Principles of God's Judgment - 1

Today we return to our study in Romans.  Romans 2:1–6 (ESV) ¹Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. ²We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. ³Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? ⁴Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? ⁵But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. ⁶He will render to each one according to his works:

Chapter two changes the focus about who is being talked.  Chapter one was giving reference to those without any moral restraint, whereas chapter two is referencing the Jew, those who had a moral guideline by which to live.  These individuals could read Romans one and agree that those described in chapter one indeed were deserving of judgment.  If they were listening to Paul preach it they may have even added an “amen.”  They recognized the sinfulness of the “Greeks,” those without God and without moral restraint.  They are not unlike those who today seem to have their own “moral compass,” those who dislike discord, violence and even unkindness.

Yet Paul makes clear here in the beginning of the chapter that these Jews or moral individuals are without excuse as they stand before God as well.  They are willing to agree with the judgment of God on the immoral or even ask for the judgment themselves, yet according to verse three they are just as guilty.  Though they may not be committing the acts outwardly they are, none the less,  guilty.  

Just being privileged to hear the law does not keep one from being judged by it.  Only adherence to the law will keep one safe.  Romans 2:13–16 (ESV) ¹³For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. ¹⁴For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. ¹⁵They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them ¹⁶on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.”

Indeed all men who fail to keep the law are without excuse.  God has given an inner knowledge of right and wrong to all men, and they will be judged accordingly.

 Each one of us stands guilty before the father and in need of repentance.

 Please consider your standing on judgment day before a holy and just God.