When Paul finished his list of characteristics of those whom God will judge, Paul knew that his Jewish listeners would agree that such people are terrible and deserve to be punished. But then Paul says that the Jews have no right to pass judgment, because they are just as bad. They are not guiltless and therefore have no excuse. Their attitude freely condemned others’ sins but somehow overlooked those sins in themselves (Matthew 7:2-3).This kind of person has sat in self-righteous judgment of others for too long and has lived by showing contempt for all God has given. People receive blessings but stubbornly continue in sin, refusing to repent. It is difficult for self-righteous people to repent. Paul’s readers who boasted of their faith yet refused to turn from their sin were storing up terrible punishment when God’s wrath would be poured out upon them.
Paul has in mind the self-confident, self-righteous person, who through his own self-seeking has actually turned away from the truth and resisted the gospel, and is following his own evil path. God’s anger and wrath are promised to those who have turned from him, yet are claiming to have a special place with him. They will receive the wrath and anger that they thought would fall on others.
Paul does not attempt to prove that people are incapable of any good. His point is that not one of us is capable of perfect goodness. At the human level, we all behave more or less in line with the standards of our society. But righteousness is not determined by what most people do, or even by what most people think might be possible for someone who tries very hard. Righteousness is God’s standard, God’s character. Comparisons with others are of no help when we measure ourselves before God’s standard. Ultimately, whatever our background, we will be held accountable by God for our life.
The gospel Paul preached included the wonderful message that though judgment is inevitable, it will be conducted through Christ’s mediation. For those who are trusting in Christ for their righteousness, God’s judgment does not include the fear of exposure and punishment. As Paul later says joyfully, “There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus”
SO WHAT? (what will i do with what i have read today?)
Lord, protect me from judgmentalism. protect me from acting superior in any form or fashion. Protect me from pride and haughtiness. Lord, remind me that apart from Jesus I am nothing.
(Jesus) “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5 (NLT)
Lord, draw people to COV this morning. help each of us see our sin and at the same time, help us to see Your grace and forgiveness and love and mercy. Lord, drive out from us and our church and spirit of "religion". Drive out and sense sense of superiority. Replace it with a spirit of humility and acceptance. Give us a heart today and everyday Lord, to care for one another...
BE DEVOTED TO ONE ANOTHER
"Be devoted to one another in brotherly love." Romans 12:10
HONOR ONE ANOTHER
“Honor one another above yourselves” Romans 12:10
BE OF THE SAME MIND WITH ONE ANOTHER
“Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus” Romans 15:5
ACCEPT ONE ANOTHER
“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” Romans 15:7
ADMONISH ONE ANOTHER
“And concerning you, my brethren, I myself am also convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able to admonish one another.” Romans 15:14
SUBMIT TO ONE ANOTHER
“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Ephesians 5:21
SERVE ONE ANOTHER
“For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom to an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Galatians 5:13
BEAR WITH ONE ANOTHER
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Ephesians 4:2
ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11
When Paul talks about those who in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, He will give eternal life, I think of those who have never ending faith in the Lord and want to live in God's Kingdom. When he talks about those who are self-seeking and reject the truth and follow evil, I think of atheists, people who don't care at all about church.
ReplyDeleteLord, help us want to seek the truth and have never ending faith in You. Let of faith be so powerful that it can move mountains. In Jesus Name, Amen.