Bible, Disobedience, Heart, Obedience, Right, Scripture, WRONGS

HOW’S YOUR HEART

ROMANS 2:15

“in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience testifying and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them,”

We learn as a child the difference between right and wrong. As I watch my 13 month old grandson learn this, it’s amazing how quickly he learns. He is crawling and almost walking everywhere now. That means things that were not in his grasp before have become accessible. We have decided to not remove every item off the lower shelves but instead teach what he can and cannot touch. He is already recognizing that. It’s like he instinctively knows to obey what we teach him.

Today’s verse is a perfect example of the truth that all mankind have been given the ability to know right from wrong, to know evil from good. Paul says, “the Law written in their hearts,…” Look how Barnes explains this word “hearts.” “The word ‘hearts’ here denotes the mind itself, as it does also frequently in the Sacred Scriptures; not the heart, as the seat of the affections. It does not mean that they loved or even approved of the Law, but that they had knowledge of it; and that that knowledge was deeply engraved on their minds.” You see, the Gentiles knew what was right and what was wrong.

APPLICATION

I love how the Topical Lexicon summarizes its discussion on the Greek word for “hearts.” It says, “Kardia gathers the whole interior life—thinking, feeling, choosing—into a single term that Scripture repeatedly declares must be transformed by grace. God searches it, the gospel renews it, the Spirit indwells it, and the believer is called to guard it until Christ is fully formed within.”

In John 14:1 Jesus says these simple words, “‘Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.’” God does not want our hearts to be troubled. He does not want us struggling to know how to recognize evil from good or right from wrong. Contrary to the world’s view, there are not different shades of right. God makes it clear in His Word what is right and what is wrong. And when we do what is right, we have peace with God and man.

So, how’s your heart today? Are you troubled and confused? Stop relying on your own intellect or reasoning. Paul said in today’s verse that the Gentiles had their conscience and thoughts working overtime to show them the truth, but many of them rejected that in favor of doing what they though was right. Don’t fall into that trap! As Jesus said, “believe also in Me.” Believe Him and let Him show you how to live.

Lord, I will follow Your lead, even when I think I know a better way because I know in the end, You are the better way.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Following, Guilty, Law, Obedience, Scripture

CAN I GET A LITTLE HELP OVER HERE?

WE ALL NEED LAW GUIDES

ROMANS 2:14

“For when Gentiles who do not have the Law instinctively perform the requirements of the Law, these, though not having the Law, are a law to themselves,”

No matter what state in the U.S. or country in the world you go to, there are laws that must be followed. When I travel out of the U.S., I am careful to follow the laws of the country I am visiting. I do not want to end up in jail somewhere for committing a crime I was not aware of. That’s why I stick close to those who know the laws of their country. They can keep me on the straight and narrow.

Paul continues his discussion of the futility of trying to gain justification through any law, whether that be a pagan law or the Jewish law. In today’s verse, he turns to the Gentiles who all had their unique laws which they followed. Albert Barnes gives this explanation of this verse, as well as the preceding and following verses. “The main point in the argument is, that if people are justified by the Law, their obedience must be entire and perfect; that this is not to be external only, or to consist in hearing or in acknowledging the justice of the Law; and that the Gentiles had an opportunity of illustrating this principle as well as the Jews, since they also had a law among themselves.”

APPLICATION

The word translated as “instinctively” is physis which means “the underlying constitution or make-up of someone (something).” That got me thinking. Shouldn’t we obey God’s law that way? Shouldn’t our obedience be natural? As followers of Christ, we should be constantly watching and imitating the One we are following. Just as He constantly obeys His Father, we should constantly obey Him.

Are you following God that way? Maybe you need a little help. Just like me when I visit another country, you may need someone to keep you out of trouble. In the ministry I’m a part of, we teach men the necessity of having allies to help them walk the path of purity and holiness. We need “law guides.” I am not saying we are under the law, but I am saying we need help keeping God’s commands.

