Bible Study 5/26

Romans 2:12-29

Paul spends the rest of chapter 2 showing why Jews, who have the revealed law of God, are just as guilty of breaking it as the Gentiles, who though they don't have the law of God in written form, have it written on their conscience so that their conflicting moral thoughts testify against them. This can be compared to today's religious person, a cultural Christian, who grows up with a strong sense of morality and of "doing good". Despite their best efforts to live a "good life", they will fall short of keeping the moral law, and in many cases be in danger of viewing themselves in a self-righteous manner (v.19-20) that conceals their guilt from them. Both the religious person and the person who does not know God are guilty of rejecting God's law and choosing their own independent judgment over God's revealed will.

Proverbs 3:1-12

Keeping the commandments of the Lord and living by his wisdom is the best way to assure long life, favor, and success. (v.5-6) - Verses to memorize - they express the promise of the Lord to guide you on a straight path when you trust in Him even beyond your understanding of the situation.

V.9-10 - Those who honor the Lord, in this case with their wealth, will generally be blessed by the Lord. This is the way the world really works - those who give receive a return and a blessing. This runs contrary to what the world would say - if you give, you have lost something.