Romans 2 - 2.11.22

Scripture

Romans 2:21

you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself?

Observation – What does it say?

The Apostle Paul challenges the Roman believers to examine what they teach and what they practice. Is there a gap between the two? Some of the examples he uses: You tell others that stealing is wrong, but do you steal? You talk about how terrible adultery is, but do you commit adultery?

Understanding – What does it mean?

We must practice what we preach! We have a big problem if…

-       we say stealing is wrong but lie on our taxes

-       we agree that adultery is wrong but look at people lustfully

-       we say prayer and Bible reading is important, but we don’t make it a priority to regularly pray and read

-       we tell others that our mission is to multiply Christ-followers but we aren’t personally leading people to Jesus or discipling anyone

It’s one thing to be striving to be like Jesus and to still fail from time to time. We’re human. Perfection wont be achieved this side of heaven. But, it’s another thing for us to go on about how we agree with all these biblical values and commands from God but don’t actually demonstrate it with our actions or make effort to grow.

Paul challenged a specific church leader, Titus, in the same way:

Titus 2:7 NLT

And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.

In other words, set the example! Let everything you do show that you’re actually serious about what you teach others. Jesus, our ultimate example, didn’t just preach the kingdom but he modeled it in the way he lived: sharing the gospel, healing the sick, casting out demons, and refusing to compromise or yield to sin.  

Life Application

Ask God…

“God, are there areas of my life where my actions don’t line up with what I say I believe?”

Take time to pray about any areas the Holy Spirit brings to mind. Ask for forgiveness and for the power to change.

I love this prayer of confession that has been prayed by believers for centuries. I encourage you to take a moment, not to read it, but to pray it, meditating on the words:

Most merciful God,

We confess that we have sinned against you

In thought, word and deed,

By what we have done,

And by what we have left undone.

We have not loved you with our whole heart;

We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.

We are truly sorry and we humbly repent.

For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ,

Have mercy on us and forgive us;

That we may delight in your will,

And walk in your ways

To the glory of your Name. Amen.

• Levi Thompson