Knowing the Law vs. Living the Law
Romans 2:17–24 (NLT)
17 You who call yourselves Jews are relying on God’s law, and you boast about your special relationship with him. 18 You know what he wants; you know what is right because you have been taught his law. 19 You are convinced that you are a guide for the blind and a light for people who are lost in darkness. 20 You think you can instruct the ignorant and teach children the ways of God. For you are certain that God’s law gives you complete knowledge and truth.
21 Well then, if you teach others, why don’t you teach yourself? You tell others not to steal, but do you steal? 22 You say it is wrong to commit adultery, but do you commit adultery? You condemn idolatry, but do you use items stolen from pagan temples? 23 You are so proud of knowing the law, but you dishonor God by breaking it. 24 No wonder the Scriptures say, “The Gentiles blaspheme the name of God because of you.”
Last week, we studied that God judges both the Gentiles and the Jews. The Gentiles did not receive the written law as the Jews did. However, God’s law is written in the heart of every human being.
Today, Paul talks about the pride of the Jews and why it is a problem. He shows that spiritual privilege must be matched by spiritual obedience.
I. The Jews’ Confidence in the Law (17–20)
The Jews received the written law from God, which is the truth from God, and they rely on it (17a). They boast about their special relationship with God (17b). They are God’s chosen people, and God led them throughout their history.
The Jews know what God wants and what is right, as they have been taught in God’s law (18). Therefore, they are convinced that they are a guide for the blind and a light for people lost in darkness (19). They believe they can instruct the ignorant and teach children the ways of God (20a), because they are certain that God’s law gives them complete knowledge and truth (20b).
II. Paul Exposes Their Hypocrisy (21–22)
Now Paul points out their problem: they teach others but do not teach themselves (21a). Paul gives examples—stealing, adultery, and idolatry. They teach others not to commit these sins, yet they commit them themselves. (21a, 22).
III. The Consequences of Hypocrisy (23–24)
Paul summarizes the issue in verse 23:
23 You are so proud of knowing the law, but you dishonor God by breaking it.
Paul then quotes Isaiah 52:5 in verse 24.
24 No wonder the Scriptures say, “The Gentiles blaspheme the name of God because of you.”
