Ok, here it is! Things have been great on the ship. We've had some very good conversation going on and people are fired up to know the truth. I rejoice in that. The band is also trucking through our surface warfare qualification and I think we all have a good chance of finishing this cruise. I'm excited about the opportunity to be a motivator for this to happen.
So, Romans Chapter 2...to recap for a bit, Romans 1 defined the Gospel and spoke of its power to save all those who believe. Paul then turned and discussed the decay of human thinking that results from exchanging the truth of God for a lie.
Now we find Paul turning his attention to the Jew. I can imagine that the Jews might have been nodding in agreement with Paul in his thoughts on the Gentiles, but now he confronts them in their pride and boasting and probably makes a few enemies for himself. Thank God that Paul was not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and placed the truth higher than his personal well-being! Let's take a look.
There are a couple of main portions to chapter 2. The beginning of the chapter has Paul arguing that the Jew is also storing up wrath for himself because God shows now partiality. Paul then goes on to explain that the Law has been written on the hearts of men, and our own conscience bears witness against us. Paul then asks a series of questions that answer the rebuttals that would likely arrise from his position. The end of the chapter speaks of the true circumcision which is a heart issue and comes from the Holy Spirit.
God's Righteous Judgment (v1-11)
As I began reading Chapter 2, the first verse really stuck out. You who judge have no excuse! You condemn yourself because you do the very things that you condemn others for. Is there anyone that cannot relate to this? Sadly, I know that I judge people all the time and I'm sure I do it even when I don't notice that I do. I'm convicted by Paul's words here.
I think of Christ's words in Matthew 7 that say "judge not, that you be not judged." Jesus goes on to question how we can offer to take the speck from our brother's eye without removing the plank that is in our own. Even if it is something small like the way someone ties their shoes, how often do we deal with the temptation to judge someone else while neglecting to be mindful of how we ourselves appear before God? I think often.
Verse two is a biggie. Paul is setting up his argument that is actually fully stated in chapter 3:23 (which we'll discuss next time). He says that "the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things." Do you judge others? You stand condemned. By doing this, Paul condemns his former life and shows his miraculous repentance from the persecution he inflicted on Christians. I find Paul's humility encouraging. There is nothing in his flesh that gives him authority to speak these words. It is authority from God alone.
V. 3-4: So, Paul has made it clear that those who judge others stand condemned. To cut off the contention that "I'm better than the Gentiles," Paul asks this question: Do you suppose, you who judge others and practice the same things, that you will escape the judgment of God? In other words, do you think that being better than someone else makes you right before God? Does God compare everyone on earth and let the top 50% nicest people into Heaven? He then asks another question: Or do you presume on the riches of His kindness and forbearance and patience? Do you think God is too nice to send you to Hell? The reality is that God's mercy is meant to bring about repentance, not arrogance.
Verse 5 concludes Paul's thoughts. He answers both questions in one by saying this:
But 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.
Notice that Paul doesn't say "because of the sins you have committed." It is not by external actions and words that God will judge men. I think we can characterize anyone who boasts in anyone or anything other than Jesus Christ as one who has a hard heart. Before one can believe in Christ, one has to realize that he/she is sinful to the core. A relationship with Christ is not possible if one thinks he/she is a good person capable of doing something that acheives God's blessing. Paul will conclude the chapter with this idea, so we'll come back to this idea.
I do find it interesting that Paul uses the word "heart" three times in this chapter and he uses it in chapter 6 as well to describe obedience that God requires.
By this point in Paul's argument, verse 6 should terrify anyone listening or reading. "He will render to each one according to his works." Since Paul has shown that man is by nature sinful, I would imagine he would get the response of "you're saying that no one is worth and now you're telling me that God will judge each one according to his works...I guess we're all doomed!"
This indeed is a true statment. Thankfully, while both Christians and non-Christians will be judged by our works, we are not saved by them since all will stand condemned. We are saved through faith in Jesus Christ. Of course, good deeds result from salvation and the new heart that God gives to all who believe.
