Romans 2:19–20
[19] and if you are sure that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, [20] an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— (ESV)
If is a very small word. It is a very effective word in communicating. You know that where there is an "if" there is a "then." We will look at the "then" in the next verse. But for now, let's continue to look at Paul's development of the "if." He is talking about the Jews who had the Law and felt that they were in some way spiritually superior.
If you are a guide to the blind, a light to those in darkness, an instructor of the foolish, teacher of children, and having the embodiment of knowledge and truth. That's quite a collection of attributes. You can detect from Paul's words that this obsession with the Law had one very negative consequence. It developed a heart full of pride.
Paul told the church at Corinth that "knowledge puffs up, love builds up" (1 Corinthians 8:1). It may have been advantageous to know the Law of God. Yet, just having the knowledge of God's Law without having a position of humility just creates people who are self-righteous and look down on others.
There is a great danger for any who are involved in teaching the Word of God. We can look deeply at the truth of God's Word and rightfully be in awe of it. We can have the Holy Spirit show us the glorious mysteries of the revelation of Christ in every page of Scripture. If we do not recognize our own sinful condition and handle the Word with grace and love we will hurt others by our hypocrisy.
Dig deep into the truths of Scripture. Come to the Word as an admitted sinner. Humbly accept the Word. Receive forgiveness and gently share what you know with others just as needy as yourself.
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