Romans Part 2.b

What God did was simply remove his restraints and allowing man’s nature to take over. This in turn lead to mankind giving into their desires, which leads to sinning.

We talked about how they replaced God with false idols. That these false idols where created by man and that they worshipped them like God. Which in today’s culture we don’t see people worshipping these creates but man has replaced God with money, universalism, just to name a few.

Lets get into scripture Romans 1:28-31

Romans 1:28–31 NASB 2020

And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a depraved mind, to do those things that are not proper, people having been filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, and evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice; they are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unfeeling, and unmerciful;

There is a lot going on within this scripture, so like last week we will take it a few sentences at a time.

Lets look at Romans 1:28

Romans 1:28 NASB 2020

And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a depraved mind, to do those things that are not proper,

We see Paul writing that “mankind did not see fit to acknowledge God” meaning that mankind did not worship God and give thanks to God for all the good things. The repercussions of their actions was that “God gave them over,” which in the previous examples Paul was saying that since mankind abandoned God, that God abandoned them.

The term in Greek for “gave them over,” is paradidomi, which means to hand over, deliver. Remember it is a judicial term of handing over a prisoner to fulfill their sentence. This is also God lifting his restraint and allowing mankind to run their course. This in turn leads mankind to sin.

Then we see Paul outlining “a depraved mind” which the Greek is “adokimos” means “disqualified” or “not passing a test.” This term was normally used to describe useless, worthless metals because they contained impurity. What Paul is saying God tested mankind's minds and found them worthless and useless.

Then we see in Romans 1:29-31

Romans 1:29–31 NASB 2020

people having been filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, and evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice; they are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unfeeling, and unmerciful;

Now Paul continues to build his case, since mankind refuses to worship the rightful and true God, mankind becomes unrighteous, wicked, evil, envious, murders, filled with strife, deceit, and malice. Paul goes on to outline how they become gossipers, slanderers, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, haters of God, disobedient parents. This in turn makes mankind without understanding, they are untrustworthy, unfeeling, and unmerciful.

Paul is highlighting that mankind becomes pure evil without God.

Lets look at Romans 1:32

Romans 1:32 (NASB 2020)

and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also approve of those who practice them.

What Paul is outlining with “ordinance of God,” we have to look at the Greek for “ordinance” is “dikaioma” meaning requirement or commandment. Paul was making a reference to mankind knowing God’s commandments of them. That they are without excuse for not knowing. We see Paul reiterating what he had outline in scripture earlier but getting into a little more detail with it.

Now lets move into Romans 2:1-2

Romans 2:1–2 NASB 2020

Therefore you have no excuse, you foolish person, everyone of you who passes judgment; for in that matter in which you judge someone else, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. And we know that the judgment of God rightly falls upon those who practice such things.

Paul uses “Therefore,” which is important to call out because he is changing the direction of his argument. Paul is shifting his argument because in Romans 1 Paul was outlining the sinfulness of the pagan. He is now shifting to present his case against the religious moralist of the Jew or Gentile.

Then we see Paul mention “you have no excuse, you foolish person, everyone of you who passes judgement; for that matter in which you judge someone else you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.” Paul is calling out the Jew and Gentile who believe they are exempt from God’s judgement.

The Jew and Moral Gentile believe they are safe because they have not indulged in the immoral excesses that Paul outlined in Chapter 1. Which they are mistaken. They all have greater knowledge then the pagan so there is greater accountability for them.

In the scripture Paul mentions, “everyone who passes judgement: for that matter in which you judge someone else you condemn yourself...” Paul is outlining that if you have sufficient knowledge to judge others, then you condemn yourself because the person shows they have the knowledge to evaluate their own condition.

Then Paul finishes with “for you who judge practice the same things.” Paul was outlining that since they are condemning others they have excused and overlooked their own sin.

This is because of self-righteousness, which exists because of 2 errors:

minimizing God’s moral standard usually by emphasizing externals

underestimating the depth of your own sinfulness.

I know we touched on this last week but it is important that we do not become self-righteous and I want to emphasis this.