I like how MacArthur explains it by saying "It must be made clear, of course, that although Scripture, both Old and New Testaments, teaches that judgment is by works, it nowhere teaches that salvation is by works."
Verses 7 and 8 contrast the righteous with the unrighteous. Those who seek glory and honor and immortality will be given eternal life. Those who are self-seeking will receive God's wrath. Apart from Christ, there is no hope of righteousness. Paul isn't specifically saying that in these verses, but he will confirm this later in Romans.
Verses 9 and 10 discuss the reality of the tribulation of God's wrath that all unrighteous men will face and conversly speak of the peace and honor that await those who are found righteous.
Verse 11 concludes the first large section by saying "For God shows no partiality." This reminds me of James 2 when James discusses the sin of partiality. When we show favortism and esteem one person higher than another, we sin. Paul's words here show the opposite and affirm the righteousness of God. Just as with judging others, I know that I am partial all of the time. I'm thankful that God has been revealing this to me and giving me wisdom to resist this sin.
God's Judgment and the Law (12-29)
Verse 12 is really a continuation of verse 11. God is impartial. Those who die apart from the law will perish without the law and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. There is a twist to this as we'll see in a couple more verses though.
Verse 13 would probably come across very harsh sounding to God's chosen people, Israel. It isn't the hearers or those who the Word has been given to that are justified, but rather it is those who do the Word that are justified. This idea is so important. James 1:22 tells us to be doers of the Word and not just hearers deceiving ourselves. Does the doing of the Word acheive salvation? No. Galatians 6:15 says "For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation." However, those who live out the Word prove to be Christ's disciples and children of God. We have to be careful to observe and follow the difference here.
Verses 14 -16 speak of the Gentiles. Paul again speaks of man's heart when he says that the law of God has been written on the heart of man. Even the Gentiles who don't know the law prove that they have an understanding of morality and right and wrong. Again, Paul hammers on judgment. He says that God will judge the secrets of men. The secrets of the heart are what God will judge. Our motives and true self will be revealed.
I find it interesting that there are two witnesses that testify to and for each man: the heart and the mind. Man shows that the law is written on his heart and his own conscience either makes accusations against himself or excuses for himself. No one is exempt from this because it is precisely how God made all of us!
To me, Verses 17-23 can be summarized by verse 23. Paul writes "You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law." This paragraph is an argument against the law-abiding Jew. Paul begins by getting the attention of those who follow the law and are sure that they are guides to the blind and teachers of the law. You who are so sure of yourselves and the law, do you practice what you preach? Do you abide by all of the things that you teach others to follow? Clearly the answer Paul gives in verse 23 is "no." In face, in verse 24, Paul goes on to say that God's name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of these hypocritcal people.
Verses 25-29 are the concluding verses of the chapter. They happen to be my favorite, especially verse 29. The circumcision that Paul is refering to in this section is the physical act, not the spiritual circumcision spoken of in other passages. Paul says that circumcision only matters if one keeps the law. If one breaks the law, circumcision becomes uncircumcision. The reverse holds true as well. If an uncircumcised man keeps the law, his uncircumcision is seen as circumcision. That men then has the right to condemn you who are circumcised and break the law. Here is the cold hard truth: For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical.
Outward appearances do not necessarily reflect the true character of a person! One can do millions of nice things with the wrong motives. What good is a man buying a woman flowers if it is only because he wants to sleep with her? What good is feeding the poor if a man wants to end up with his picture in the paper as a great humanitarian. There is only one pure motive that a human can possess: to bring glory to Jesus Christ who has given us life.
Verse 29 is my favorite of the chapter. "But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God." The power of God for salvation for all who believe, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. How sweet it is. It is God's work. He gives us a new heart.
How's your heart?
Next time, we'll be looking at chapter 3. Paul defeats the argument that God is unrighteous to inflict wrath. He also comes to the pinnacle of his argument that no one is worthy or righteous by works. He also finally comes full circle back to the joy of the redemptive work of Jesus Christ on the Cross and our salvation through Christ.
