Delivered on: February 22, 2009. Streetsboro.
INTRODUCTION.
In the latter half of Romans 1, Paul, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, gives an account of the wickedness of the Gentile world in general.
The chapter concludes with these words… Who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.
Notice that Paul mentions the righteous judgment of God.
All too often, the judgment of men is not righteous.
Sometimes we are judged according to appearances which are often wrong.
Sometimes we are judged unfairly.
Sometimes we have people who are good at seeing the faults in others, condemning them, and then practicing the same things themselves.
In Romans 2, we have a discourse from Paul on the righteous judgment of God.
Romans 2:1-11. Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. 2 But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. 3 And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? 5 But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, 6 who “will render to each one according to his deeds”: 7 eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; 8 but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath, 9 tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; 10 but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 11 For there is no partiality with God.
BODY.
HYPOCRITICAL JUDGMENT. Verses 1-2. Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. 2 But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things.
Paul points out how wrong it is to condemn someone for something when we are doing the same thing.
There were undoubtedly many self righteous Jews who felt that those heathen Gentiles were going to get exactly what they deserved. (And that is true.)
But Paul is point out that in being guilty of the very same things, they too were guilty.
In judging others, they were condemning themselves.
Jesus had something to say about this. Matthew 7:1-5. “Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. 3 And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
Does this mean, as some suggest, that since none of us are perfect, then none of us are permitted to point out sin in another’s life?
No!
Jesus taught that we will know whether a person is righteous or wicked by their fruit. Matthew 7:15-16. “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?
What would be wrong is to try to correct another person who is doing something while we are doing the same thing and not correcting it.
That is what Jesus meant when He said, “First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”
Galatians 6:1. Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.
GOD’S RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT. Verses 3,6,11. 3 And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? 6 who “will render to each one according to his deeds”: 11 For there is no partiality with God.
God’s judgment is universal. (v.3)
Paul rhetorically asks, Do you think that you will escape the judgment of God?
Will anyone escape the judgment of God?
No!
Good and Bad. 2 Corinthians 5:10. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.
Living or dead. 2 Timothy 4:1. I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom:
All people! Hebrews 9:27. And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.
God’s judgment is uniform. (v.6)
There is a uniform standard by which we will be judged.
According to our deeds (v.6).
Those deeds will be judged according to the word of God.
John 12:48. He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.
Revelation 20:12. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.
God’s judgment is unimpeachable. (v.11)
Unimpeachable – irreproachable, free from stain, guilt, or fault.
Unlike man, God judges without partiality.
Rich or poor. Slave or free. Jew or Greek. All are judged as equals.
Galatians 3:28. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
GOD’S JUDGMENT ON THE WICKED. Verses 5,8,9. 5 But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, 8 but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath, 9 tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek;
What makes a person wicked?
Unbelief. Romans 1:18-22. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools.
Having a hard and impenitent heart (v.5).
Being self-seeking (v.8).
Not obeying the truth (v.8).
Obeying unrighteousness or doing evil (vv.8,9).
The wicked will suffer.
They are treasuring up wrath (v.5). Storing it up. Hebrews 10:29-31. Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. And again, “The LORD will judge His people.” 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
They will suffer God’s indignation (v.8). Anger provoked by man’s disobedience.
Anguish. Matthew 25:30. And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
How can a loving God cause anyone to suffer?
Let us answer that with another question.
How could a holy and righteous God not punish wickedness?
GOD’S JUDGMENT ON THE RIGHTEOUS. Verses 7,10. 7 Eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; 10 but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
What makes a person righteous?
V.7. Patient continuance in doing good. Galatians 6:9. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
1 John 3:7. Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous.
Of course, good works are just the end-product of one who is seeking to do good. Ephesians 2:8-10. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
It is the grace of God that saves us through faithful obedience.
It is our continual striving to do good (walk in the light) that keeps us in fellowship with God.
The righteous will be rewarded.
Eternal life (v.7).
Glory. Romans 8:16-17. The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
Honor. The honor that comes from God. John 5:44. How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God?
Peace. Revelation 14:13. Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.”
CONCLUSION.
What do we learn from this passage?
Unlike man, God is a righteous judge.
His judgment will be universal, uniform, and unimpeachable.
Those who are obedient to His will will be rewarded with eternal life.
Those who are disobedient will suffer the vengeance of an Almighty God.
Are you ready to face the Judgment?
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