SCRIPTURE: ROMANS 2
Bible Verses
“ You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? (Romans 2:1-4)
“God “will repay each person according to what they have done.” To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For God does not show favoritism.” (Romans 2:6-10)
“ For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.” (Romans 2:13)
“A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God.” (Romans 2:28-29)
GOD’S RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT vs. 1-16)
There is no excuse for people who pass judgment to someone else, for whatever point he judges the other, he is condemning himself because he is doing it himself (v. 1). God’s judgment is based on truth and His kindness, tolerance and patience lead us towards repentance.
God will give judgment for every person according to what he does. To those who do good and seek glory, honor and immortality, he will have eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger (v. 8). Those who do evil will have trouble and distress but those who do good will have glory, honor and peace.
It is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. The Gentiles did not have the law but they showed the law written in their hearts with their conscience bearing witness.
THE JEWS AND THE LAW (vs. 17-29)
The Jews had the law. So they consider themselves a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in darkness, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of the infants. But what is important is do they practise what they teach? Do they dishonor God by breaking the law? God’s name is blasphemed because of the Jews.
Those who had been circumcised but break the law are worse than those uncircumcised but observe the law. Circumcision is only outward and physical. What is important is the circumcision of the heart by the Spirit, not by the written code. A true Christian is not someone who has been circumcised but someone whose heart is right with God and obeys Him.
THOUGHTS:
There are 3 divine principles of judgment:
- Judgment in accordance to truth – Some people have considered God’s goodness as their excuse to commit sins. They think because of his love, they will not be condemned. But God’s judgment will be according to truth.
- Judgment is according to personal deed – God judges all mankind based on the lives they lived. God has written His moral law in man’s heart. So, although the Gentile did not have the Law of Moses but they have conscience to guide them.,
- Judgment is according to the Gospel of Christ – The Gospel of Christ has power unto salvation. It demands an inward change “You must be born again”. If a person has never believed in the Gospel and received Christ, he stands to be condemned. A true Christian is a follower of Christ who has faith and whose heart has been changed.
REFLECTION:
- Do you pass judgment on others without first looking at yourself?
- Do you obey God’s word and live a holy life?
- Are you grateful for God’s goodness that brings you to repentance?
- Do you practise what you preach? Does your action match your word?
- Do you value more on external rituals rather than internal change in your heart?
- Are you prepared to face God’s judgment?