So, Romans Chapter 2...to recap for a bit, Romans 1 defined the Gospel and spoke of its power to save all those who believe. Paul then turned and discussed the decay of human thinking that results from exchanging the truth of God for a lie.
Now we find Paul turning his attention to the Jew. I can imagine that the Jews might have been nodding in agreement with Paul in his thoughts on the Gentiles, but now he confronts them in their pride and boasting and probably makes a few enemies for himself. Thank God that Paul was not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and placed the truth higher than his personal well-being! Let's take a look.
There are a couple of main portions to chapter 2. The beginning of the chapter has Paul arguing that the Jew is also storing up wrath for himself because God shows now partiality. Paul then goes on to explain that the Law has been written on the hearts of men, and our own conscience bears witness against us. Paul then asks a series of questions that answer the rebuttals that would likely arrise from his position. The end of the chapter speaks of the true circumcision which is a heart issue and comes from the Holy Spirit.
God's Righteous Judgment (v1-11)
As I began reading Chapter 2, the first verse really stuck out. You who judge have no excuse! You condemn yourself because you do the very things that you condemn others for. Is there anyone that cannot relate to this? Sadly, I know that I judge people all the time and I'm sure I do it even when I don't notice that I do. I'm convicted by Paul's words here.
I think of Christ's words in Matthew 7 that say "judge not, that you be not judged." Jesus goes on to question how we can offer to take the speck from our brother's eye without removing the plank that is in our own. Even if it is something small like the way someone ties their shoes, how often do we deal with the temptation to judge someone else while neglecting to be mindful of how we ourselves appear before God? I think often.
Verse two is a biggie. Paul is setting up his argument that is actually fully stated in chapter 3:23 (which we'll discuss next time). He says that "the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things." Do you judge others? You stand condemned. By doing this, Paul condemns his former life and shows his miraculous repentance from the persecution he inflicted on Christians. I find Paul's humility encouraging. There is nothing in his flesh that gives him authority to speak these words. It is authority from God alone.
V. 3-4: So, Paul has made it clear that those who judge others stand condemned. To cut off the contention that "I'm better than the Gentiles," Paul asks this question: Do you suppose, you who judge others and practice the same things, that you will escape the judgment of God? In other words, do you think that being better than someone else makes you right before God? Does God compare everyone on earth and let the top 50% nicest people into Heaven? He then asks another question: Or do you presume on the riches of His kindness and forbearance and patience? Do you think God is too nice to send you to Hell? The reality is that God's mercy is meant to bring about repentance, not arrogance.
Verse 5 concludes Paul's thoughts. He answers both questions in one by saying this:
But 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.
Notice that Paul doesn't say "because of the sins you have committed." It is not by external actions and words that God will judge men. I think we can characterize anyone who boasts in anyone or anything other than Jesus Christ as one who has a hard heart. Before one can believe in Christ, one has to realize that he/she is sinful to the core. A relationship with Christ is not possible if one thinks he/she is a good person capable of doing something that acheives God's blessing. Paul will conclude the chapter with this idea, so we'll come back to this idea.
I do find it interesting that Paul uses the word "heart" three times in this chapter and he uses it in chapter 6 as well to describe obedience that God requires.
By this point in Paul's argument, verse 6 should terrify anyone listening or reading. "He will render to each one according to his works." Since Paul has shown that man is by nature sinful, I would imagine he would get the response of "you're saying that no one is worth and now you're telling me that God will judge each one according to his works...I guess we're all doomed!"
This indeed is a true statment. Thankfully, while both Christians and non-Christians will be judged by our works, we are not saved by them since all will stand condemned. We are saved through faith in Jesus Christ. Of course, good deeds result from salvation and the new heart that God gives to all who believe.
