Romans 2:1-16
Dear RTB’ers,
We pick up today on the heels of yesterday’s last verse, reflecting back to all the evil practices mentioned in Romans 1:28b-31: …although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also approve of those who practice them. (v. 1:32) Our reading begins today with Paul still speaking to that same “audience”, those who “do the same” and “also approve of those who practice them”. These people “have no excuse, … every one of you who judges…” (v. 2:1a). Oops. I need to stop reading. Paul is talking to me! I am one person in that audience!! When I judge someone else, I am condemning myself, because I practice the same things. (v. 2:1b) I stand condemned. Period. But thankfully, that’s not the end of the story. Jesus paid that price to free me from that condemnation. And there will come a day when God will judge the secrets of mankind (v. 16b). Again, thankfully Paul closes that verse with “through Christ Jesus”. Without those last three words, we are all condemned! Thank you, Jesus!!
Enjoy!
How right you are, Fred! One can rather easily read through Romans 1 with its descriptions of what “they” do and be tempted to think of oneself as superior or more righteous than all “those” nasty sinners “out there”. “I might not be perfect, but I am certainly not guilty of all that,” we think. But Romans 2:1-5 brings it home. We are indeed all guilty of all that. And we do indeed too often presume on the riches of His kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead [us] to repentance. (Romans 2:4) Let’s listen well to what Paul says. More importantly, let’s listen well to the Holy Spirit — and repent.
Excellent comment, John! And if I may add on to it, For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it. (James 2:10) I could only wish that I were guilty of ONLY ONE PART of it!! I’ll leave it at that!