Romans lesson 07 Chapter 2 Part 2 Chapter 2:1-
V1
Paul is addressing Christians in Rome who judge others for doing what they themselves are doing. They knew they were worthy of death because of their sin. These Christians in Rome were mostly immature Christians. They did not have the benefit of Paul's leadership or discipleship and old habits are hard to break but they must be broken. More on this in the next lesson.
V2:2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. Remember Paul is addressing Christians in Rome. But this is also a warning to those in Rome who had not believed on the name of Jesus or called upon His name; the lost.
God is going to judge those who sin: O man of V1: all men. This is a true statement and He will judge according to truth.
Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
**Consider these two judgments
Of the saved: Romans 14:10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. and 2Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
Of the lost: Romans 10:16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? Revelation 20:11-15 tells of a great white throne where all whose name is not found in the Lamb's book of life will face final judgment and will be cast into the lake of fire.
V1b for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself;
God calls evil evil. It does not matter who commits it or what the circumstances are.
If you know something is sin for someone else it is sin for you.
When you condemn someone for committing a sin and overlook the fact that you also sin you are you are condemning you action before God. You will be without excuse when you stand at the judgment seat of Christ to give account for things you have done while alive on the earth after salvation. The saved are not condemning themselves to Hell that was taken care on the cross but to shame before the Lord.
Where must the judging others begin? By first judging self
Romans 2:2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.
John 17:17 word is truth - John 1:1 Jesus Christ is the Word.
2Corinthians 5:10 For we (Christians) must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
Ecclesiastes 12:13 ¶ Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
Do our deeds further the gospel or hinder the gospel?
V1c Be sure you are not doing the same thing
In Matthew 7:1-5 Jesus teaches not to judge others for wrong doing before you first stop doing wrong yourself.
1Corinthians 6:5 I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?
1Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
Galatians 6:3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself
1Peter 3:11-12 Are we living as we ought to be? See Lesson three
1Corinthians 10:13 states we are tempted with temptations that are common to man. But God will not allow us to be tempted in a way that we can not avoid it.
Two Questions Romans 2:3-4
V2:3 O man, this question is to all people, saved, lost, Jew, Gentile. Do you think you are above judgment for choosing to sin. Do you think that only the other guy deserves judgment and you should get a free pass.
hypocrisy will be judged. Consider the two judgments listed above.
Luke 12:1 ¶ In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.
Those of us who profess to be Christian should heed this warning with even greater urgency.
Those who are not saved Jesus had an answer for them: in John 8:44 when he spoke to the scribes and Pharisees and told them "y are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do". They lived Galatians 6:3 because they thought they were above the common Jew but they were really nothing.
Pharisees felt they were above judgment.
According to Romans 1:20 the lost are without excuse. They also are of their father the devil and are being deceived only the worst of man will face judgment when right and wrong are placed on the scales of justice.
V4 Read Romans 5:15-6:2
V2:4a Or (O man), to the saved and lost)
V4b despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; (Webster's 1828 definition of despise: to scorn; to disdain; to have the lowest opinion of.)
V4c not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance
*God's goodness and forbearance and longsuffering has been revealed to all men
**In the witness of nature
**By the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Romans 2:16)
**Titus 2:11 ¶ For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
** Acts 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
** God's goodness demands repentance. If one has any concept of the goodness of God he will repent.
The lost have scorned the knowledge of God that has been revealed to them. Choosing to reject his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering in in doing to see no need to repent.
Hypocrisy of the saved is believing they deserve God's rewards while living in sin.
Imagine standing before Christ and having and having to admit you had such a low regard for His goodness and forbearance and longsuffering that you thought you could let the natural man reign in your body and sin against His saving grace; believing He is so good that He will overlook our sin and reward us just because you are saved.
Here will be His answer: 1Corinthians 3:15 Your work is burned up and you will suffer loss, but because of my grace you shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
Psalm 107:8 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
Ps 107:9 For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.
If you want to deal with the sin in your life study God's goodness. The knowledge of God's goodness will lead to repentance!
1John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.