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OceanSide church of Christ
Read devotionals for January 2026
February 1, 2026
Romans 2:5 – But, after thy hardness and impenitent heart, treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God.
Thought: There are many things taught in this verse. The heart of man can become hard, so hard, in fact, it will not repent. Our sins are stored up if we fail to be forgiven of them. There is a day of wrath coming. That day of wrath will one day be revealed. At the day of wrath, those stored up sins will come back to haunt us. Then, all will learn of the righteous judgment of God. God is just. He isn’t a respecter of person. He will do what is right.
Proverbs 29:1
February 2, 2026
Romans 2:6 – Who will render to every man according to his deeds.
Thought: The judgment will be conducted individually and not by groups. Every man will stand before the Almighty God and give an account of himself. God will render to every man according to his deeds. Judgment is not based on skin color, culture, tongue, nation, education, gender, socio-economic status, position, power, popularity, beauty, or abilities. God has told us what we must do to be saved and stay saved. He will judge us by our deeds.
Revelation 20:12-15
February 3, 2026
Romans 2:7, 8 – To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory, and honour and immorality, eternal life: but unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath.
Thought: Here, we read about two lifestyles and two outcomes. One lifestyle seeks for glory, honor, and immorality. Because these are the things sought after, the individual continues in well doing. On the other hand, another lifestyle is contentious and refuses to obey the truth. This lifestyle serves unrighteousness. The outcome of the first lifestyle is eternal life. The outcome of the second is indignation and wrath. We are free to choose our lifestyle.
Matthew 7:13-14
February 4, 2026
Romans 2:9, 10 – Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil; of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good; to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile.
Thought: Paul contrasts again two lifestyles and two outcomes. It is interesting that he ends both with the words “to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile.” All men are amenable to God. The New Testament isn’t just for the Jews. It is for every tongue, nation, tribe, and people. Jews and Gentiles have a choice to make. Will they do evil? or, will they work good. One lifestyle ends with tribulation and anguish. The other ends with glory, honor, and peace.
Isaiah 55:7
February 5, 2026
Romans 2:11 – For there is no respect of persons with God.
Thought: All men are created in the image and likeness of God. All men have a soul. Jesus died for all men. God has given all men the ability to think, reason, and choose. There is no need for God to hold one person in honor above another. Skin color, culture, education, and socio-economic standards do not cause God to prefer one above another. There is no respect of persons with God. All will be judged fairly and by the truth. The Judge of all does right.
Galatians 6:7-8
February 6, 2026
Romans 2:12 – For as many as have sinned without the law shall also perish without law; and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law.
Thought: Paul’s words show the difference between the Jews and the Gentiles. The Gentiles did not have the Law of Moses. The Jews, on the other hand, did have the Law of Moses. Even though the Gentiles were not under the Old Covenant, when they sinned, they received the sentence of condemnation. The Jews’ actions were judged by the Old Testament. If they violated it, they, too, were condemned. Jews and Gentiles lived under different legal systems.
Deuteronomy 5:1-3
February 7, 2026
Romans 2:13 – (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.
Thought: There are two points of importance found in this verse. First, hearing God’s Word is not enough. God intended for the words that are heard to be obeyed. Second, obedience is not an evil word. Obedience and faith have always been closely tied together. Just because a person does something God has commanded does not mean he has quit believing and is trying to be saved by works. Paul says: “the doers of the law shall be justified.”
James 1:22-25
February 8, 2026
Romans 2:14 – For when the Gentiles which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:
Thought: Law has always existed. If it did not, then man could not sin for sin is the transgression of the law (1 John 3:4). How did law come into existence? God revealed it. He has revealed it in various ways. To the Jews, it was revealed in the Law of Moses. Many of those laws had also been revealed in the Patriarchal Age. They were practiced over a long period of time. These were the laws to which the Gentiles were held accountable.
Romans 1:19-21
February 9, 2026
Romans 2:15 – Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)
Thought: Even though the Gentiles were not given the law of Moses, many of its precepts had been written on their hearts by long standing practice. Their conscience was an evidence that they were aware of God’s law. The conscience is a feeling that originates in the mind that either approves or condemns based upon the teaching and training one receives. Paul affirms that the conscience of the Gentiles both accused and excused them.
