"The Judgment of God" (Part 1)

Summary:

Romans 2:1-5

I know what you might be thinking.

Paul does too...

Most likely he’s talking to the Jew here (vv. 9-13, 17).

But it could be an example of any moral person’s mindset.

The question of concern here is...

Who deserves the judgment of God?

The wrong answer (vv. 1-5)

The right answer (vv. 6-11)

What judgement? (1:32) - the sentence of death/punishment

What is the wrong answer? (v. 1)

Given by an imaginary response to the conclusion of chapter 1 (a literary technique common then called the “diatribe”).

THEY deserve the judgment of God.

“… judge another?

They agree with the conclusion of chapter one, and point to others.

What is wrong with this answer? (vv. 1-3)

It does not include YOU.

The person passing judgment on others.

There is a major flaw in their reasoning - no one is left out of the list (vv. 29-31).

They should say, “We are/I am...” without excuse/condemned by this/do these things/deserve God’s judgment.

For some reason, this person views themselves differently...

What is wrong with this person? (vv. 4-5)

They have a SECONDARY problem (v. 4) and a PRIMARY problem (v. 5)...

They presume on God’s kindness (v. 4).

“Presume”/ “think lightly of” - despise, look down on

What? The “riches” (abundance) of God’s “kindness” (goodness) in His “tolerance” (forbearance) and “patience” (endurance).

God has not yet punished them. Not because He won’t. But, He is giving them time to repent, a chance to turn/change.

The common Jewish error was to think that they were exempt from God’s judgment because of their nationality.

But any “moral” person by comparison could think that surely God would give them a pass.

They have an unrepentant heart (v. 5).

“Repentance” (v. 4) - change of mind

“Hard” - stubborn, callous. To what?

“Impenitent” - unrepentant, resistant to acknowledge their own wrong

This implies that there is wrong worthy of punishment.

So Paul gives a warning of final judgment to the one who does not acknowledge their sin

“Storing up” - saving for later

As long as they do not repent of their sin now, they are in essence saving up for punishment in the final judgment, and there will be no denial then.

So Paul is offering a wake up call to those who think they are good by comparison. They deserve equal punishment.

Consider your own sin.

This is what Paul wanted everyone, including the seemingly moral person, to do.

To have an accurate and appropriate view of their own sin...

And, to consider the consequences. No one is exempt from deserving punishment.

We should have an accurate understanding of what we truly deserve.

Initial awareness, and ongoing awareness (1 Timothy 1:12–17).

1 Timothy 1:12–17 ESV

12 I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, 13 though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. 17 To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Benediction:

Scripture Reading: