are people who are willing to sacrifice for the gospel and the welfare of others in a determined and persistent way.
How are they motivated? By a desire for glory, what kind of glory? The attention and worship of others?
It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory. Proverbs 25:27
No, not for their own glory.
Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord. Psalm 105:3
We seek the Lord, we glory in his name, his identity. This was what Moses sought.
18 And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory. 19 And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy. Exodus 33:18-19
God's character is his glory, to glorify is to enhance the reputation. Those who are saved are trying/seeking to reflect the character of God so that people will appreciate him for who he is.
How else are they motivated? By a desire for honour, what kind of honour?
Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity... If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour... 2 Timothy 2:19,21
Paul mostly uses the word honour in his analogy about some pots made for honour and others for dishonour; meaning some people saved for honour and others condemned for dishonour. God wants to save everyone (2 Peter 3:9) but only those who exercise faith in him can be saved; made honourable. The others still serve a purpose, in showing that rebellion against God leads to evil, this is a dishonourable purpose. I want to be a person that is honoured by God because I have allowed him to save me, I want to be an example of "what to do", not "what not to do". So I am driven by my desire to be honoured by God.
What is the last motivation? A desire for immortality. I do not have any kind of immortality at the moment, (1 Timothy 6:16) I am living on borrowed time. If I am living my life in a way that glorifies God and that will bring me honour from God, my time in this sinful age is not going to be very nice. I want immortality so I can enjoy what life is meant to be like after sin is done away, and enjoy it forever.
4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. Revelation 21:4-5
Jesus says "Surely I come quickly." Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
That's something to look forward to, and it's worth making an effort to submit to the Holy Spirit in the purging of my life from sin. Ask for a stronger desire for victory.
Wednesday, 1 May 2013
Romans 2:2-5 // I Call A Spade A Spade But Never Use One
Based on Romans 2:2-5
2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.
Verse 1 talked about the problem of judging, because we are all sinful. But some of us are educated in what is right and what is wrong, because we have been taught it or read it in the Bible. The Jews would have fit into this category in apostolic times, but the Gentiles would not. This section is talking to those of us who know the truth, believe in a judgment and are sure of their faith. That would be the cream of the Bible-believing Christians today.
3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?
What is that question about? As a Bible-believing Christian; do you live in such a way that shows you think your belief in the truth will save you although you are still sinning? Do you think you will escape God's judgment because you know that sodomy is wrong? What about those other sins? Do you say bad things about people behind their back? Or... have a look at the list from two days ago. Do you think that you will get away with this because you know it's wrong? You won't, you need to change.
4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? 5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;
This is your other option, sinner :) I'm talking to my fellow Bible-believing Christians.
Maybe your problem is that you think when they sin it's bad but when you sin it's not a big deal. Perhaps your theology is that now you are saved you can't sin, or that your sins aren't really doing any harm to anyone. The Bible declares that by refusing to turn away from your sin you are accumulating the punishment you will be dealt when you bear the full punishment of your sin in hell. You think you are saved because you said the sinners prayer out of fear of hell, and now you live life with little change inside. You think the riches of God's goodness and forbearance and longsuffering are worth little and can be abused. You don't mind adding to the burden Jesus bore on the cross, because you figure he could take it, that's what they call cheap grace. You may only need a fear of hell to say the sinner's prayer, but you need to know that the goodness of God is what causes you to actually want to change your life. Of course, only God can change it, but he won't do it if you refuse to be changed.
I used to think that thinking wrong is wrong and not wanting to be punished for it was the sum of true religion. But the Bible teaches a very different religion.
"Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." James 1:27 (Don't forget the oft forgotten last section of the verse)
"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." Deuteronomy 6:4-7
God is too good to be despised and too powerful to be ignored, what will you do with his requirements?
2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.
Verse 1 talked about the problem of judging, because we are all sinful. But some of us are educated in what is right and what is wrong, because we have been taught it or read it in the Bible. The Jews would have fit into this category in apostolic times, but the Gentiles would not. This section is talking to those of us who know the truth, believe in a judgment and are sure of their faith. That would be the cream of the Bible-believing Christians today.
3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?
What is that question about? As a Bible-believing Christian; do you live in such a way that shows you think your belief in the truth will save you although you are still sinning? Do you think you will escape God's judgment because you know that sodomy is wrong? What about those other sins? Do you say bad things about people behind their back? Or... have a look at the list from two days ago. Do you think that you will get away with this because you know it's wrong? You won't, you need to change.
4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? 5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;
This is your other option, sinner :) I'm talking to my fellow Bible-believing Christians.
Maybe your problem is that you think when they sin it's bad but when you sin it's not a big deal. Perhaps your theology is that now you are saved you can't sin, or that your sins aren't really doing any harm to anyone. The Bible declares that by refusing to turn away from your sin you are accumulating the punishment you will be dealt when you bear the full punishment of your sin in hell. You think you are saved because you said the sinners prayer out of fear of hell, and now you live life with little change inside. You think the riches of God's goodness and forbearance and longsuffering are worth little and can be abused. You don't mind adding to the burden Jesus bore on the cross, because you figure he could take it, that's what they call cheap grace. You may only need a fear of hell to say the sinner's prayer, but you need to know that the goodness of God is what causes you to actually want to change your life. Of course, only God can change it, but he won't do it if you refuse to be changed.
I used to think that thinking wrong is wrong and not wanting to be punished for it was the sum of true religion. But the Bible teaches a very different religion.
"Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." James 1:27 (Don't forget the oft forgotten last section of the verse)
"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." Deuteronomy 6:4-7
God is too good to be despised and too powerful to be ignored, what will you do with his requirements?
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