It is easy for us to do because we judge without thinking about it, we also minimize our own sin too. In today’s culture we are taught sinful ways are okay. The moral line is always moving.

This is where studying the Bible and being in God’s word helps to ensure we do not allow self-righteousness come into our hearts. Of course, approaching things in a loving way and humbling ourselves helps prevent this. Finally knowing we are all sinners and unworthy of God’s grace.

Know lets look at Romans 2:3-8

Romans 2:3–8 NASB 2020

But do you suppose this, you foolish person who passes judgment on those who practice such things, and yet does them as well, that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and restraint and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who will repay each person according to his deeds: to those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life; but to those who are self-serving and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, He will give wrath and indignation.

It is another big chuck of scripture but we will take a few lines at a time. Lets look at Romans 2:3-4

Romans 2:3–4 NASB 2020

Paul is now calling out those that judge others for their practices, when they do the same. He then goes into a rhetorical question asking if they think they will escape the judgement of God because of their self- righteousness. Paul further’s his point with asking another rhetorical question about, how they “think lightly of the riches of His kindness and restraint and patience...” Looking at the term “think lightly” in Greek is kataphroneo, this translates to “look down” or “to think down on” thus meaning to underestimate someone’s or something’s value, which in this case is undervaluing the riches of God’s kindness, restraint and patience.

In this case the kindness refers to “common grace” the benefits God bestows on mankind. Restraint in this context is to “to hold back” The type of patiences is the duration for which God demonstrates His kindness and tolerance for long periods of time.

Paul previously outlined that without God’s kindness, restraint, and patiences mankind goes back to their true nature of sin.

Then we see Paul end the second rhetorical question with “not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?” Which Paul is sharing that not knowing the kindness of God will not lead a person to repeat of their sins.

Paul goes on in Romans 2:5

Romans 2:5 NASB 2020

But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God,

This scripture is straight forward. Paul is now calling out people’s stubbornness and unrepentant hearts. An unrepentant heart is one that refuses to repent and accept God’s pardon of sin through Jesus Christ.

Then we see Paul use “storing up wrath” What Paul is talking about since they are rejecting God’s offer of forgiveness and are holding onto their sin they are accumulating more of God’s wrath, which earns a sever judgement.

We must keep in mind it is not a physical danger but a spiritual hardness Paul talks about.

Romans 2:6–10 NASB 2020

who will repay each person according to his deeds: to those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life; but to those who are self-serving and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, He will give wrath and indignation. There will be tribulation and distress for every soul of mankind who does evil, for the Jew first and also for the Greek, but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who does what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

This is another large chunk of scripture. However, lets break it down. Paul talks about how people will be repayed based off of their deeds. What Paul is making reference to is not that people’s works will gain them salvation because scripture teaches our salvation is not based off of works. However, scripture consdiently teaches God’s judgement is based off of people’s deeds.

This is what Paul is making a reference too. Now we see him describing the deeds of two distinct groups of people, the redeemed and the unredeemed.

Lets break these two groups down,

The redeemed deed’s are not the bases of their salvation. Meaning that we are unable to earn our salvation through works. What works can be defined as is working towards earning our salvation. Think of it as your current job. In most cases if you work hard and are good at your job you get promoted. Some believe that if you work hard enough through tithing, volunteering, serving others, serving the poor, missions work, and even suffering enough they will earn their salvation in the end. This is not the case and at Oaks we do not believe we can earn our salvation. The deeds of the redeemed is the evidence of their salvation.

The unredeemed deed’s are “self-serving,” and “do not obey the truth” I did want to call out a few things with “self-serving,” and “do not obey the truth” .

Lets look at self-serving first, the Greek meaning for this is “selfish ambition” which the term was used to describe hiring a mercenary, which is important because it makes a reference to someone who does what he would like for money regardless of their actions affecting others.

Then the reference that Paul make’s to the “truth” is a reference to God’s word, which can be found in scripture, and the Gospel.