The one mistake we make, especially as men, is trying to do it alone. We think we can handle it. We don’t want people in our business. But we need people. We need a family of believers who will call us and check on us. We need men who will pick us up and get us back on our feet (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). We need each other. Get yourself a “law guide,” an ally or someone who can hold you accountable and love you through the tough times.

Father, I know I can’t do this on my own. Thank You for people You have put in my life.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Doer, Hearer, Justified, Scripture

DOERS VS HEARERS

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.”

Every parent has probably heard this from their child at some point when they ask them to do a chore. Yea, mom/dad, I hear you. I’ll get to it later. That is the not the response we want, is it? But have you ever thought about the fact that we do the same with God? We know what He wants us to do. We read the Word and may even hear Him clearly tell us to do something. But we are just like our kids. I hear You, Lord. I’ll pray about that.

Paul specifically identifies the “doers” as the one who will be justified in God’s eyes. There were a lot of “hearers” back in Paul’s day. The Gentiles talked about their gods and their idolatrous worship as if that was going to gain them anything. And the Jews talked about being the bearer of the law. They heard it and protected it. But all God wanted was obedience.

APPLICATION

James says something similar in James 1:22-25. “22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: 24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. 25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” (KJV) Doing or hearing, that’s the decision we all have to make.

In Matthew 7:21 our Lord says, “‘Not everyone who says to Me, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.’” Just a bit later in verse 24-27, Jesus gives the parable of the house built on sand or stone as an example of one who does what he is told to do (also in Luke 6:47ff). You know that story. Take a look again and see what I mean.

So, are you a hearer or a doer? Will you simply read God’s Word and talk about how great it sounds, or will you actually do what it says? Remember, if God tells you to do something, He will give the ability to do it. Isn’t that the coolest? So, listen intently and then act. You will please the Father.

Lord, I thank You for clear directions through Your Word. Help me follow and do all Your commands.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Freedom, Grace, Law, Lawlessness, Scripture

LAW LESS

ROMANS 2:12

“For all who have sinned without the Law will also perish without the Law, and all who have sinned under the Law will be judged by the Law;”

There are some laws on the books in the U.S. that are just plain stupid. For instance, it’s against the law in Tennessee to tie yourself to a moving car (duh!). You also cannot lasso a fish in Tennessee. And my favorite – it is against the law in Memphis, TN to carry ice cream in your back pocket. Laws are meant to keep us safe and orderly, but some laws are just plain relics of the past.

To Paul, who knew the law well, it was a hopeless endeavor. All the laws “on the books” in Jewish life could not bring salvation. If you didn’t keep the law, you were doomed. If you tried to keep it but broke even one of them, you were doomed. It’s no wonder that Paul taught grace so much. He knew the old way was not working and never would.

APPLICATION

Either way you slice it, without obedience we are doomed. Those without any knowledge of God’s law are still held accountable for their sins. We see all through Scripture that God shows Himself in all of creation. The Gentiles Paul is addressing will be judged and damned based on their false god worship and blatant disregard for God’s commands and His Son.

The Jews will also be held accountable for rejecting the Messiah Who came to fulfill their law. Paul’s heart is still aching for them to come to Jesus, but he knows their attempts to please God in the law will fall short of salvation. Paul tried and failed as a Pharisee to keep the entire law. Perhaps that is why he reacted so violently against the early believers who followed Jesus. Maybe he was jealous of the freedom they achieved through Christ.

Are you ready? Are you holding to God’s commandments which are fulfilled through Jesus? He is the only way. In John 14:6 Jesus says, “‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.’” Stop trying to please God by “doing” things. Just “be” in Christ. He will give you all the power you need to please the Father in your obedient walk with Him.

Lord, I thank You for making me “Law less” in Your eyes. The law does not hold me anymore.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Favoritism, Grace, Love, Mercy, Scripture, Sin

NO FAVORITES

ROMANS 2:11

“For there is no partiality with God.”

