In Romans 1-3, the apostle Paul launched the book of Romans by demonstrating the common need for redemption among both Jews and Gentiles. In chapter 1, Paul proved that the Gentiles, though without the Law of Moses, were responsible to God for their behavior. They stood before God condemned, and they needed God’s salvation! In chapter 2, Paul revealed how the Jews were no better. Though they had the Law of Moses, they were guilty of the same sins as the pagan Gentile world! Despite their privileges as the chosen nation of God, they also stood before God condemned, and they needed God’s salvation just like the Gentiles. In chapter 3, Paul presented the sobering conclusion to his arguments—all (i.e. both Jews and Gentiles) are under sin (see 3:10, 23).
Keeping these contextual observations in mind, consider an interesting statement Paul said of the Jews back in chapter 2. The apostle wrote, “Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” (Romans 2:3-4 ESV). Did you catch that? Paul is reminding the Jews of how good God has been to them! An honest look back over their history would reveal that God had been so good to the Jewish people. Jehovah didn’t just give them the Law of God, but He showered them with acts of mercy, grace, kindness, and patience. God’s goodness should have motivated them to repentance! God’s goodness ought to have encouraged them to be good!
Do you remember one of the most tragic chapters in the life of David? He greatly sinned with Bathsheba, and he later compounded sin upon sin by his actions in 2 Samuel 11. However, it wasn’t until chapter 12 that God revealed David’s guilt through Nathan. When He did address David, though, the Lord reminded him of His goodness (2 Samuel 12:7-9)! Oh yes, God had been so good to David! God chose David to be king, He blessed him abundantly, He advanced and protected his kingdom, and He loaded his life with blessings. Yet, David got caught up in a moment of passion, forgot God’s goodness, and sinned against the One who greatly blessed him. He should have re-membered God’s goodness, for remembering God’s goodness would have compelled him to be good!
Haven’t you found this to be true in your life? Taking the time to pause, reflect on God’s good-ness, and relish God’s blessings helps us to act right! Being mindful of God’s goodness is a major incentive to want to honor Him and structure our lives according to His divine will. The more mindful we are of how good God has been to us, the more inclined we will be to resist sin and seek holiness. God is so good to us every single day of our lives, and reflecting continually upon God’s perfect goodness helps us to be good! Take to heart the words of the sweet singer of Israel who said, ―Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!‖ (Psalm 34:8)
Brandon Baggett is a former Pulpit Minister for Eastern Meadows Church of Christ.
