You who call yourselves Jews are relying on God’s law, and you boast about your special relationship with him. You know what he wants; you know what is right because you have been taught his law. You are convinced that you are a guide for the blind and a light for people who are lost in darkness. You think you can instruct the ignorant and teach children the ways of God. For you are certain that God’s law gives you complete knowledge and truth. Well then, if you teach others, why don’t you teach yourself? You tell others not to steal, but do you steal? You say it is wrong to commit adultery, but do you commit adultery? You condemn idolatry, but do you use items stolen from pagan temples? You are so proud of knowing the law, but you dishonor God by breaking it. No wonder the Scriptures say, “The Gentiles blaspheme the name of God because of you.” The Jewish ceremony of circumcision has value only if you obey God’s law. But if you don’t obey God’s law, you are no better off than an uncircumcised Gentile. And if the Gentiles obey God’s law, won’t God declare them to be his own people? In fact, uncircumcised Gentiles who keep God’s law will condemn you Jews who are circumcised and possess God’s law but don’t obey it. For you are not a true Jew just because you were born of Jewish parents or because you have gone through the ceremony of circumcision. No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by the Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people.
Romans 2:17-29 NLT
Looking down on others is a terrible way to feel better about yourself. The Jews in Paul’s day had a rough history with the nations. The Assyrians and Babylonians had conquered the Jewish nation. The Greeks had invaded and forced their culture on them. The Romans were occupying the land with brute force. The Jews held on to their culture only through years of fighting, teaching, and struggle. In this fight, they developed a spite for the nations. They viewed their culture as superior and forgot the heart of God’s law.
Paul challenged his fellow Jews not to look down on the Gentiles—because God has a plan to save the whole world. Being a Jew was a benefit because they had carried the truth of God. However, Paul reminded them, they had not followed that truth—so they stood on equal footing with the Gentiles: in need of salvation. This lesson also applies to Christians; we have been forgiven by Christ. This doesn’t make us better than others; it only proves that we admitted we are sinners (like the whole world). God cares about our hearts; He didn’t save us so we can look down on others but so our lives would be testimonies of His love, inviting the lost, rebellious world home to the Father.
In what ways do you struggle with looking down on others? How can you grow closer to Christ without becoming arrogant?
