The original audience to which Paul refers are 1st century observant Jews, people who knew and approved of God's Law (his Word), yet as we find out in vs. 21, failed to keep it. Rather than consider ourselves off the hook, the parallel to 21st century Christians is striking. We too have God's Word, we too outwardly approve of his commands, and yet far too many Christians (or self-proclaimed Christians) are living as if righteousness if optional. The hypocrisy of knowing and even proclaiming the Truth, but not living it, is both detrimental to each individual, but also a stain upon the Church's reputation, our collective Gospel witness to the Lost, and as Paul reminds us while quoting Isaiah, blasphemy against the name of God.
Long story short, those who claim to follow Jesus needs to live like him, period. There is no greater danger to the Church (in America or anywhere) than people who claim the name of Christ but wallow in sin. Thus encouraging fellow Christians (whether they be genuine but struggling, or fake in need of redemption) to live morally upright lives is one of highest priorities of the people who constitute Christ's Church.
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