Week 5 - Friday

Knowing God's Law

and rely upon the Law, and boast in God, and know His will, and approve the things that are essential, being instructed out of the Law, (Romans 2:17b-18)

One of the things, the Jews depended on for their salvation, was their heritage. They believed that because they were descendents of Abraham they were assured a place in God's kingdom. Another false assurance they relied upon was their knowledge of the Law. They were proud of the fact that God had given the Law to them. Many Jews believed that simply having the Old Testament writings in their possession, was enough to please God. They were proud of their special relationship with God, as His chosen people (Deut. 7:6), and boasted about it. It's not a bad thing to boast about God. But if you don't obey Him, you are being a hypocrite. There are people today who are go around saying "Praise the Lord", all the time. That's a good thing to say. However if a person does not live in obedience to God, their calling Him Lord is nothing more than hypocrisy.

The Jewish religious leaders of Paul's time diligently studied God's Law. They had been instructed from God's Law since the time they were children. Because of this they were well informed of the things that are essential for godly living. They knew what God's will was. Unfortunately, most of the Jewish religious leaders who taught God's Law, did not obey it themselves. This caused what they were teaching the people, to have little or no effect. Others learn more from you by what they see you do, than from what they hear you say. You can tell your children not to cheat all you want. But if you go somewhere with them and lie about their age to save a few dollars, what do they learn. It doesn't do any good to tell them not to speed when you're teaching them to drive, if you speed when you do. How many people who swear themselves, punish their children for swearing. It's important that others around us, not only hear about our commitment to Christ, but that they also see that it makes a difference in the way we live. Is your confession of Jesus Christ as Lord backed up by your obedience to Him, or are you being a hypocrite? Make a commitment today, to be a better example to others. Go to the Holy Spirit in prayer and ask Him to help you to be more obedient.

Readings for today: Rom. 9:4; Psalm 147:19-20; Psalm 34:2; Matt. 15:7-8