Romans 2:17–18: Indeed you are called a Jew, and rest on the law, and make your boast in God, and know His will, and approve the things that are excellent, being instructed out of the law.

Religion was no longer a crutch for this man. It caused him to be proud and self–sufficient. Light created an added responsibility, which brought a greater condemnation. The Jew had ten advantages over the Gentiles, which are listed in these verses. The first five are what he was:

  1. bears the name Jew;
  2. rests upon the law;
  3. boasts in God;
  4. knows the will of God;
  5. proves the things which are more excellent, being instructed out of the Law. 1

It is a great temptation for the pastor to imagine that, as he struts to the pulpit carrying his Hebrew Bible and Greek Bible, he is okay, when in fact he may have a heart of stone. We know God’s revealed will (the Bible) so well. We can find a verse for everything. Ultimately, it can become very natural to imagine as we look at the dark world all around us that we have a patent on the truth of God—we are okay! 2

Application

  • Do you boast more about your great spiritual life, or about the greatness of God?
  • Once you know God’s will, are you excited to do God’s will immediately?

Prayer

Lord, thank you for the Bible. Your truth guides my life. Keep me thankful.

1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Epistles (Romans 1-8) (electronic ed., Vol. 42). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
2. Hughes, R. K. (1991). Romans: righteousness from heaven. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.

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Tommy Blumberg

Tommy Blumberg

Tommy Blumberg was ordained as a Calvary Chapel pastor in 1985, where he served as an assistant pastor at Calvary Fellowship, in Seattle. In 1992, Pastor Tom, his wife Pam, and their three daughters moved to Bellingham and began a Bible study, which led to the founding of Calvary Chapel Northwest. Tom blogs regularly at TommyBlumberg.com.