Friday, January 04, 2008

Romans 2

This chapter talks about the judgement we made. In the ESV, the words are more simplified and it is more focus. To me, I feel that it is for all Christians to learn.

Whenever we judge people, we tend to forget to look to ourselves. When we look down on people who lie, do we not lie ourselves? No matter the intention, a lie is still a lie. Be it a white lie or for the sake of others, the fact remains that it is still a lie. When we judge people on the account that we ourselves have committed the same sin, we will be judge and condemn as well. Do not think that because God is forgiving and is merciful, he will forgive. Although God is mercy, he is quick on sins. So if you who knows God and sin, he will not forgive.

God not just execute punishment, he reward as well. For those who constantly do his work and for his glory went through hardship, He will justly reward. On the other hand, those who turn a deaf ear on God's word and is self-seeking, will bear the tribulation. God is fair and he will do according to what we deserve. Not just for leaders, but for every member as well. We will all reap what we sow.

Glory to those who have the word in their heart and do what is pleasing to God even in the midst of their hardship. Woe to those who have the word of God but neglect it and bend it to their own desires. At the end of days, God will judge the deepest of our secret. Our every desire will be put out before Him to be judged upon. So let our every desire and doing be honorable to God.

If anyone consider themselves to be a leader either by appointment or voluntary they must do and approve only those that is instructed by the law. For a leader must lead by example and be a life-example to demonstrate God's glory. If he who teaches does not practice what he preach, it will be an act of blasphemy. Even if he has been through the ceremony of appointment, he is no greater than those who have not yet keep hold of God's direction. It is the ceremony of appointment in the heart which is greater than that of physical process. Our ultimate happiness comes from God's praise and not man.

In short, this chapter is telling us to lead a life that is righteous. When the judgment comes, we are able to stand before the Father and say that what we have done is pleasing to God and deserve the praise of God. Our lives are all a mirror of God's love, mercy and hatred against sin.