"The Law" (Part 2)

Summary: Paul shows in Romans 2:17-24 that having the Law of God did not keep the Jews from breaking the Law of God.

"Tell me something I don’t know.”

From the doctor, mechanic, preacher, etc.

We don’t practice what we know we should practice.

So when bad things happen, we have no defense.

Paul is calling out the Jews here for not practicing all that they know.

And more than that, he’s warning them against trusting in their knowledge alone.

(Knowledge doesn’t always equal obedience, so there must be more to being being a Jew.)

Quick Review

The Righteousness of God has been revealed (1:16-17), because...

The Wrath of God has been revealed (1:18-32).

He has given mankind over to their own depravity...

So everyone deserves...

The Judgment of God (2:1-11)

How can people know...?

…that they deserve the Judgment of God?

What shows them/what tells them/what can convince them? The Law (2:12-29)

There must be some rule of conduct, standards, set of commands and prohibitions, dos and don’ts

“law” - first time in Romans, 21 times in 16 verses (2:12-27, then not again until 3:19)

Principle (vv. 12-13):

“Principle” - fundamental rule, truth, or fact

PRINCIPLE: Those who have sinned by violating God’s Law are eternally condemned with or without the Law. Those who sin can be charged as law-breakers whether they have the Law as the Jews do or whether they do not have the Law as the Jews do. Both are without excuse/defense (1:20, 2:1).

Applied to the Gentiles (vv. 14-16)

All people have enough sense of God’s law in their heart that...

All people will ultimately be convince that they are law-breakers.

Applied to the Jews (vv. 17-24)

Who thought they were exempt from God’s condemnation because they had the Law (vv. 17-24).

Why could a Jew Boast? (vv. 17-20)

Because of how well they knew the Law of God.

(v. 17) “rely” - settle on, rest in; “boast” - brag about, take pride in

(v. 18) “approve” - test; “excellent” - essential, have worth or value

(v. 19) Figurative language for instruction and correction.

(v. 20) How could they teach it? Because they knew it.

Paul knew how the Jew thought.

They thought they were safe because their exclusive knowledge was due to there exclusive possession of the Law.

But, there is a problem. There’s something wrong with this thinking. There’s a reason for the Jew to not boast.

Why should a Jew not boast? (vv. 21-24)

Because of how they had broken the Law of God.

(v. 21a) Do you practice all that you know so well (enough to teach others)?

(vv. 22-22) Just a few examples of common law-breaking by those who know better

What would a good Jew say about a bad Jew? Are they exempt from God’s condemnation because they have/know the Law.

How far does this go? If they were consistent, a Jew couldn’t do anything deserve eternal condemnation.

(v. 23) This includes all and any law/command.

What about “You shall not covet (discontented craving) ” (Exodus 20:17)? Or, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18)?

Remember 1:29-2:1

(v. 24) From Isaiah 52:5 (also Ezekiel 36:20, 22-23)

The Jews were a mockery to the Gentile world because of the exiles, which was God’s judgment for breaking His Law, but also caused the Gentiles to doubt God and His people.

The Jews are an example of what mankind will do when given the Law of God.

What does breaking the law say about those who know better?

They are still law-breakers.

They will have no defense when proven to be law-breakers.

Basically, Paul is breaking down the typical Jews confidence in the Law.

Something else is needed...

To be delivered from God’s judgment (Romans 1:16-17).

To be obedient to God’s commands (Romans 8:1–11).

Benediction: Romans 11:33–36 “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.”

Scripture Reading: Ezekiel 36:16–23