Key Verse: "Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things." - Romans 2:1 KJV
Romans 1 gave us a sobering description of humanity's rebellion against God. But as Paul begins Romans 2, he turns his attention toward another kind of sinner—the person who looks at the sins of others and assumes that he is therefore righteous. Paul says: “Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest.”
It is easy to see someone else's faults. It is much harder to examine our own hearts. We can become very good at recognizing what is wrong with other people while overlooking the same attitudes, failures, and sins within ourselves.
Jesus addressed this very tendency when He said: “And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?” — Matthew 7:3
Paul's point is not that we should never recognize sin or distinguish right from wrong. Scripture clearly teaches us to do that. The point is that recognizing someone else's sin does not make us righteous.
We need God's mercy just as much as anyone else.
God's Judgment Is According to Truth
Romans 2:2 says: “We are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth.” Human judgment can be mistaken.
We judge by appearances. We don't know everything about another person's heart. We don't know every circumstance. We may see what someone has done without knowing why they did it.
But God sees everything. His judgment is according to truth. He sees the outward action and the inward motive. He knows what others cannot know. And because God is perfectly righteous, His judgment is always just.
This should produce both humility and reverence in us. We should be careful about condemning others while excusing ourselves.
The Goodness of God
One of the most beautiful verses in this passage is Romans 2:4: “The goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance.”
God's patience should never be mistaken for approval of sin. Sometimes we wonder why God has not immediately dealt with something that is wrong. But His delay can be an expression of mercy. He is longsuffering.
He gives people opportunity to repent. His goodness is calling us back to Him. Think about how patient God has been with each of us.
- How many times have we failed Him?
- How many times has He given us another opportunity?
- How many times has His Word convicted our hearts?
- How many times have we experienced His mercy when we deserved judgment?
The proper response to God's goodness is not to continue in sin. It is repentance.
No Respect of Persons
Paul then gives us another important truth: “For there is no respect of persons with God.” God does not judge according to wealth, reputation, education, social standing, family background, or religious appearance.
A person's position in this world cannot make him righteous before God. Nor can another person's poverty or lowly position make him less valuable in God's sight.
God looks at the heart. This is both humbling and comforting. It means that none of us can boast before God. But it also means that every person can come to Him through Jesus Christ.
Life Application
Today's lesson gives us a simple but searching question: Am I more concerned about the sins of others than I am about my own heart?
Before criticizing someone else, we should ask God to examine us. David prayed: “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:” — Psalm 139:23
That is a good prayer for every believer. Ask God to show you what needs to change, not merely in other people, but in you. And when you see the failures of others, remember the mercy God has shown you.
We are not saved because we were better than someone else. We are saved because God is merciful.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Help me to examine my own heart before I judge another person. Give me humility and keep me from hypocrisy.
Thank you for your goodness, patience, and longsuffering toward me. I know there have been many times when I have failed you, yet you have continued to show mercy.
Lead me to genuine repentance wherever I need to change. Help me to see others as you see them, and give me compassion rather than pride. Let me never forget that I stand before you only because of your grace.
Search my heart, Lord, and make me more like Jesus.
In His name,
Amen.