These unredeemed will “obey unrighteousness” which you guessed it, we will look at the Greek for “obey” and “unrighteousness”

“obey” in Greek is peitho, meaning to win over, or trust, then the Greek for “unrighteousness” is adikia meaning wrong-doing, and injustice. What Paul is saying this group of unredeemed trust in the ways of wrong-doing and injustices over God.

Then Paul outlines what happens to both groups. The redeemed are rewarded with “eternal life.” Meaning they will live forever with God in Heaven.

The unredeemed are rewarded with God’s “wrath” and “indignation”

Lets look at Romans 2:9-11

Romans 2:9–11 NASB 2020

There will be tribulation and distress for every soul of mankind who does evil, for the Jew first and also for the Greek, but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who does what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For there is no partiality with God.

Now Paul is saying that those that do evil there will “tribulation” and “distress” for them. Which the Greek meaning for “tribulation” is affliction, and oppression. The Greek meaning for “distress” is difficulty and/or distress. So there will be distressing and difficult times for those that do evil.

In the scripture evil is a board term. What Paul is referring to is “moral evil,” to include both social offenses (ethics-murder, theft) and cultic sins (those offenses aimed directly against the deity, blasphemy, idolatry).

Then Paul mentions, “the Jew first,” which is a reference to how the Jews were given the first opportunity to hear and respond to the gospel. So the Jews will be the first to receive God’s judgement if they refuse. Then the Greeks will follow. However, Paul outlines “glory, honor, and peace to everyone who does what is good.” It would also go in the same order with the Jew first and the Greeks after.

Finally Paul ends the scripture with “there is no partiality with God.” What Paul is referring to with “partiality” is to give consideration to someone simply because of there position, wealth, influence, popularity, or appearance. God nature is just, so it is impossible for God to be anything but impartial.

Lets look at Romans 2:12-13

Romans 2:12–13 NASB 2020

For all who have sinned without the Law will also perish without the Law, and all who have sinned under the Law will be judged by the Law; for it is not the hearers of the Law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the Law who will be justified.

Paul is outlining that the Gentiles have never had the opportunity to know God’s moral Law. Which God’s moral Law is the Mosaic Law or more commonly know as the Ten Commandments.

Paul is also saying that they will be judge on their disobedience in relationship to their limited knowledge. Furthermore, the Jew and Gentile who had access to God’s Moral Law will be held accountable for their greater knowledge.

Then Paul makes it clear that the people who just hear the law are not justified but the “doers” of the law will be justified. When Paul makes a reference to “justified” he is saying that they are declared righteous in God’s eyes.

Now lets look at Romans 2:14-16

Romans 2:14–16 NASB 2020

For when Gentiles who do not have the Law instinctively perform the requirements of the Law, these, though not having the Law, are a law to themselves, in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience testifying and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them, on the day when, according to my gospel, God will judge the secrets of mankind through Christ Jesus.

We see in Romans 2:14-15 that Paul is making a reference to the Pagans. How they without knowing God’s moral law generally value and attempt to practice its most basic tents. Which is normal in cultures of today, with valuing justice, honesty, compassion, and goodness towards others, reflecting the divine law written in the heart.

Then Paul makes mention of “work of the Law,” which can be understood as the same works of the Mosaic law that was prescribe.

In Romans 2:16 Paul mentions on the day when according to my gospel, meaning not Paul personal message but the divinely-revealed message of Jesus Christ. Paul finally writes “God will judge the secrets of mankind through Chris Jesus.” The meaning of “secrets” in the passage is the motives that lie behind mankind’s actions. What Paul is saying is that God will judge mankind by the gospel.

Within this scripture Paul was building up his evidence. He wanted to ensure his audience knew that mankind was sinful by nature and what happens to those that disobey God. He went into greater detail building upon concepts that he had laid the foundation to earlier in his letter to the Roman Church.

Paul also ensured that his audience know how people will be judged. That even those who believed in God could still be judged unrighteous and that there would be more of a severe judgement because they have greater knowledge.

He was also strategically setting the stage for Justification by Faith. Next week we will be taking a break from Romans. This way I am not killing you with only Romans.