July 20. Romans 2. Naomi Lymbouris

The Heart of a Christian

How is the world to know we are a Christian? How do I know I am following what Christ says? Is it self or God? In Romans 2, I believe Paul aims straight to the source. It is the condition of the heart and reverence for the loving kindness given to us, that will show in the outward actions that define whom we serve. Paul points out that God is rich in forbearance, love and kindness, and because of this, our hearts will become softened and changed. I was struck by how Paul reveals the hypocritical thought and actions of Jews and Gentiles and the calling to account for all by God. No fluff; straight talk. Pretty direct that we will be judged (verse 11), and that “God is a just God. For God shows no partiality.”

There are Jews and Gentile Christians, however Paul plainly explains the true sign of a believer of Christ is not in the outward circumcision of the body, but the inward cutting of the deceitful heart of man, which shows in the actions. 13 “For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified.”

Definitely and purposefully this chapter of Romans details the direction and guidance to the truth of breaking down barriers of division between Jew and Gentile believers and experiencing the true Christian by their heart and behavior. Verse 29 “But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.”

Paul is calling us to repent and change our worldly, selfish ways because we will have to eventually answer so HOLD TO THE FIGHT.

Amen