Romans 2:1-5 (NKJV) 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,
God’s Judgment Is Righteous—Romans 2:1-16
V1 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.
This verse should be included in chapter 1. See the comments are found there.
V2 But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things.
We refers to Christians. Everything God does is in wisdom, love, and truth. His judgment is according to truth, which is His standard of which all are tested.
The Greek word for know is (G1492) εἴδω eídō, which means to see in different senses. It refers to knowing by understanding the principle taught here.
When God judges, it is perfect (Psalm 96:13 and Psalm 19:7-9). It is His character to be perfect, without flaw in each and every area of existence (Matthew 5:48).
God is just to punish people who sin. Compare Leviticus 19:36 (God wants just weights), Deuteronomy 16:18 (He demands all human judgment to be just), Deuteronomy 32:4, Isaiah 45:21, and Acts 22:14 (God’s character), 2 Samuel 23:3 (human rulers must be just), and Revelation 15:3 (God’s worldview, lifestyle, and rules-all His ways).
Practice such things refers to their thoughts, desires, words, and deeds.
V3 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?
All people judge character and many other things. We may think we are right, but God judges according to an immutable standard—the Scriptures. If we break God’s law, we will be judged. This is why we must trust in Jesus alone for forgiveness (Habakkuk 2:4, Romans 1:17, and Galatians 3:11).
V4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?
Paul lists some character traits of God—goodness (all does what is good), forbearance (He waits for one to repent as in Revelation 2:21), and longsuffering (does not bring instant judgment). It is God’s goodness that leads us to repentance.
This does not mean decreeing us; it is leading us. The Greek word for leading is (G71) ἄγω ágō, which means guides, directs, and leads. Word Study Dictionary adds: “Metaphorically, to lead, induce, incite, guide (Romans 2:4, “to repentance”; 1 Corinthians 12:2, “even as ye were led,” meaning to idolatry, the figure being drawn from pastoral life [cf. Exodus 3:1; Isaiah 11:6]). Also, to be led by the Spirit of God (Romans 8:14; Galatians 5:18); by lusts (2 Timothy 3:6).”
V5 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.
The heart is the soul and mind of every person. If it is hard/stubborn, it is stubbornly rejecting and refusing God (Matthew 23:37-39). The heart also will not repent. The Holy Spirit convicts the sinner (all of us) that we are sinners (John 16:8). We can believe the Gospel of Jesus or refuse. Pride often makes us reject God because “I am a good person.” Compare Psalm 14:1-3, Psalm 53:3, and quoted in Romans 3:12. Jesus specifically states that no one is good except God (Matthew 19:17).
By refusing to trust in God and acknowledge our sin, we continue to sin. The more we sin, the greater (treasuring up) God’s wrath.
The day of wrath refers to 2 things: 1) the day one dies, if not in faith, then the soul goes to Hades, and 2) the Great White Throne judgment (Revelation 20:11-15) when the sinful, rejecting soul is sent to the Lake of Fire for eternal torment (Revelation 20:11-15).
We learn:
- We sin.
- Most refuse to repent.
- God does judge.
- Sin has consequences.
Questions:
- Have you acknowledged your sins?
- Have you trusted in Jesus alone for forgiveness?