“And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law.”– Romans 2:18
Romans 2:18 Meaning
In this verse, Paul addresses the Jews who take pride in their heritage and the law. He points out that they possess knowledge of God’s will, which sets them apart. Because of their relationship with God, they have a clearer understanding of what is good and pleasing to Him. But knowing what pleases God does not necessarily make them better in God’s eyes. Quite the opposite is true. This knowledge comes with an expectation to act accordingly. We are reminded that knowing God’s will through instruction is not enough; we must put that knowledge into action and live out His commands.
As we consider the meaning of this verse, we should ask ourselves whether we merely know God’s word, or if we truly understand and apply it in our lives. It challenges us to reflect on how we live out our faith. Knowing the right things is not enough; it is our actions that reveal our relationship with God. We are called to not just understand God’s will but to act upon it, reflecting His love and righteousness in our daily lives. As followers of Christ, we are all given the opportunity to discern God’s will through Scripture, prayer, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This access to God’s wisdom is a privilege that we should cherish and take seriously.
Romans 2:18 Commentary and Explanation
In Romans, Paul often contrasts the knowledge of the law with the actions of individuals under that law. Here, he emphasizes the hypocrisy that can arise when someone knows what is right but fails to act accordingly. We see that the ability to discern God’s will provides a significant spiritual responsibility. The verse states that the Jews approve of things that are excellent because they have the law. It highlights the meaningful position that they hold. However, it also serves as a warning against complacency. Just because the Jews have the law does not mean they are automatically righteous. True righteousness comes through faith and the action that follows that faith, not merely the knowledge.
When we reflect on Romans 2:18, we must remember that it speaks to all of us, regardless of our backgrounds. The principle is still relevant today—a call to recognize our spiritual responsibilities. The fact that we know what is right, what is pleasing to God, should stir us into action. We cannot become complacent in knowing God’s law without living it out. We are reminded by James 1:22, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” This reinforces the idea that mere knowledge can deceive us if it is not accompanied by action. We should examine ourselves, asking: Are we living out our faith? Are we reflecting God’s righteousness in our lives?
Furthermore, we see that living out God’s will requires a relationship with Him, grounded in trust and obedience. Romans 2:18 invites us to consider how we approach God’s word. It is not merely about reading the Bible or hearing sermons; it is about internalizing that knowledge and allowing it to transform our hearts and actions. Our faith should lead to deeds that align with our understanding of His will—serving others, showing kindness, standing up for justice, and loving selflessly.
Ultimately, Paul invites us into a deeper understanding of what it means to be faithful to God. It is a reminder that our knowledge must manifest in our lives. We are not to find our worth simply in what we know, but in how we choose to live for Christ every day. Living according to His will is a reflection of our relationship with Him.
Context of Romans 2:18
Understanding the context of Romans 2:18 is essential for grasping its full meaning. The entire chapter of Romans 2 deals with God’s judgment and righteousness, emphasizing that both Jews and Gentiles are accountable to God. In the preceding verses, Paul speaks critically of those who judge others while committing the same offenses. He points out that knowledge of the law does not exempt them from God’s judgment.
The backdrop of this verse comes from an ongoing discussion about the Jewish people’s reliance on the law as their means of righteousness. Romans 2 highlights that mere possession of the law does not grant salvation—you must also live in accordance with it. Paul emphasizes a more profound spiritual reality that transcends mere rule-following. He shows that it is not enough to know God’s truth. Instead, one must also embody and express that truth in tangible ways.
As he discusses God’s impartiality, we learn that He judges everyone, regardless of their status. No one can escape accountability before God. He lovingly calls His people, both Jews and Gentiles, to recognize their need for the gospel. It is transformative to realize that knowing God’s will isn’t a privilege to be held as a badge but a responsibility to be lived out. This informs our understanding of grace—it’s about more than simply knowing what is right; it’s about living it through the example of Christ.
