Romans 2:1-16

Romans 2:1-16Senior Pastor Alex KennedyWe tend to be a lot more vocal in our criticism of others than we are of ourselves. We find all kinds of excuses for our sin. Condemning others while excusing ourselves is what allows us to hang onto both our self-righteousness and our sin. Paul is pointing out in this portion of his letter that, "you are condemning yourself."
Both the Jews and the moral Greeks might conclude that God's condemnation did not apply to them because of their higher planes of living, but the entire human race stood condemned before God because God's judgment is based on three things:

1. Truth (v2-4)
2. inescapable impartiality (v5-11)
3. Jesus Christ Himself (v12-16)

God is not grading on a curve. God's judgment is not based on our self-evaluation of our morals, but is based on the Truth. We should never try to take God's place as judge by condemning others without examining our own lives.
Verse 4 tells of God's kindness, forbearance, and patience. It is God's kindness that leads us to repentance. It is intended to give us space to repent, not to give us an excuse for sinning.
Romans 1 and 2 are setting before us the same two people that Jesus does in His parable about the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). Romans 1 is about the younger brother, and Romans 2 is about the prodigal son. Both are lost. Sin is sin.
Verse 6 is a quote from Psalm 62 where the Psalmist is complaining about a group of religious people who honor God with their mouths while their feet are quick to run after violence. They have an external show of religion, but internally they are still filled with wickedness. Paul's point is that external practices of religion do not equal inward transformation.
Christians are justified by grace alone, but this grace is a transforming grace that leads to deeds. A person doing good shows that his heart is born again. On the other hand, a person who continually does evil and rejects the Truth shows that he is unregenerate, and therefore will be an object of God's wrath.
Without judgement, salvation has no meaning. Without the reality of God's present and future wrath, the cross is emptied of its glory. We cannot appreciate who Christ is unless we have first acknowledged who we are.
"There are but two objects that I have ever desired to behold; the one, is my own vileness; and the other is, the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ: and I have always thought they they should be viewed together." - Charles Simeon
Questions to Consider:

1. Why do you think it’s easier to notice sin in others than in ourselves?
2. How could you show the same patience and kindness toward others that God has shown you? In what areas can you give friends, co-workers, or teachers the benefit of the doubt?
3. How can you cultivate a heart that seeks God’s glory rather than your own interests?
4. Paul stresses that God shows no favoritism. How does this challenge you when you are tempted to think of yourself as “better” than others?
5. If God were to “repay each one according to their deeds” today, what would that reveal about the direction of your life?

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