I’m reading Chapter 2 of the book of Romans… and before I get into anything as of yet, and just to lighten the mood, I will change my name while I write this to a more Roman name, for the sake of doing whatever I feel like doing.  Today, I am Hasonius Perrilious!  🙂

In studying this chapter, I want to expound on the revelations I may receive, as I read it today.

The chapter is roughly discussing the issues of PARTIALITY and being JUDGMENTAL, though the eyes of God.  It thoroughly gives inferences to how Jews and Gentiles (terms which are analogous to Christians and Non-Christians) should understand God’s perspective when regarding themselves and also one another.  (1 Samuel 16:7—⁷…for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart).  When you have a real understanding of that, then the words in this chapter will become more meaningful.

One of the reasons I find this chapter interesting, outside the fact it’s in the Bible :-); is that Paul gives so many direct examples of how Christians should examine themselves, because the Law of God should bring condemnation only to Christians (not to non-Christians), because though as a Christian we live under grace we also are charged to live a life of holiness.  This also helps explain the truth, that though even while living in freedom (under grace), there is law, or a way in which you should live while living in freedom.

OK.  Let’s start with this…[Romans 17-24 Hasonius Perrilious Version (that’s me)] — “You who think of yourselves as Christians, and you who desire to teach others on how to live holy, can you not teach yourself?  You say don’t steal, but do you steal?  You say don’t commit adultery, but do you look upon women with your eyes and lust after them?  [And, then Paul goes on further] – ‘Because of you Christian hypocrites, God’s name has lost its value among the unbelievers.”  What a statement!  And it’s true; it’s in the Bible, it must be trueJ.  Think about it, how many people you know who began to hate on other Christians and the things of God, as a result of being hurt by another Christian?  Probably everyone knows at least one person who is presently in that exact or similar situation.

• The First Step to Living as a Christian starts in your Heart – Romans 2:29 – ²⁹But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God.

¥       One of the first things every Christian needs to understand is the differences between living by the written Law of God and living in the permissive will of God.  Don’t put God in a box… His desires should be your desires, if you seek the things which are of the Spirit of God.

• Stop being Judgmental!  Allow people to get next to you – Romans 2:1 – ¹Therefore you have no excuse, every one of you who passes judgment, for in that which you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.

¥       The Bible talks about this so much, I’ll let Jesus expound on this… Matthew 7:2-4—²For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. ³ Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? ⁴ Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and behold, the log is in your own eye?

• Everyone will be judged by the convictions God placed in THEIR Heart.  Following God is following your Heart – Romans 2:14-15 – ¹⁴For when Gentiles who do not have the Law do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves, ¹⁵in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them..

¥       I will not expound on this topic… Read the chapter and receive your own revelation.

Only in using wisdom, coupled with knowledge, will anyone be able to instruct others on how to abide by the Law of God through words and also through life.  One thing that I’ve learned is, I have to make the effort to allow myself to be sharpened… meaning, that I give my close friends (and also some strangers) the liberty to speak into my life to make me a better person.  You never know what God can speak to you through someone else.  I’ve found sometimes just in listening to the matters of the heart in someone else’s life, you can show the light of God to them just by showing you care enough to listen.  This chapter indirectly is saying that we are all sons and daughters of God, regardless of the Law, so live as such and be united as one.