But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when His righteous judgment will be revealed.
Romans 2:5
Today’s scripture: Romans 2:1-11
For centuries, there was a clear distinction between the Jews and Gentiles. Jews saw Gentiles as pagans, separate and cut off from God. Jews saw themselves as God’s chosen people who were benefactors of His covenant. Early Chrisitianity was seen as a branch of Judaism, so the Jewish people felt compelled to instruct these Gentile converts in the proper observance of their covenant law with God. In doing so, the Jews held a strong assumption that they were spiritually pure in comparison to the Gentiles– not so, according to Paul. Both groups stand guilty before God, who does not show favoritism. Unless we all repent, we will face God’s wrath. God’s judgment is based on truth; God’s judgment is based upon what we have done; and God’s judgment is equal toward all people.
Consider your relationship with others and God. What contradictions are there between the way you view others and the way you want God to see you? What sins are you likely to condemn in others that you excuse in yourself? Take a few minutes to quiet your heart, and open your mind to possible challenges God might want to reveal to you regarding your relationship with Him. Be willing to embrace His probing so you can make confession. Accept His grace and a fresh measure of spiritual power to be the authentic and vibrant Christian God wants you to be.
Adult Bible Curriculum, September 17, 2017
