Romans 2
In Romans 2, Paul addresses those of the Jewish faith who demonstrated hypocrisy, as many claimed to be righteous yet sinned equally in God eyes. According to John Piper, "[God] sees through [external appearances] and goes to the heart of the matter and is not partial to appearance and circumstance. Nobody breaks the rules and gets away with it, no matter how powerful or clever or wealthy or networked. All are judged by the same measure."
Core to addressing hypocrisy - and our faith for that matter - is our heart condition. We must focus on getting a "new" heart - one that is softened and transformed more into the likeness of God. God of course does this for us when we draw near to Him.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You have given me a new heart and a new life - thank You Jesus! I am grateful. Yet I am undeserving. I am selfish and I have much more sin. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
For God does not show favoritism. v11
In Romans 2, Paul addresses those of the Jewish faith who demonstrated hypocrisy, as many claimed to be righteous yet sinned equally in God eyes. According to John Piper, "[God] sees through [external appearances] and goes to the heart of the matter and is not partial to appearance and circumstance. Nobody breaks the rules and gets away with it, no matter how powerful or clever or wealthy or networked. All are judged by the same measure."
Core to addressing hypocrisy - and our faith for that matter - is our heart condition. We must focus on getting a "new" heart - one that is softened and transformed more into the likeness of God. God of course does this for us when we draw near to Him.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You have given me a new heart and a new life - thank You Jesus! I am grateful. Yet I am undeserving. I am selfish and I have much more sin. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
