You who call yourselves Jews are relying on God’s law, and you boast about your special relationship with him. You know what he wants; you know what is right because you have been taught his law. You are convinced that you are a guide for the blind and a light for people who are lost in darkness. You think you can instruct the ignorant and teach children the ways of God. For you are certain that God’s law gives you complete knowledge and truth.
Well then, if you teach others, why don’t you teach yourself? You tell others not to steal, but do you steal? You say it is wrong to commit adultery, but do you commit adultery? You condemn idolatry, but do you use items stolen from pagan temples? You are so proud of knowing the law, but you dishonor God by breaking it. No wonder the Scriptures say, “The Gentiles blaspheme the name of God because of you.”
Hypocrisy
Don’t you wish that Paul would just speak his mind? I mean, all he does is beat around the bush, trying to gently say what he wants to say. Just speak out, Paul!
Okay, so Paul doesn’t mess around. He comes at the Jewish Christians with both barrels. Why? Because they are being as hypocrites. And hypocrisy is something that Paul doesn’t much care for. In that way, he’s just like Jesus. Those who are quick to judge someone else when they are just as guilty is something that none of the early church leaders could stand.
Isn’t it sad that one of the biggest complaints against most Christians today is this very same thing? That we judge others when our own lives are in shambles. That we point the finger at the sin of those outside the church when sin is rampant within our congregations.
Does it means we should just stay silent? Should we never say anything about sinful behaviour? There are times when we should keep our mouths shut. Absolutely.
But that’s not what Paul is getting at. He’s trying to humble these Christians. In a way, he’s embarrassing them to drive home a point. It’s not that we shouldn’t call others to holiness. Far too many passages in the Bible speak of that very thing. It’s that we should first examine our own lives. When we call others to holiness out of a deep understanding of our own failure, that call will come across with sincere humility and love. The way an recovering alcoholic can challenge another alcoholic to put down his drink. It’s done with incredible humility, recognizing that the tables can easily be turned.
All through history, Christians have responded the way these early believers did. And all through history, those outside the church have reacted just like the Gentiles in this passage do. Perhaps it’s time to once again look in the mirror before we speak.
My prayer: Lord, I am a sinful man. I heart is often away from you. And yet, you’ve called me to speak to others about the forgiveness that is found in you. And so, I first receive that forgiveness again. Your grace, applied to my life, is because of all you’ve done, not because of my actions. I didn’t earn forgiveness, I simply accepted it. With humility, I choose to walk this journey and share my faith with those in my life. Amen.
Until tomorrow.