Genesis 20:5
February 10, 2026
Romans 2:16 – In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
Thought: There is coming a day. It is one of the most important days that has ever existed. No one will miss this day. It is the day when “God shall judge.” It is the day when God shall judge “by Jesus Christ.” It is the day when God shall judge using the standard of the gospel. It is the day when open and obvious things will be judged. It is the day when God shall judge “the secrets of men.” Yes, there is coming a day. We call it “The Judgment Day.”
Acts 17:31
February 11, 2026
Romans 2:17 – Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God.
Thought: Those who are associated with a religious group are usually proud of their tradition. They are not ashamed to be called by the name of the group. They trust in the doctrines and principles of the organization. They are not hesitant to claim that God is their God. This was especially true of the Jews in the first century. They were God’s chosen. They were the children of Abraham. They would boast that we are God’s, and God is ours.
Isaiah 48:1-2
February 12, 2026
Romans 2:18 – And knowest his will, and approves the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law.
Thought: The Jews of the first century had possessed the Law of Moses for a very long time. They had studied it thoroughly. Thus, they knew the Lord’s will. The things that are “more excellent” are the things that are approved of God. Those things the Jews also approved as they should. From a young age, they were instructed out of the law. They had no excuses for any disobedience to God. Their disobedience did not involve ignorance, just rebellion.
Deuteronomy 4:5-6
February 13, 2026
Romans 2:19 – And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness.
Thought: A knowledge of God’s will is not supposed to benefit the disciple alone. The student eventually becomes a teacher. He guides those who do not understand God’s will. This lack of knowledge is like unto blindness. The ignorant grope along in this life not knowing where they are going. The teacher can also be likened unto a light. He guides those who are in darkness. The Jews were confident they were both guides and lights.
Matthew 23:1-2
February 14, 2026
Romans 2:20 – An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.
Thought: There are several different types of individuals that need to be instructed. Paul mentions two of them, the foolish and babes. The Jews believed themselves to be teachers of both. Paul also acknowledges that the Jews had “the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.” The word “form” refers to the outward appearance. The Jews presented themselves outwardly to others as the perfect embodiment of the truth found in the Law of Moses.
2 Timothy 3:5
February 15, 2026
Romans 2:21 – Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? Thou that preachest a man should not steal, does thou steal?
Thought: There are several thoughts that come to mind from this verse. First, truth is intended for the life of the teacher as much as it is for the student. Second, it is possible for an individual to know the truth, teach the truth, and fail to make application of that truth in his life. Third, those who advocate for the truth but fail to make application of it in their lives are hypocrites. Outwardly, they are one thing. Behind closed doors, their lives are different.
Luke 19:21-23
February 16, 2026
Romans 2:21 – Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? Thou that preachest a man should not steal, does thou steal?
Thought: Paul uses some very specific illustrations of the hypocrisy of the Jews. They taught others not to steal, but they stole. They taught others not to commit adultery, but they engaged in adultery. They taught others to abhor idols, but they committed sacrilege, a word that means “to be a temple robber.” They boasted that they had the law committed to them, but they broke the law and dishonored God. They were guilty as charged.
Jeremiah 7:9-10
February 17, 2026
Romans 2:24 – For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.
Thought: When individuals claim to believe certain things and teach those things to others, others expect the teacher to live in harmony with his beliefs and teachings. If the teacher fails to do this, the students are disappointed, dismayed, and reject the teachings that are set forth. The Jews held the Gentiles to a high standard of living. However, they failed to live up to their own standard. Because of this, the name of God was blasphemed by the Gentiles.
Titus 2:7-8
February 18, 2026
Romans 2:25 – For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.
Thought: Circumcision was a token of a Jew’s covenant relationship with God. It manifested his desire to be obedient to the responsibilities placed upon him in covenant. Paul notes that circumcision was only profitable if a person kept the law. The Jew failed to realize this. He was confident that his circumcision alone made him right with God. Not so. If he broke the law, his circumcision was made uncircumcision. He was condemned before God.
Galatians 5:3
February 19, 2026
Romans 2:26 – Therefore, if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?