In this context, we can reflect and remember Jesus’ teachings throughout the Gospels, often focusing on the heart of God’s law, which commands love and compassion. All of this invites us today to consider how we can better live in alignment with God’s will and reflect Jesus’ example in our lives.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Romans 2:18
To fully appreciate Romans 2:18, let us break down the key phrases within it. First, we see the phrase “knowest his will.” This speaks to the idea that God has revealed His desires for our lives, which are embedded in the law. When we know or understand God’s will, we gain insight into what is good, pleasing, and perfect according to His nature.
The next part states, “approvest the things that are more excellent.” Here, Paul emphasizes the importance of discerning what is truly valuable in God’s eyes. It is not merely about knowing what is surface-level good. It encourages us to recognize the depth and richness of a relationship with God and what it means to follow Him.
The final phrase, “being instructed out of the law,” sheds light on the source of their knowledge. The law provided the foundation upon which they were to build their understanding of righteousness and God’s character. It is in the instruction from the law that one finds accountability and meaning. It teaches us how to live lives worthy of God. Through all these components, we see that having an awareness of God’s expectations comes with the responsibility to act on them. Our knowledge should result in actions that mirror God’s love and grace.
By recognizing these essential parts of the verse, we can see the rich implications for our own lives. We are called not only to understand God’s will but also to put it into practice. Knowing God’s will and embracing the treasures of His truth are signs of a growing faith that influences our relationships and actions in the world.
Lessons From Romans 2:18
There are several vital lessons we can draw from Romans 2:18. First, we are reminded of the significance of understanding our spiritual knowledge. Knowledge about God is a privilege; it equips us to live righteously and effectively respond to the world. But this understanding is not just to be collected; it must be shared through our actions. Knowing God’s law teaches us how to align our thoughts and behaviors with His will.
Secondly, this verse challenges us to reflect on our actions. How often do we find ourselves similar to the Jews in Paul’s writings—holding knowledge without it leading to transformed lives? We need to ensure that our faith is active, flowing into every aspect of our lives. Whether in our families, workplaces, or communities, we must strive to embody the principles we understand from God’s word. What does that look like for us? It means being intentional in showing love, grace, and mercy, as well as standing up for justice.
Another critical lesson is the awareness that we should not judge others based on what we know while neglecting to reflect that truth in our lives. We must be humble, understanding that we, too, are accountable to God. Being aware of our shortcomings helps foster a culture of grace. Instead of pointing fingers, we can be instruments of encouragement and support, reminding others of God’s truth and love.
Finally, we learn that engaging with God’s will opens our eyes to His greater purpose for our lives. It is transformative to seek God and allow His Spirit to guide us. Philippians 2:13 reminds us that God works in us to will and to act according to His good purpose. As we grasp this verse, we will be filled with the joy of walking alongside Him, impacting our communities for His name’s sake. Let us eagerly respond to His call, aligning our lives with His beautiful design.
Final Thoughts
As we wrap up our reflection on Romans 2:18, we are invited to examine our lives in light of this powerful scripture. It challenges us to not only seek knowledge but also live it out in our everyday lives. Understanding God’s will is a gift; living according to His truth is an ongoing journey.
May we be encouraged to reflect on how we can embody God’s love and grace more deeply in our families, workplaces, and communities. Together, let us recognize the incredible responsibility that comes with our understanding of His will. Let us put our faith into action and model Jesus’ life in our interactions with others. By doing so, we accurately reflect who we are called to be as followers of Christ.
Our knowledge must yield action. So, let us go forth with hearts that desire to live for Him, mindful of our influence on the world around us. We may be tempted to remain comfortable in our knowledge, but Jesus calls us to go beyond just knowing Him—to fully experience Him and share that with others in joyful service. As we take this verse to heart, may it spur us on to deeper devotion, commitment, and a desire to honor God in every aspect of our lives. If you’re interested in further exploring topics related to this, check out Romans 2:17, where Paul continues to unpack similar themes of law and knowledge.