Romans 2:17-20

Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and brag about your relationship to God; if you know his will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law; if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth—

(v17-20, NIV)

This is a long list of things Paul points out about Jews. They certainly call themselves Jews and are proud of this fact. In the first half, Paul lists out a number of things. These Jews rely on the law, boast in their relationship with God, know his will and approve of what is good. This first set in the list are results of being instructed out of the law. They have the law and they know the law. Having and knowing the law, they certainly rely on the law and boast in their relationship with God. Also note that these things are not wrong. Certainly there is a way in which boastfulness can be wrong, but there is also a proper way in which we are to boast in the Lord and our relationship with him. They do indeed have what God has given to them and that certainly is not wrong.

In the rest of the list, Paul points out a few other things about Jews. Jews are a guide to the blind, light for those in the dark, corrector of the foolish and teacher of children. In this last part of the list, we see what they are to do with the light that they have been given. It's not just having what God has given them, but applying it in the proper way. They use the law and teach others, guiding those who are blind. This certainly is not wrong either. We can imagine ways in which it could go wrong or how Jews could become prideful in these actions. However, there certainly is a proper way in which Jews are a light for those in the dark.

Jews certainly have the law and that's not wrong. They have the ability and in fact do many good things with the law like teach others. However, the way in which Paul has been speaking so far seems to be building up to something. Something's not right and Paul is about to make his point. However, be clear and know that these things the Jews have and have done are not necessarily wrong. You may point out that it's wrong to rely on the law. I agree, but it depends on what you mean. Relying on the law for our salvation is wrong because we are only saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ and not by works. However, as Paul mentioned earlier in this chapter, eternal life is received by those who in doing good seek for glory, honor and immortality. There is a sense or a way in which relying on the law is not wrong. Putting it in another sense, those who continue in sin and live in continual disobedience to God and his law will receive wrath and fury. Regardless, the Jews were given the law and their having of the law is not wrong. They could and have been doing certain things that were good, now having the law. Do not be opposed to his law, but embrace it. However, also know that we live by faith and rely on the righteousness of another. Have the light and embrace the light God gives. In addition, let your light so shine, teaching and correcting others.