I have two children and five (soon to be six) grandchildren. My wife and I promise we do not have any favorites. We love each and every one of them. Now, some may be a little harder to love at times but aren’t we all? There have been times when one or more of them felt we were playing favorites, but they could not see our hearts. Loving them all has been such a joy for us.

God doesn’t play favorites either. Paul says it very curtly, “For there is no partiality with God.” You can’t get much clearer than that. The Greek word for “partiality” is a doozy. It’s

Prosópolémpsia. Told you! It means favortism, respect of persons (Strong’s). In the New Testament, it occurs here, in Ephesians 6:9; Colossians 3:25 and also in James 2:1, which we will look at. Paul’s point is our God is fair and impartial in His judgment of mankind.

APPLICATION

This idea of God’s impartiality was not limited to the New Testament. In Deuteronomy 10:17 we read, “For the LORD your God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who does not show partiality, nor take a bribe.” Proverbs 24:23 says, “These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judgment is not good.” All through Scripture this attribute of God’s character and His direction to us is clear. We are all equal in His eyes.

James 2:1-9 gives a great example of this teaching. In James 2:1 we see, “My brothers and sisters, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism.” Then in verse 9 James uses the verb form of this word. “But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the Law as violators.” Wow! That’s harsh!

Today practice God’s impartiality towards others. Just love them as He would. That does not mean you condone any sinful behavior, but it does mean to look past the sin and see the sinner who is in need of grace and mercy.

Father God, thank You for not seeing me as unworthy and of no value to You.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Blessing, Glory, Honor, Peace, Reward, Scripture

THE PAYOFF

ROMANS 2:10

“but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who does what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”

As a parent and grandparent, I have loved blessing my children and grandchildren. When my children were young, my wife and I would praise them and do special things on their birthday. I have a 13 month grandson who gets all sorts of hugs and kisses from us for every little thing he does (of course). I can’t wait until he can truly understand the concept of rewards and blessings. I want him to know that his actions can determine the response he receives in positive ways.

Oh, what a contrast today’s verse is with yesterday’s verse. Instead of tribulations and distress for doing evil, we who do good will receive glory, honor and peace. Wow! Who doesn’t want that? All it takes is for us to get those awesome things is to “do good.” Now, wait a minute, Paul. Is that really all it involves? We need to break down those two words to get a picture of what Paul is saying because he is not negating the saving power of Christ in this.

APPLICATION

The word “do” is really a present participle in the middle voice. Okay Carl, you just lost me. Well, hang on. It may read better as “who is continually doing of their own choice.” It’s not a one-time event in this person’s life. It’s their lifestyle. They seek to honor God by doing what He says when He says and how He says. It’s not their plan. It’s His. Isn’t that what Jesus did? John 5:19 says, “Therefore Jesus answered and was saying to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in the same way.’”

Then there’s the word “good.” That’s the Greek word agathós which “originates from God and is empowered by Him in their life, through faith.” (HELPS Word studies) We see this talked about all through Scripture. Jesus told us a good tree only bears good fruit. It cannot bear bad fruit (Matthew 7:17-18). We are filled with the Holy Spirit as followers of Christ. He enables all that is good in us.

So, you have a choice. You can choose evil things and receive tribulations and distress, or you can choose to do good and receive glory, honor and peace. I’m on the second train, folks. Is it always easy to do what is good? No! Why? Our flesh gets in the way. Only by yielding to Him every second of every day can you continually do what is good. Go and to do that and receive glory, honor and peace.

O Lord, You are so gracious to bestow glory, honor and peace on me for simply obeying You. It is a joy to obey.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Distress, Eternity, Hell, Punishment, Scripture, Trials, Tribulations

ONE SIZE FITS ALL

ROMANS 2:9

“There will be tribulation and distress for every soul of mankind who does evil, for the Jew first and also for the Greek,”

I have never trusted those “one size fits all” products. There is no way one size fits every person. For instance, gloves are sometimes sold that way. I have fairly normal size hands. But I have been given some gloves in the past that read “one size fits all” and they just didn’t. I could get them on but then I couldn’t move my fingers. However, in God’s economy of restitution, this is true. He shows no partiality. Let’s see what Paul says today about this.

In verse 9 Paul says, “there will be tribulation and distress for every soul.” The Greek word for “every” is pas, and it means “every.” How about that? That’s deep, huh? Lol. Seriously, this word means “all, any, every, the whole.” It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from, if you are disobedient and refuse to honor God and His commandments, you will face His wrath through “tribulation and distress.”

APPLICATION

What is this “tribulation and distress”? The Expositor’s Greek Testament says this about these words. “θλίψις (thlipsis) and στενοχωρία (stenochoria), according to Trench, Synonyms, § 55, express very nearly the same thing, under different images: the former taking the image of pressure, the latter that of confinement in a narrow space.” These two words are basically synonymous. The latter only occurs three other times in the New Testament (Romans 8:35, 2 Corinthians 6:4; 12:10).

To put these terms in everyday language, it’s like being between a rock and a hard place. There is no escape. You can feel the crushing pressure. God’s wrath will come. One commentator I read said these words are “expressive of the second death, the torments of hell, the worm that never dies, and the fire that is not quenched.” (Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible). That’s a scary picture.

But…there is a mode of escape from these punishments. His name is Jesus. He can give us freedom from this eternal punishment if we will only accept the free gift of salvation which He offers to every man, woman, boy and girl on planet earth. Will you share this good news with someone today? Will you be the one who leads them to the One who can provide this salvation and the escape from eternal punishment?

O Lord, lead me to someone today who needs to hear the Good News.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Consequences, Indignation, Scripture, Sin, Wrath

A WARNING

ROMANS 2:8

“but to those who are self-serving and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, He will give wrath and indignation.” 

If-Then statements have been used by parents forever. “If you clean your room, then you can go out and play.” I am sure you heard a few of those growing up. If-Then statements can also be used as motivation in the workplace. “If you meet your sales goal, then you will receive a nice bonus.” But If-Then statements can also be used to give a warning, like in today’s verse. It is not exactly an If-then statement, but you’ll catch my drift when you read the verse.

Paul says if we “are self-serving and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness,” then “He will give wrath and indignation.” You see what I mean – If-Then! God gives us a clear warning what will happen if we do not obey. If we choose ourselves, don’t obey the truth but obey unrighteousness, He will bring His wrath and indignation on us. Why? Because God can not tolerate deliberate, willful, sinful behavior. Contrary to popular opinion, not everyone will be in heaven. You have to obey the Lord to receive entrance.

APPLICATION

What exactly is this “wrath and indignation”? The Greek word for “wrath” is orge and it is used here to show “the settled, righteous opposition of God to sin,” (Topical Lexicon). Jesus warns us of this wrath in John 3:36. “‘The one who believes in the Son has eternal life; but the one who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.’”

“Indignation” is the Greek word thumos and “is used of God’s perfect, holy wrath in Revelation (Rev 14:10,19,15:1, etc.). This anger is directed against sin with intense opposition and without sin.” (HELPS Word studies) Therein lies the difference between our indignation and God’s – He does it without sinning (which of course He can’t do). We, on the other hand, get caught up in our indignation and can react sinfully.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to face that one day. I want to be welcomed into the bosom of God with the words “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” I have no fear of His wrath and indignation because I know in whom my hope lies. It lies in His Son, Jesus Christ, Who loves me and died for me. How about you?

Thank You, Lord, for the freedom from Your wrath and indignation.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Endurance, Faith, Perseverance, Scripture, Trust

PERSEVERE

ROMANS 2:7

“to those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life;” 

Perseverance is definitely an admirable quality in a person. I have friends who have persevered under tremendous trials and conflicts. Some of those have been physical challenges with their health. Others have faced family issues that threatened to diminish their trust in God. But through it all, they have persevered. What does Paul mean by the use of that word in today’s verse?

Paul uses the Greek word hypomonē which “conveys steadfast endurance that clings to God in the face of pressure. More than passive waiting, it is active, faith-filled perseverance that refuses to abandon obedience or hope. While English versions alternately render the term ‘endurance,’ ‘perseverance,’ or ‘patience,’ its essence is a Spirit-empowered tenacity that remains under trial until God’s purpose is fulfilled.” (Topical Lexicon). Perseverance without a God motivation is just stubbornness (that we discussed in verse 5).

APPLICATION

Hypomonē is used by Jesus in the Parable of the Sower to describe the seed in the good soil. In Luke 8:15 He says, “‘But the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word with a good and virtuous heart, and hold it firmly, and produce fruit with perseverance.’” Even good soil can be challenging. Weeds can spring up that need pulling. Water is needed to help the seed germinate and grow. Fruit production takes perseverance.

We see hypomonē also in 2 Corinthians 6:4 where it is translated as “endurance.” Read verses 1-10 to get a full picture of what Paul is sharing here. But verse 4 says, “but in everything commending ourselves as servants of God, in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in difficulties,” As leaders in our churches, we are expected to exemplify hypomonē as others are observing our actions.

I love how Peter uses hypomonē in his building list of characters in 2 Peter 1:5-8. It is worth sharing here. “5 Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, 6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, 7 and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they do not make you useless nor unproductive in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

So, examine where you are on a scale of 1 to 10 in regard to your perseverance in the faith. God is not asking you to do this alone. He is right there with you. Step out and trust Him. 

O Lord, help me persevere when I see no light because I know You are the only light I need.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Forgiveness, Grace, Judgment, Mercy, Payment, Repayment, Repentance, Scripture, Works

REPAYMENT PLAN

ROMANS 2:6

“who WILL REPAY EACH PERSON ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS:” 

You’ve probably heard the expression, “Payback is H..LL.” Right? I don’t want to sound crude, but some people take this seriously. If you hurt them, they will hurt you back. If you damage them in any way, they will make you pay. Gang wars are based on this. That’s why these fights never end. Our flesh thinks we have the right to retaliate. Paul addresses today the only One who has the right to repay someone for their actions.

In verse 6, Paul references a couple of verses, according to most scholars. His words here are not the literal words of these verses but more the idea behind them. God is holy and will not allow mankind to escape judgment. Albert Barnes says this, “It is not true that God will treat people according to their external conduct: but the whole language of the Bible implies that he will judge people according to the whole of their conduct, including their thoughts, and principles, and motives; that is, as they deserve.”

APPLICATION

One of the verses in Paul’s thoughts is Psalm 62:12 which says, “And faithfulness is Yours, Lord, for You reward a person according to his work.” The first “work” is our decision to follow Jesus. Did we give Him our all? I was reading an article this morning about the Discipleship Gospel. It said (and I agree) it is, “about both salvation and discipleship. All who respond to salvation are freely saved and, at the same time, called to discipleship by faith, no exceptions, no excuses (Mark 8:34–38; 1 Cor. 15:1–8). It is about kingdom life then and there (when we die), but also here and now (in this life). It is about surrendering to the risen and saving King to have our sins forgiven and our lives changed, so that we learn to die to ourselves and live for him (Galatians 2:20).” (What is the Discipleship Gospel? by Bobby Harrington and Curt Erskine)

Another possible verse on Paul’s mind in verse 6 is Proverbs 24:12. “If you say, ‘See, we did not know this,’ does He who weighs the hearts not consider it? And does He who watches over your soul not know it? And will He not repay a person according to his work?”

Jesus makes mention of this repayment in Matthew 16:27. “‘For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and WILL THEN REPAY EVERY PERSON ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS.’” What is your response? I want to be repaid by God for my deeds – my good deeds, my allegiance to Him, my acts of kindness and mercy, my obedience to Him. Surrender your self-will for His will today. Then you can rest in the repayment plan issued by God Himself.

Father God, I know I will be judged by You for my works. Let every action I take reflect Your glory.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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