Introduction: Romans 2 speaks to the heart of humanity about the righteous judgment of God, and the worthlessness of being judged by another person. The Apostle Paul addresses both Jews and Gentiles, emphasizing that God’s judgment is impartial and based on truth, the truth of the Word of God which we all have access to and can read at anytime. God’s Word is what final judgement is based on. He explains that it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but the doers of the law. This chapter challenges us to examine our hearts and actions, to live according to God’s standards, and to understand that we all need God’s grace and mercy, yes even in year 2024.
I. God’s Righteous Judgment (Romans 2:1-5)
Paul warns that those who judge others are without excuse, for in judging another, they condemn themselves. Regardless of whether or not they have knowledge of God’s righteous decree, they continue in their stubbornness and unrepentant heart, storing up wrath for themselves. Other verses in the Bible that relate to these are Matthew 7:1-2, where Jesus said, judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged. James 4:12, the Bible says there is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor? Also in Luke 6:37, Jesus said, judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven. It is useless to judge another person seeing that our judgement is not just.
II. God Judges According to Works (Romans 2:6-11)
God will repay each person according to their works. Those who seek glory, honor, and immortality by doing good will receive eternal life, whereas those who are self-seeking, egotistical, proud, and disobey the truth will face wrath and fury. In Psalm 62:12, the psalmist speaks of God’s righteous judgement this way, for you render to a man according to his work. Another verse that relates to these verses is in Proverbs 24:12, does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it, and will he not repay man according to his work? Also in Revelation 22:12, Jesus said, behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. Faith without works is dead (James 2:17).
III. The Law and the Heart (Romans 2:12-16)
Those who sin without the law will perish without the law, and those under the law will be judged by the law. It is not the hearers of the law who are justified, but the doers. Even Gentiles, who do not have the law, can act according to the law the Holy Spirit writes in their hearts. God told the Jews to be doers of the word in Deuteronomy 10:12-13, and now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Another verse that comes to mind is Jeremiah 31:33, God said I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Finally Ecclesiastes 12:14 promises us, for God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.
IV. The Jews and the Law (Romans 2:17-29)
Paul addresses the Jews directly, who rely on the law and boast in God. He points out that knowing the law is not enough; one must also obey the law. True circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter of the law. God said in Jeremiah 9:25-26, behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will punish all those who are circumcised merely in the flesh. In Ezekiel 36:26-27, God says, and I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. Also in Philippians 3:3, the Bible says, for we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh.
Conclusion: Romans 2 confronts us with the reality that God’s judgment is based on truth, not appearances or heritage. It teaches that genuine righteousness comes from a transformed heart, one that follows God’s law out of love and obedience. Every person is accountable to God, and it is by our actions and the condition of our hearts that we will be judged. This chapter should inspire believers to live lives worthy of the calling we have received, knowing that God’s mercy is available to all who repent and seek to follow Him in sincerity and truth.
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