ROMANS 2:17-20 THE FORM There were in the day of the writing of this letter, those who were Jews and as such were greatly privileged to have the law. His knowledge of the will of God allowed him to test the teaching and "approve" the things that were wrong and the things that were right. He took the place of being a guide, a light, a corrector of those who didn't know the truth of God - and a teacher. He had "the form" of a learn`ed person, and professed to know the truth of God and God's will for others. The outward form and knowledge were not what constituted truth. Truth involves both the statement and the fact being experienced.
As those who are "Christians" today, the same principle holds true. God's judgment is according to what is real, not what religious people profess or even teach. This seventh principle of God's just judgment will be applied to those who take the place of leadership in teaching the Word of God and preaching God's Gospel. These principles are given to make men awake to the truth about themselves and the false hopes they pride themselves in. These are descriptions of how God judges in order that people awaken to the truth, and not deny or ignore it.
These truths about the Gospel are also so that those ungodly people in chapter one, and the self-righteous and smugly complacent religious people in chapter two will be awakened. The fact is, both the ungodly and self-righteous are condemned because of their sin, and the judgment of God is upon them. These condemning words are to stir them to repent and believe the Gospel.
In frank but careful words the writer gives warnings to those, Who in apathy and complacency claim they are the ones God chose To be His representatives and make sure other people follow their lead. And to every word of instruction they give, others must give earnest heed.
Their self-confidence in all they know, to them is full and plenty. Without concern for their own inner life they pass judgment on the many Who are not like them and are considered hopeless unless they heed their words. These judgmental people forget one thing, they too are judged by the Lord.
A form of knowledge and of truth is not what God intended to be. He desires truth in the "inner parts," places that men don't see. Forms can be taken or left if that is what the instructor will choose. But what a condemnation is on him if those who hear him their souls will lose.
A guide of the blind must be able to see or both will fall into the ditch. One who is supposed to be a light in the dark should know what he is to teach. There are many who have not learned because they never knew The truth they are expecting an honest instructor to give and what he should show.
When there are children and those who are childlike, we are there to reach, By making the truth simple to them that we their hearts can teach. Without living out in truth what we profess to really hold People will reject the words we say no matter what they are told.
The things I teach to others I must be careful myself to live out. It is important to test and prove what I hear and what I tell people about. There are so many voices and everyone loudly claims to be right The consequences are so important - people must see the light.
"Heavenly Father, these truths that I teach and preach about must be lived out in my own life. I fear greatly that I will be inconsistent and the hearers will spew out all that I have said as foolish and unimportant. By Thy grace and power, please strengthen
Thy servant to be one who practices what he preaches. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."