Title: Those who misunderstand themselves
Contents
Title: Those Who Misunderstand themselves Text: Romans 2:17-29
The same is true of today's text. Paul points out that the Jews are living in an illusion. They think they are serving God best. Outwardly, they eagerly keep the law, do good works, and teach the law to others, but in truth, in the sight of God, it is all an illusion. They think that they are serving God diligently. In verse 20, it says, “I believed in myself.” They believed that they were serving God well. Then, while examining what the Jews are misunderstanding, we must reflect on whether we too are living our faith in delusion.
1. They mistakenly believe that they are true Jews.
2. They mistakenly believe that they are those who keep God's word.
3. They are mistaken for exemplary teachers.
Romans 2:20 The Jews do not use the same sharp standards they use to judge others for themselves. Are you very strict in judging others, but not generous in judging yourself? I criticize others when they do wrong things, but I think it's a right if I do the same thing. They also consider themselves to be exemplary students. So what about us? We too live with this illusion. Everyone else is bad and I think I'm the honest person. So they criticize, judge others, and do their best with their words. If you listen to what you are talking about, there is no such model student. There is no such good person. It seems that an angel has descended from heaven and is living there. But if you look inside, it's full of all sorts of filthy things. We live with all kinds of lies, greed, and sinful eggs in our hearts.
4. Genuine Christians are not those who are praised by men, but those who are praised by God.
Romans 2:29 In the Bible, David is a representative figure among those who received praise from God. David was praised by God as “a man after my own heart.” What kind of person did David praise him for? David was a man who lived his life and actions focused on God. In the fight against Goliath, others saw Goliath, but David saw God. David didn't focus on Goliath's fighting skills. They didn't focus on age or appearance. He didn't even wonder how long Goliath's spear was or how much Goliath's shield weighed, and he didn't even pay attention. But David was very careful with God. As David went out to fight Goliath, he mentioned the word Jehovah nine times. All he had on David's head was Jehovah. It was this belief that brought victory and received praise.