Chapter 2 is all about Paul showing the Jews (and all religious people) that they have missed the whole point of the gospel. By relying on their own righteousness, they are running from salvation just as much as irreligious people, who rely on satisfying their appetites.
What bears witness against someone, even if they don’t know God’s law? (v.15)
"Dear Lord, thank you for writing your law on my heart. As your child belonging to you, help me to live a life that reflects who you are from the inside out. Help me to grow in knowing your written Word, that I may be guided by your wisdom in living. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen."
Paul asks those who take pride in being religious if they practice what they preach (v.21–23). What he says is striking, because there is no record of Jews robbing pagan temples of idol-statues. But underneath their outward religiosity, if inwardly they find meaning in power, comfort, possessions, sex etc., then they are idolaters just as much as those who worship in idol-temples.
What is the tragic result of this kind of hypocritical religion (v.24)?
"Dear Lord, thank you for the privilege of knowing you and having your gospel. Forgive me for when I have not lived in a manner lifts up the gospel. Show me and help me in my words and actions to be a guide to the blind and a light to those in darkness. Amen."
No religious ceremony or observance can change the heart. Only the Holy Spirit can do this. Just having the law or calling ourselves ‘Christians’, doesn’t mean we have living faith. What God desires is a pure and obedient heart.