Bible Chapter: Romans 2

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    Paul wrote this letter to God’s people.  They knew right and wrong.  Yet some of them were preaching one thing and doing another.  They were judging the sins of others while they were guilty of  participating in sin themselves.  There is no place for worldliness in the church.  God will judge it.  He will judge sin and reward righteousness.
    God’s name was blasphemed among the Gentiles because of what some of the Jews were doing  (V. 24).  When God’s people permit sin it brings disgrace.  There are churches in the modern world who permit sin and bring blasphemy on God’s name.  Some people refuse to believe in Jesus because of what some do in the name of Jesus.  Those who are guilty of this will be judged by God for their actions chasing people away from Jesus.
    Paul talked about circumcision of the heart.  He is talking about getting serious about what goes on in a person’s heart and getting rid of playing religion.  Anyone can go through a religious routine.  It takes complete dedication to Jesus and dying to self to grow in a personal relationship with Jesus.  This is genuine holy living.  In this chapter Paul is calling on believers to be the real thing.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    Be the real thing.  Be the authentic follower of Jesus.  Realize that if I try to only live under a religious cover it won’t work.  The thought comes of the importance of living out my salvation in Jesus.

3.  How can I help someone?
    We are all accountable to God.  We all have an inherent measure of understanding right and wrong.  These things are written on our hearts (V. 14-15).  I must help people see these truths.