12 When the Gentiles sin, they will be destroyed, even though they never had God’s written law. And the Jews, who do have God’s law, will be judged by that law when they fail to obey it. 13 For merely listening to the law doesn’t make us right with God. It is obeying the law that makes us right in his sight. 14 Even Gentiles, who do not have God’s written law, show that they know his law when they instinctively obey it, even without having heard it. 15 They demonstrate that God’s law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right. 16 And this is the message I proclaim—that the day is coming when God, through Christ Jesus, will judge everyone’s secret life.
Live By The Law …
The infighting that is taking place between the Jews and the Gentiles within the Roman Church is over the issue of the Law. The Jews believe that there are certain Old Testament rules and traditions that must be continued under the era of grace. The Gentiles, on the other hand, believe that Jesus’ death of the cross ended the era of Old Testament Law, and therefore anything goes. There is no need to respect or hold on to any of the traditions of the past.
That is what Paul is going to address in this letter. How to live free in Christ without ignoring the Old Testament Law. What is the balance? How does one view the rules, rituals and regulations of the past through the lens of grace? Or do you even look to the past?
If you know anything about Paul’s life, you know that he was once a well respected Pharisee. That means he had a better grasp of the Law than the regular Joe. He strived every day to live the letter of the Law. And yet, when he turned his life over to Christ, he recognized that any attempt to fulfill the Law will end in failure. You simply cannot be good enough to be accepted by God. You cannot be spiritual enough. You cannot be holy enough. You can’t do it.
And really, that’s the point he’s making today. If you want to strive to be righteous in your own ability – try living according to the Law. If you choose to live by the Law, then you’ll be judged accordingly. And you will quickly discover that you can’t do it. No one can. Really, that’s the point of the Law (as Paul will explain later on in this letter). The Law does indeed have value, but the primary purpose of the Law is to point the way to grace.
I’ve met a lot of people – often church people – who try to give off this appearance of holiness. They talk and act like they are so spiritual. They have it all worked out. And yet, secretly, they are full of pride over how “good” they think they are. Paul suggests that one day, God will reveal that inner pride. We will all recognize that we simply cannot do it on our own. Paul is trying to give both the Jewish and the Gentile readers a wake up call.
My prayer: Lord, help me never rest on my own sense of morality. I don’t want to set a standard of righteousness that is based on my own actions. Because if I do … if I place certain expectations on others, then I will be judged according to that same morality. And, I will fail. Instead, let me find comfort in your arms of grace. May I recognize that the call to holiness found in the Law can only be accomplished when I understand that it cannot be achieved on my own. I need you. Clothe me in your holiness. Amen.
On a completely different note. Today is November 11th. Remembrance Day. I want to express my appreciation to all the men and women who served both past and present so that I may live in a nation that is free. So many have given their lives and I am very grateful to them.
Until tomorrow.
