Romans 2:21: You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal?
Some Jewish people felt morally superior because of their relationship to the law. Ironically, they are equally inferior in comparison to God’s standard. 1
I wonder if you and I make a mockery of the person of Christ. Someone has put the question in poetic language:
The gospel is written a chapter a day
By deeds that you do and words that you say.
Men read what you say, whether faithless or true,
Say, what is the gospel according to you? 2
Application
- Do you believe it is a sin to steal? Have you ever stolen anything?
- When was the last time you stole another persons good character and godly reputation with your lies, gossip, and slander? Do you still take communion, even though you have never re-paid those lies with a truthful confession; have you ever asked for forgiveness from each person whom you sowed seeds of discord into?
Prayer
Lord, the Bible convicted me today. I am a thief. Please forgive me. Help me to make a spirit-led restitution.
1. Barry, J. D., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Mangum, D., & Whitehead, M. M. (2012). Faithlife Study Bible. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.
2. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Epistles (Romans 1-8) (electronic ed., Vol. 42). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.