Here are some points regarding wise and unwise actions mentioned in Romans chapter 2 in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible:
Wise actions:
- Practicing righteousness and doing good works: “But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good” (Romans 2:10).
- Seeking glory, honor, and immortality through patient continuance in doing good: “But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile” (Romans 2:7-9).
- Obeying the truth and living according to one’s conscience: “For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves” (Romans 2:14).
Unwise actions:
- Hypocrisy and judgmental attitude towards others: “Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things” (Romans 2:1).
- Presuming on God’s patience and despising His goodness: “Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” (Romans 2:4).
- Engaging in sinful behavior while claiming to possess knowledge of God’s law: “Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?” (Romans 2:21).
- Focusing on outward religious rituals and circumcision without a transformed heart: “For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God” (Romans 2:28-29).
Dos and Don’ts: Romans Chapter 2 (KJV)
As believers, it is important for us to study the Word of God and understand its teachings. Romans Chapter 2 in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible provides valuable insights into what we should and should not do as followers of Christ.
Throughout this chapter, the apostle Paul highlights the importance of practicing righteousness, seeking glory, honor, and immortality through patient continuance in doing good, obeying the truth and living according to one’s conscience, avoiding hypocrisy, and genuinely living out the teachings of the Bible.
These concepts are essential for believers to understand and live out, as they are crucial in maintaining a strong and genuine relationship with God.
In the following sections, we will delve deeper into each of these teachings to gain a better understanding of what it means to be a faithful follower of Christ. Also see: Wise and Unwise Things To Do According To Romans Chapter 1 (KJV)
First let’s look at the wise things we can do:
Practicing Righteousness and Doing Good Works (Romans 2:10)
According to Romans 2:10 in the King James Version of the Bible, “But glory, honour, and peace, [is] to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile.”
This passage emphasizes the importance of practicing righteousness and doing good works, which are essential elements in leading a fulfilling life as a faithful believer.
Practicing righteousness involves following God’s commandments and living a morally upright life. This means honoring one’s commitments, treating others with kindness and respect, and being a positive influence in one’s community.
Doing good works involves actively engaging in acts of charity, volunteering, and helping others in need.
Not only are these actions pleasing to God, but they also have a positive impact on the individuals who practice them. Practicing righteousness and doing good works promote personal growth and self-improvement, and they contribute to the welfare of society as a whole.
Romans 2:10 also emphasizes that these actions are not limited to a specific group โ they apply to all individuals, regardless of their background or beliefs.
Also see: Wise and Unwise Things To Do According to Romans Chapter 3 (KJV)
Seeking Glory, Honor, and Immortality through Patient Continuance in Doing Good (Romans 2:7-9)
The idea of seeking glory, honor, and immortality through patient continuance in doing good is a recurring theme in the teachings of the Bible. According to Romans Chapter 2:7-9 (KJV), those who seek these things will receive eternal life, while those who do not will experience wrath and indignation.
But what does it mean to seek glory, honor, and immortality through patient continuance in doing good? First, it means striving to live a life that is pleasing to God and aligns with His teachings. It means putting others’ needs before our own and making choices that reflect our faith and values.
This pursuit requires patience and perseverance, as it is not a one-time event but a continual commitment to doing what is right. It means not giving up when faced with challenges or setbacks but pressing on despite them.
The rewards of seeking glory, honor, and immortality through patient continuance in doing good are great. Those who do so will be granted eternal life, a priceless gift that cannot be earned or bought. They will receive honor and recognition from God, who sees and rewards their faithful service.
“To them who by patient continuance in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil…” (Romans 2:7-9, KJV).
Let us, therefore, strive to seek glory, honor, and immortality through patient continuance in doing good. Let us be steadfast in our faith, firm in our convictions, and unwavering in our commitment to God and His word. For in doing so, we will experience the ultimate reward: eternal life in the loving presence of our Creator.
Obeying the Truth and Living According to One’s Conscience (Romans 2:14)
According to Romans 2:14, “For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves.”