I like how MacArthur explains it by saying "It must be made clear, of course, that although Scripture, both Old and New Testaments, teaches that judgment is by works, it nowhere teaches that salvation is by works."
Verses 7 and 8 contrast the righteous with the unrighteous. Those who seek glory and honor and immortality will be given eternal life. Those who are self-seeking will receive God's wrath. Apart from Christ, there is no hope of righteousness. Paul isn't specifically saying that in these verses, but he will confirm this later in Romans.
Verses 9 and 10 discuss the reality of the tribulation of God's wrath that all unrighteous men will face and conversly speak of the peace and honor that await those who are found righteous.
Verse 11 concludes the first large section by saying "For God shows no partiality." This reminds me of James 2 when James discusses the sin of partiality. When we show favortism and esteem one person higher than another, we sin. Paul's words here show the opposite and affirm the righteousness of God. Just as with judging others, I know that I am partial all of the time. I'm thankful that God has been revealing this to me and giving me wisdom to resist this sin.
God's Judgment and the Law (12-29)
Verse 12 is really a continuation of verse 11. God is impartial. Those who die apart from the law will perish without the law and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. There is a twist to this as we'll see in a couple more verses though.
Verse 13 would probably come across very harsh sounding to God's chosen people, Israel. It isn't the hearers or those who the Word has been given to that are justified, but rather it is those who do the Word that are justified. This idea is so important. James 1:22 tells us to be doers of the Word and not just hearers deceiving ourselves. Does the doing of the Word acheive salvation? No. Galatians 6:15 says "For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation." However, those who live out the Word prove to be Christ's disciples and children of God. We have to be careful to observe and follow the difference here.
Verses 14 -16 speak of the Gentiles. Paul again speaks of man's heart when he says that the law of God has been written on the heart of man. Even the Gentiles who don't know the law prove that they have an understanding of morality and right and wrong. Again, Paul hammers on judgment. He says that God will judge the secrets of men. The secrets of the heart are what God will judge. Our motives and true self will be revealed.
I find it interesting that there are two witnesses that testify to and for each man: the heart and the mind. Man shows that the law is written on his heart and his own conscience either makes accusations against himself or excuses for himself. No one is exempt from this because it is precisely how God made all of us!
To me, Verses 17-23 can be summarized by verse 23. Paul writes "You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law." This paragraph is an argument against the law-abiding Jew. Paul begins by getting the attention of those who follow the law and are sure that they are guides to the blind and teachers of the law. You who are so sure of yourselves and the law, do you practice what you preach? Do you abide by all of the things that you teach others to follow? Clearly the answer Paul gives in verse 23 is "no." In face, in verse 24, Paul goes on to say that God's name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of these hypocritcal people.
Verses 25-29 are the concluding verses of the chapter. They happen to be my favorite, especially verse 29. The circumcision that Paul is refering to in this section is the physical act, not the spiritual circumcision spoken of in other passages. Paul says that circumcision only matters if one keeps the law. If one breaks the law, circumcision becomes uncircumcision. The reverse holds true as well. If an uncircumcised man keeps the law, his uncircumcision is seen as circumcision. That men then has the right to condemn you who are circumcised and break the law. Here is the cold hard truth: For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical.
Outward appearances do not necessarily reflect the true character of a person! One can do millions of nice things with the wrong motives. What good is a man buying a woman flowers if it is only because he wants to sleep with her? What good is feeding the poor if a man wants to end up with his picture in the paper as a great humanitarian. There is only one pure motive that a human can possess: to bring glory to Jesus Christ who has given us life.
Verse 29 is my favorite of the chapter. "But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God." The power of God for salvation for all who believe, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. How sweet it is. It is God's work. He gives us a new heart.
How's your heart?
Next time, we'll be looking at chapter 3. Paul defeats the argument that God is unrighteous to inflict wrath. He also comes to the pinnacle of his argument that no one is worthy or righteous by works. He also finally comes full circle back to the joy of the redemptive work of Jesus Christ on the Cross and our salvation through Christ.
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