Daily Reading 7-13-17
Romans 2:12-16 The Message (MSG)
Every culture and society recognizes some kind of moral law. Even though that moral law may be viewed differently, there is evidence of what a society perceives as right and wrong. If we are honest, we will have to admit that we fail to live up to even our own standards of right and wrong. Knowing what is right and doing what is right must be our constant goal, but understanding that God is the One who actually decides what is right, sets the standard for us, and gives us the power to live it is the greatest truth.
In our passage this morning, the Apostle Paul explains how knowing and doing is connected to the Living Torah (Law)-Jesus! Has Jesus written the Law of God’s love on your heart? If so, you know what is right according to God.
Romans 2:12-16
12-13 If you sin without knowing what you’re doing, God takes that into account. But if you sin knowing full well what you’re doing, that’s a different story entirely. Merely hearing God’s law is a waste of your time if you don’t do what he commands. Doing, not hearing, is what makes the difference with God.
14-16 When outsiders who have never heard of God’s law follow it more or less by instinct, they confirm its truth by their obedience. They show that God’s law is not something alien, imposed on us from without, but woven into the very fabric of our creation. There is something deep within them that echoes God’s yes and no, right and wrong. Their response to God’s yes and no will become public knowledge on the day God makes his final decision about every man and woman. The Message from God that I proclaim through Jesus Christ takes into account all these differences.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for making your standard and way known to my heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen.