“And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law;”– Romans 2:18 (KJV)
“You know what the law says. You know how to tell right from wrong because you have been taught.” – Romans 2:18 (NLT)
“You’re sure that you’re a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness,”– Romans 2:18 (MSG)
What Does Romans 2:18 Mean?
Romans 2:18 opens up an important discussion about knowledge and understanding of God’s will as expressed in His law. To know God’s will means to understand what pleases Him and what doesn’t. This knowledge is a divine gift that we are encouraged to embrace, as it helps us navigate our daily lives and moral decisions with clarity. In this verse, Paul highlights the idea that possessing knowledge is not merely for the sake of knowing but implies responsibility. It serves as a reminder that with understanding comes the need for approval of things that align with God’s desires.
The beauty of this verse is that it emphasizes the contrast between knowledge and faithful living. Knowing God’s will should lead us to approve and promote what is good in life. It doesn’t mean merely having an intellectual understanding; it is about living that truth out in our daily actions. Paul is pointing out that just because someone knows the law, it doesn’t automatically mean they will follow it or live in accordance with what they know. This calls for self-examination in our own lives, prompting questions like: Are we living out what we have been taught? Are we acting in ways that reflect our understanding of God’s will?
Romans 2:18 Explanation and Commentary
As we unpack Romans 2:18, it’s vital to recognize that Paul was addressing both Jews and Gentiles in his letter to the Romans. The law had a significant role in the lives of the Jews, and they were well aware of its standards. Paul acknowledges this understanding among them but also reminds them that having knowledge is not enough.
What happens when we become complacent in our knowledge of God’s law? That’s where the danger lies. Just as the Jews had been given the law, we too have been given teachings from Christ and moral instructions through Scriptures. We must be cautious; knowledge can lead to pride instead of humility if it is not acted upon. Paul seeks to strip away this pride and remind us of the accountability we have as individuals who know God’s will. The question stands: Are we truly living as reflections of God’s character or merely living out a set of rules?
The instruction out of the law points to the purpose of the law itself, which is to guide us toward righteousness and help us understand the heart of God. When we look at the law through the lens of grace, as made known in Christ, we see that it is both a guide and a mirror. As we read it, we should reflect on our lives and ask ourselves if we are genuinely striving to live in accordance with what we know. The purpose of the law is not just about avoiding sin but fostering a close relationship with God.
Additionally, the ability to discern right from wrong is a rich blessing bestowed upon us. We ought to use this gift wisely and be actively engaged in aligning our actions with God’s will. When we finally accept that our understanding of the law is tied to our behavior, we recognize how essential it is to grow in obedience rather than merely resting in knowledge.
Context of Romans 2:18
Understanding the context in which Paul wrote Romans is crucial. He penned this letter to address divisions within the Christian community of Rome, particularly the relationships between Jews and Gentiles. The Jews prided themselves on their knowledge of the law, seeing it as a superior status before God. Paul aims to show that all people, regardless of their heritage, are accountable to God. Romans 2 deals heavily with the righteousness of God and the hypocrisy that can form when we take for granted what we know.
Paul spends time dissecting the idea that merely having the law is not enough for justification. He appeals to the moral code that exists in every person, emphasizing that even Gentiles, who do not have the law, can exhibit a sense of right and wrong. This demonstrates God’s moral compass is universal. In Romans 1 and 2, Paul makes a compelling case that everyone is without excuse in their understanding of God’s will. Thus, Romans 2:18 is part of an argumentative flow that urges all believers to reflect on their lives and their adherence to the teachings of Christ.
This broader context shows that Paul is challenging both groups to recognize their attitudes towards law and faith. For the Jewish believers, it’s a revelation that knowledge alone cannot save them; it should lead to transformation instead. For the Gentiles, the verse assures them that they also can understand and fulfill God’s desires even without the written law. In many ways, this sets the foundation for Paul’s argument about salvation by faith, laying out a path for unity among believers.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Romans 2:18
Every word in Romans 2:18 brings an important aspect to the table. To “knowest his will” indicates an intimate understanding of God. This knowledge is critical and should lead to an appreciation of the things that are excellent. In this sense, “things that are more excellent” can be understood as recognizing God’s priorities and aligning with them. We should be reminded that this recognition is not passive; we are to actively demonstrate that knowledge through our decisions and actions.
The “law” in the verse signifies God’s moral framework. When Paul wrote about being “instructed out of the law,” it alludes to the teaching and guiding nature of the law. It not only instructs us but also serves to highlight the character of God. Additionally, being “informed” by the law implies that we cannot hide behind ignorance; we must respond appropriately to what we know. For us today, the challenge is to allow our understanding of God’s will to inform our daily lives, ensuring that we are not just hearers of the Word but doers.
Therefore, when considering Romans 2:18, we find a call to high standards of living and moral integrity. The key parts of the verse weave into a larger narrative: knowledge should lead to action, shaping who we are in Christ and how we interact with others. The expectations are clear—knowing God’s will means we are accountable for living out that truth, showing God’s love and righteousness in every aspect of our lives.
Lessons to Learn From Romans 2:18
There are profound lessons we can extract from Romans 2:18. The first is the affirmation of our responsibility as believers. We are given knowledge regarding God’s will, which ought to reflect in our actions. This challenges us to continuously seek God’s heart so that we can truly embody the teachings we embrace. We cannot underestimate the importance of these teachings, as they often serve as the catalysts for positive change in our communities.
Another essential lesson is about awareness. When we possess knowledge of right and wrong, we are held accountable for it. This can prompt self-reflection in our lives—are we living in ways that honor our understanding of God? This awareness also encourages growth by leading us to build deeper relationships within the Christian community, sharing insights, and calling one another to live faithfully.
We learn also the significance of humility. As we gain more insight into God’s law and His desires, we must remember that this knowledge is a gift meant for service, not self-aggrandizement. Tears of humility should certainly accompany our knowledge, leading us to a place where we see ourselves as servants rather than judges.
Lastly, the commitment to living out God’s word is a vital lesson in Romans 2:18. We must continually ask ourselves how we can apply God’s teachings in practical ways to our daily lives. In doing so, we invite God to direct our footsteps and guide our responsibilities.
Final Thoughts
Romans 2:18 serves as a powerful reminder of our responsibility and accountability as believers. The understanding of God’s will is both a privilege and a duty that should redirect our lives toward His loving purposes. As we reflect on the teachings of this verse, we can engage in a richer relationship with God, encouraging ourselves and each other to live up to the knowledge we have received.
God desires for us to not only know Him but also to reflect His character in everything we do. It is a beautiful call to action—to let our lives testify to the truths we hold dear. Let’s embrace the challenge and aim to embody the values we learn from Scripture daily. If you are interested in exploring more about Scripture, consider looking into Acts 14:24 or Joshua 9. We encourage you to read these passages and allow them to spark deeper conversations about faith in your life. May we continue to grow and flourish in our walk with Christ.