Romans 2:12-24

Perishing Without the Law (vv. 12, 14-16)

All who sin without the Law will perish without the Law -> not having the divinely given knowledge of God through His word is no excuse

Every human has the Law, but not all have it in written form -> God has created us with His Law in our heart!

This law is manifested in our conscience -> it is the evidence of our souls, which separates us from animals

When people who do not have the Law perform the deeds of the Law (moral living), it is a testament that they know right and wrong

Even their own conscience confirms they have the law, both accusing and excusing based on what is morally correct

The work of the conscience is preparing them for the final day of judgement -> not in a good way!

The law of God written on the hearts of men will testify against them that their ignorance is no excuse!

While morality fluctuates, that is only because mankind sears their own morality over time

Just as chapter 1 says they do!

Perishing With the Law (vv. 12-13, 17-24)

The standard of the Law is not a test of memory/knowledge, but performance

The law doesn’t justify (Rom. 3:20) -> written from the perspective of the Jew under the Law, echoing the Old Testament teachings emphasizing obedience, not just knowledge (Josh. 1:8)

For you who think to be righteous and a guide to the wicked, do you hold yourself to the standard of God

A standard which you hold others to -> are you without fault?

If we look to a standard, it must be the purest form of that standard -> a standard in which you have stolen, committed fornication, and worshipped idols too!

If not, why? -> you know God’s will, know He is more excellent, and are instructed in the word of God!

The self-righteous are self-reliant, and self-reliance is a recipe for disaster! -> Until your self-righteousness means nothing to you, you are unfit for God (Phil. 3:4-11)

Your self-righteousness is not all that righteous -> in fact, it is detestable!

Your breaking of the Law is dishonoring to God and blasphemes His name to all the world!

It not only secures your eternal fate of condemnation, but inspires a similar condemnation for the whole world!

Regardless of the situation, the judgement is the same! -> eternal condemnation for all who do not trust in the grace of God for salvation

Those without the Law are still judged, and those with it are held even more accountable

All who reject Jesus will be in eternal condemnation!