May 21, 2012 (1 Kings 7; 2 Chronicles 4; Psalm 98; Romans 2)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that His kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?” Romans 2:4 NLT
Observation: Paul is teaching the Roman church how to deal with the sins of a corrupt culture. Judgment begins with us. We must first search ourselves and realize the grace God has bestowed on us. Although a Christian has the responsibility to stand against sin, we must remember that we were sinners too. God’s kindness, tolerance and patience have been extended to us just the same as those who have not embraced it yet. God’s grace is amazing and should never be used as a justification for sin. God’s patience should not be mistaken as an approval for ungodly behavior. Yet we are to judge the sin, not the sinner. For He will judge everyone according to what they have done.
Application: We must be careful to control our emotions when standing against sin. Our zeal for God’s holiness can lead us to be condemning of people, rather than condemning of sin. Like the Roman church we often times forget where God brought us from. We find ourselves recommending punishment for those still lost in sin, while we are just as guilty as they are. Self-evaluation is difficult and it’s even more difficult to bring ourselves before God and ask Him to tell us where we need to repent or improve. As a Christian it is vitally important to spend time before God asking Him to search you and reveal any sin that may be in your life. Many times sin has filled us and taken root within us unaware. To be a guide to the blind we must first be taught by what we teach.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for this day. Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me every day. Thank You for Your kindness, tolerance and patience towards me. Lord, when I look at others, remind me of all the grace You have extended to me. Teach me Your ways and guide my life by Your Spirit, reveal any sin in my life to me so that I may repent and please You, in Jesus name, Amen!