Romans part 4

Romans 2:1-16.

Have you ever gone into a meeting and a conversation started and someone was rightfully being reprimanded for their wrong doing?

Has that meeting then unexpectedly turned around on you at some point?

This seems to be what happens here in this letter to the Romans.

let’s look at chapter 2 vs 1

The New International Version Chapter 2

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. 2 Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. 3 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?

Paul’s discussion up to this point would likely be celebrated by Jewish Christians who would be excited about Paul getting onto these wrong doers.

Often we are likely to cheer on when it seems as if someone is getting their just punishment.

One thing we must remember

God’s judgment is not based on our own self-evaluation.

it is based on the truth.

it is foolish to pass judgment on others before passing honest judgment on ourselves

vs. 4

The New International Version Chapter 2

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?

5 But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed. 6 God “will repay each person according to what they have done.” u 7 To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. 8 But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.

There is a common mistake that is made

we mistake God’s patience for His absences

We think that if we get away with or go without judgment on things, then we may not be judged.

or that we have time to repent before judgement day

This seems to be the same for the Jews here in Rome

He waits to pour out His wrath because once it begins there is no chance for reprieve.

his patience allows for repentance.

That patience only goes so long and so far and those who don’t repent, Paul shares are storing up wrath for themselves.

We will be repayed for our works

not by way of Salvation, that is Through God’s grace alone

but for our wrong doing which produce wrath anger, affliction and distress

vs. 9

The New International Version Chapter 2

There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; 10 but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 11 For God does not show favoritism.

Just as salvation is made possible for everyone

God’s wrath is ready for everyone.

We’ve talked about it before

So often, the word of God is reduced to God’s love and grace conquer all and if we just believe, then everything is gonna be alright

Just as a reminder, When Jesus came, He did not come to abolish the law, but fulfill it.

Therefore, yes, His grace covers our sins, but that does not mean we are free to sin whenever wherever without consequence.

We all stand accountable for ourselves before God

What does that look like

What will it look like moving forward

Pray