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Romans 2:24: For, As It Is Written, "The Name Of God Is Blasphemed Among The Gentiles Because Of You."


Romans 2:24
[24] For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” (ESV)

The Apostle Paul refers to a passage in Isaiah 52:5 which talks about the way Israel's captors would blaspheme God's name when they had the people of Israel in captivity. The reason the people of Israel were in captivity in the first place was because of their disobedience to God's Law. God always used foreign powers to bring punishment to His people.

The people of Israel had great disdain for Gentiles. It may be due to the fact that their Gentile captors caused them much pain in the past. The primary reason that the Jews despised the Gentiles was that they were not the recipients of the Law. The Jews were so proud of having the Law, yet they did not live up to it.

So, the Jews, who loved the Law, ended up in Gentile nations because of their own disobedience. They looked down their noses at the Gentiles for not keeping the Law. Yet, for all of their sermonizing about the Law, their lack of obedience made a mockery of the Law and Paul is addressing this hypocrisy.

It is easy for us to look at this situation and say, "Wow, those terrible people of Israel!" You and I have been given the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We have the revelation of Scripture. How often do we look down our spiritual noses at the heathens around us, while at the same time gossiping about our neighbor, lusting after the things of the world, and filling our hearts with pride?

Take the time to consider how you will live your life in the "Gentile" world around you. Are your actions going to draw people to the wonderful savior? Or will your actions blaspheme his precious name?

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