I n verses 17 to 19, Paul lists the advantages that a Jew claims would give him special privileges. First, he is “called a Jew”, meaning he is a child of Abraham and claims racial privilege. This is akin to a person calling himself a Christian simply because he was born and raised in a Christian home. Second, a so-called Jew “restest in the law”, believing that the mere possession of the law assures his salvation. This is like the church-goer who thinks carrying the right Bible translation to church means he is saved. Paul reminded us in verse 13 that “not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified”. As the cliché goes, if we talk the talk, we must walk the walk, or else we deceive ourselves [James 1:22]. Third, a so-called Jew “makest thy boast of God”, bragging of his being God’s favorite, the true people of God, just as a church-goer who boasts of his association with a particular preacher or church. Fourth, a so-called Jew claims he is “instructed out of the law” and boasts that he “knowest (God’s) will, and approvest the things that are more excellent”. The word “instructed” is the word from which we get “catechize”. It is good and commendable that believers have the desire to be instructed in God’s Word. But Paul also warns of “knowledge (that) puffeth up” [1 Corinthians 8:1]. Our study and understanding of Holy Scripture should make us more discerning, able to distinguish between essentials and non-essentials and focus on the things that really matter. Sound doctrine – as Paul says – should teach us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to “live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” [Titus 2:12].
LESSON
Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God, and knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law.
Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. – 1 Corinthians 8:1b
THOUGHT
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