Thought: Even though God designated the Jews as His chosen people, He had not given up on the Gentiles. If they kept “the righteousness of the law,” their uncircumcision was counted for circumcision. The Gentiles who lived righteous lives may have been few, but they had a way to be pleasing to God. God used the law to create a holy people to being His Son into the world. It wasn’t intended to condemn and make the Gentiles hopeless.
Acts 10:1-2
February 20, 2026
Romans 2:27 – And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfill the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?
Thought: There were some Gentiles who sought to live righteous lives before God. There were many Jews, on the other hand, who transgressed the law of God. Those Gentiles, Paul declares, judged the Jews. This is true when anyone lives a holy life before God. His life proclaims: “This is how God desires for all to live.” It also tells those who live in an opposite manner: “Your life is being lived contrary to God’s will. Such a life will be condemned.”
Hebrews 11:7
February 21, 2026
Romans 2:28, 29 – For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: but he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
Thought: Paul was well aware of God’s plan of salvation. He knew that a new covenant had been established. He knew the Law of Moses has fulfilled its purpose. He knew that the Old Testament has been done away. He was also completely aware of the ramification of these things. “For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly.” “But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly.” Physical circumcision has been abolished. Now, the heart must be circumcised.
Galatians 6:15
February 22, 2026
Romans 3:1 – What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?
Thought: If the Jews can be lost, and, if the Gentiles can be saved, questions would arise among the Jews. Paul notes two of them. “What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?” The Jews felt as though they were an extremely important people. They had been selected by God. They had been set apart by God. He had given them the token of circumcision to note their relationship with Him. Was all of this useless?
Deuteronomy 33:1-4
February 23, 2026
Romans 3:2 – Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.
Thought: The Jews were given the Law of Moses. This was a divinely revealed document that expressly set forth God’s will for Israel. It governed the nation politically, socially, and religiously. This was more “light” than had ever been given to humanity in the past. There was no more waiting for divine revelation. The Jews had the Old Testament in their hands. This gift from God gave the Jews an advantage over others who didn’t have the law.
Deuteronomy 4:7-8
February 24, 2026
Romans 3:3 – For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?
Thought: This would have been another question raised by the Jews. They were in a covenant relationship with God. However, they violated that covenant. Does this mean that God’s faithfulness to the covenant would come to an end? This is a great question. Covenants are designed with at least two parties in mind. Both are obligated to keep their part of the covenant. If one failed to keep his part of the covenant, the other party was free.
Hebrews 8:7-8
February 25, 2026
Romans 3:4 – God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.
Thought: God is not like man. He is reliable, trustworthy. “Let God be true, but every man a liar.” God keeps His word, fulfills His obligations, and brings His promises to fruition. Thus, He is always justified in His sayings. When He is judged, He prevails in judgment. God’s covenant with Israel was a vital element in God’s plan to redeem lost mankind. He needed a people through whom to bring the Messiah to the world. The Messiah would come.
Psalm 119:160
February 26, 2026
Romans 3:5 – But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man).
Thought: Man’s unfaithfulness to the Law did not cause God to renege on His obligation to the covenant. In fact, man unrighteousness caused God’s righteousness to shine. This caused the Jews to ask another question: “Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance?” If man’s unrighteousness commended the righteousness of God, why would he punish man? Why should evil be punished if it resulted in good. (I speak as a man), Paul says.
Romans 6:1
February 27, 2026
Romans 3:6 – God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world?
Thought: Paul had asked in the previous verse: “Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance?” He boldly answers: “God forbid.” God was not unrighteous to punish the Jews who violated His covenant even though it only caused God’s righteousness to manifested even more. He, then, asks: “…for then how shall God judge the world?” Sin manifests the grace of God. Does this mean God should not judge the world for their sins. God forbid!
Romans 6:1-2
February 28, 2026
Romans 3:7 – For the truth of God hath abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I judged as a sinner?
Thought: Paul is a shrewd debater. Here, he uses himself as an example. The Jews believed the message Paul taught was a lie. His lie brought bold opposition from the Jews. They did this believing that they were advancing truth to the glory of God. If Paul’s lie brought about something positive, he asks: “Why yet am I judged a sinner?” The Jews would never abide by this logic. However, it was the very logic they used to justify their sins against God.
Acts 18:12-13
Read devotionals for March 2026