This verse suggests that even those who are not familiar with God’s law can still do what is right by obeying their conscience. In other words, the innate sense of right and wrong that exists in every human being is enough to guide them towards righteous behavior.
However, this does not mean that those who know God’s law and choose to ignore it will be excused from their wrongdoing.
Living according to one’s conscience means making decisions based on what one believes is morally right, even if it goes against popular opinion or societal norms. This requires a certain level of self-awareness, introspection, and moral responsibility.
It is important to note that obeying the truth and living according to one’s conscience is not the same as moral relativism, which suggests that what is right and wrong is subjective and varies from person to person.
As believers, it is our duty to seek the truth and live according to it. This means aligning our actions with our beliefs, and following the guidance of our conscience when faced with difficult decisions.
By doing so, we can ensure that we are living a life that is pleasing to God, and that we are fulfilling the purpose for which we were created.
Now let’s see the unwise things we should avoid:
Hypocrisy and Judgmental Attitude towards Others (Romans 2:1)
One of the most damaging behaviors highlighted in Romans Chapter 2 is hypocrisy and a judgmental attitude towards others. As verse 1 states, “Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.”
This verse makes it clear that when we focus on the faults of others and condemn them, we are ultimately condemning ourselves because we are guilty of the same behavior. This is a powerful reminder to practice humility and avoid falling into the trap of self-righteousness.
Also see: Wise and Unwise Things To Do According to Romans Chapter 7 (KJV)
Presuming on God’s Patience and Despising His Goodness (Romans 2:4)
In Romans 2:4, Paul warns about the dangers of presuming on God’s patience and despising His kindness. It is easy to take God’s mercy for granted, assuming that we can continue living in sin and still receive His forgiveness.
However, this mindset disregards the seriousness of sin and the sacrifices Christ made on the cross to save us from it. When we presume on God’s patience, we risk falling into a cycle of sin and repentance, never truly breaking free from the bondage of sin.
Instead, we must learn to appreciate and value God’s goodness, recognizing the enormity of His love for us and the weight of His sacrifice. We must strive to live righteous lives, continually seeking to honor and please Him in all that we do.
“Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” (Romans 2:4, ESV)
Wise Things To Do | Unwise Things To Do |
---|---|
Appreciating God’s goodness and mercy | Presuming on God’s patience and taking His kindness for granted |
Living a righteous and honorable life | Engaging in sinful behavior without true repentance |
Obeying the truth and living according to conscience | Focusing solely on outward religious rituals and circumcision |
Let us not be deceived by the false notion that we can continue in sin and still receive God’s forgiveness. Instead, let us strive to live according to His will, obeying His commands and seeking to honor Him in all that we do.
Engaging in Sinful Behavior While Claiming to Possess Knowledge of God’s Law (Romans 2:21)
In Romans 2:21, the apostle Paul addresses the issue of hypocrisy among those who claim to possess knowledge of God’s law. He points out that while these individuals teach and preach about God’s law, they fail to live up to the standards they espouse. Instead, they engage in sinful behavior, contradicting the very teachings they claim to uphold.
This behavior is not only hypocritical but also damaging to the faith community as a whole. It creates confusion and doubt, shaking people’s confidence in the teachings of the Bible and causing them to question the sincerity of those who claim to follow God’s law.
Furthermore, Paul highlights the harm caused by such behavior, saying that it gives “occasion to the Gentiles to blaspheme” (Romans 2:24). In other words, by engaging in sinful behavior while claiming to possess knowledge of God’s law, these individuals open themselves up to criticism and ridicule from those who do not share their faith.
“You then who teach others, do you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?” – Romans 2:21-22
Therefore, it is crucial for believers to align their actions with their beliefs and to avoid the trap of hypocrisy. This involves not only refraining from sinful behavior but also actively living according to the teachings of the Bible. By doing so, believers can set a positive example for others and demonstrate the transformative power of faith.
As Paul notes in Romans 2:13, “For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified.” In other words, it is not enough to simply possess knowledge of God’s law – one must also put that knowledge into action through righteous behavior.
Thus, the key takeaway from Romans 2:21 is the importance of living according to one’s beliefs and avoiding the hypocrisy of engaging in sinful behavior while claiming to possess knowledge of God’s law. By doing so, believers can uphold the integrity of their faith and set a positive example for the world.
Focusing on Outward Religious Rituals and Circumcision without a Transformed Heart (Romans 2:28-29)
According to Romans 2:28-29, it is not enough to focus on outward religious rituals and circumcision without a transformed heart.
This passage teaches us that true circumcision is not physical but spiritual, and it is the result of an inward transformation by the Holy Spirit. It is not enough to obey the letter of the law without truly understanding and embracing its spirit.
This message is particularly relevant in today’s world, where many people may adhere to religious traditions or rituals without having a genuine faith or a heart transformed by God’s love.
It is easy to focus on external practices rather than internal transformation, but ultimately, this approach leads to spiritual emptiness and hypocrisy.
We need to remember that God is not impressed by our outward displays of religiosity if our hearts are not truly devoted to Him. He desires a genuine relationship with us, one which is based on humility, love, and obedience.
As Jesus himself said in Matthew 23:26, “Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.”
To live up to the teachings of Romans 2, we need to focus on developing a genuine love for God and our fellow human beings.
We need to seek spiritual transformation through the Holy Spirit, rather than relying on external practices or rituals. We need to let go of our pride and ego, and live with true humility and devotion to God’s will.
“True circumcision is not physical but spiritual, and it is the result of an inward transformation by the Holy Spirit.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some of the frequently asked questions related to the wise and unwise things to do according to Romans Chapter 2:
What is the main message of Romans Chapter 2?
The main message of Romans Chapter 2 is that God is just and impartial, and that everyone will be judged according to their deeds and the condition of their hearts.
What does it mean to practice righteousness?
Practicing righteousness refers to living a life that is characterized by godly virtues and actions, such as love, kindness, honesty, and compassion. It involves obeying God’s commands and following the example of Jesus Christ.
Why is self-reflection important in avoiding a judgmental attitude?
Self-reflection helps us to recognize our own flaws and weaknesses, which can help us to be more compassionate and understanding towards others. It also allows us to be more humble and less quick to judge or condemn others.
Is circumcision still relevant for Christians today?
In the New Testament, circumcision is not seen as a necessary requirement for salvation or spiritual growth. However, it may still be practiced for cultural or personal reasons. The most important thing is to have a transformed heart and to live according to God’s will.
Why is hypocrisy such a serious offense in the eyes of God?
Hypocrisy involves pretending to be something that we are not, and it often involves deceiving ourselves and others. God desires honesty and sincerity, and hypocritical behavior hinders our ability to develop a genuine relationship with Him and with others.
What is the role of conscience in making wise decisions?
Conscience is our inner sense of right and wrong, and it can help us to make wise decisions and avoid sinful behavior. However, our conscience can also become dulled or distorted by sin, so it is important to cultivate a sensitive and discerning conscience through prayer and the study of God’s Word.
Conclusion
Throughout Romans Chapter 2, the wise and unwise actions of believers are discussed in detail.
It is made clear that practicing righteousness, doing good works, seeking glory, honor, and immortality through patient continuance in doing good, obeying the truth, living according to one’s conscience, and avoiding hypocrisy are all essential to living a fulfilling life in accordance with God’s teachings.
However, the chapter also warns against engaging in sinful behavior while claiming to possess knowledge of God’s law, presuming on God’s patience and despising His goodness, and focusing solely on outward religious rituals and circumcision without a transformed heart.
All of these behaviors can lead to negative consequences and hinder spiritual growth.
It is important for believers to continually reflect on their actions and motivations, striving to align themselves with God’s will in all aspects of their lives. By doing so, they can live a life of purpose and fulfillment, and positively impact the world around them.
As we conclude this article, let us remember that it is not enough to simply know the teachings of Romans Chapter 2. We must actively strive to implement them in our daily lives, seeking to grow in righteousness and humility as we walk in faith.