I. The Gentile’s Need For Salvation (Romans 2:1-16)
Study Guide On Romans Chapter Two focuses on the Gentiles’ need for salvation, and the reality that even those who consider themselves “judges” will be judged. Paul starts off by highlighting the hypocrisy of those who judge others while doing the same things themselves. He emphasizes that God’s judgment is impartial and based on truth, so no one can escape judgment by pointing fingers at others.
The inconsistent judge judges himself (Romans 2:1). Paul points out that those who judge others for their sins while committing the same sins themselves are actually judging themselves. By doing this, they are revealing their own guilt and their need for salvation.
The hypocritical judge is judged by truth (Romans 2:2). Paul emphasizes that God’s judgment is based on truth, not on appearances or self-righteousness. He warns that those who judge others while ignoring their own sins will face the same judgment as those they condemn.
The foolish judge reasons poorly (Romans 2:3). Paul challenges the assumption that the judgment of God is delayed or ineffective. He asserts that the very fact that God has not yet judged a person should be seen as an opportunity to repent, not as evidence that judgment will not come.
The presumptuous judge treasures up wrath (Romans 2:4-11). Paul concludes this section by warning that those who presume upon God’s mercy and grace will ultimately face His wrath. He emphasizes that salvation is based on repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, not on ethnicity or outward conformity to religious laws.
In summary, Romans 2:1-16 is a sobering reminder of the reality of God’s judgment and the need for salvation. It challenges us to examine our own lives and hearts, rather than focusing on the faults of others. It emphasizes that true salvation comes through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, not through outward acts of religious observance or human judgment. May we all heed Paul’s words and turn to Jesus for salvation and forgiveness.
A. EVEN THE “JUDGES” WILL BE JUDGED (Romans 2:1-11)
Romans 2:1-11 serves as a powerful reminder that no one is exempt from judgment, not even those who consider themselves “judges” of others. Paul highlights the hypocrisy and self-righteousness that can often accompany the act of judging, and the dangers that come with it. In this passage, Paul outlines four distinct ways in which the judges themselves are judged.
1. The judges are judged is through their own inconsistency (Romans 2:1)
Paul points out that those who judge others for their sins while committing the same sins themselves are actually judging themselves . By doing this, they are revealing their own guilt and their need for salvation. It is a warning against being quick to judge others while neglecting our own spiritual growth.
2. Judges are judged is through truth (Romans 2:2)
Paul emphasizes that God’s judgment is based on truth, not on appearances or self-righteousness. He warns that those who judge others while ignoring their own sins will face the same judgment as those they condemn. In other words, their own hypocrisy will be exposed.
3. Judges are judged is through their own poor reasoning (Romans 2:3)
Paul challenges the assumption that the judgment of God is delayed or ineffective. He asserts that the very fact that God has not yet judged a person should be seen as an opportunity to repent, not as evidence that judgment will not come. This serves as a warning against complacency in one’s spiritual life.
4. Final way in which judges are judged is through their presumption (Romans 2:4-11)
Paul warns that those who presume upon God’s mercy and grace will ultimately face His wrath. He emphasizes that salvation is based on repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, not on ethnicity or outward conformity to religious laws. This serves as a reminder that no one can earn their salvation, and that it is a gift from God.
B. NOT HAVING A “WRITTEN” LAW DOES NOT EXEMPT FROM JUDGMENT (Romans 2:12-16)
The book of Romans chapter 2 reveals an essential truth that not having a “written” law does not exempt from judgment. The Apostle Paul writes that all people, whether Jews or Gentiles, will be judged based on their actions. This means that no one can escape the consequences of their actions by claiming ignorance of the law.
1. Those who sin will still perish (Romans 2:12)
In Romans 2:12, Paul makes it clear that those who sin will perish. It doesn’t matter whether they have the written law or not. This statement indicates that no one can escape judgment by simply claiming that they did not know what was right or wrong. In other words, ignorance is not a defense.
2. The Gentiles DO have a law (Romans 2:13-15)
Paul goes on to argue that even the Gentiles, who did not receive the law of Moses, have a law. They have the law written on their hearts, which is a natural sense of right and wrong that God has given to all people. In verses 13-15, Paul says that those who keep the law, even if they don’t have the written law, will be justified. This means that they will be declared righteous before God. However, those who break the law, even if they don’t have the written law, will be condemned.
3. Jesus Christ will judge accordingly (Romans 2:16)
In the final verse of this section, Romans 2:16, Paul emphasizes that Jesus Christ will judge everyone according to what they have done. This means that God’s judgment is impartial, fair, and just. It does not matter whether a person has the written law or not. Everyone will be held accountable for their actions, and Jesus Christ will be the judge.
In conclusion, Romans 2:12-16 teaches us that not having the written law does not exempt us from judgment. We are all responsible for our actions, and we will all be held accountable for them. The good news is that those who keep the law, even if they don’t have the written law, will be justified. This means that they will be declared righteous before God. However, those who break the law, even if they don’t have the written law, will be condemned. Ultimately, Jesus Christ will judge everyone according to what they have done. Therefore, it is important to live a life that honors God and follows His commands, whether we have the written law or not.
II. THE JEWS’ NEED OF SALVATION (Romans 2:17-29)
In Romans 2:17-24, the Apostle Paul addresses the Jewish people and exposes their hypocrisy in keeping the law. The Jews had been given the law of Moses, and they believed that their adherence to it made them right with God. However, Paul points out that their behavior is inconsistent with the law they claim to follow.
A. THE JEWS CONDEMNED BY THEIR OWN LAW (Romans 2:17-24)
1.The Jewish self-portrait (Romans 2:17-20)
Paul starts by presenting the Jewish self-portrait, the ideal they set for themselves. They boast in their relationship with God, their knowledge of the law, and their status as guides to the blind, teachers of children, and instructors of the foolish. They also take pride in the fact that they possess the embodiment of knowledge and truth. However, Paul exposes their hypocrisy and points out the inconsistency between their claim of righteousness and their actions.
2. The Jewish inconsistency and dishonor of God (Romans 2:21-24)
The Jews were guilty of dishonoring God and causing others to blaspheme His name. They taught the law but failed to follow it. They condemned others for their sins while committing the same sins themselves. They stole, committed adultery, and robbed temples, yet they still claimed to be righteous because of their circumcision and their adherence to the law. They were self-righteous and looked down on others, believing themselves to be superior.
Paul’s message to the Jews was clear: they cannot rely on their adherence to the law to make them righteous. Instead, they needed to have a change of heart, a transformation that only the Spirit of God could bring about. The law was given to expose their sin, but it could not save them. Only faith in Christ could bring them to a place of true righteousness.
The message of Romans 2:17-24 is still relevant today. As Christians, we must be careful not to fall into the trap of legalism, believing that our good works or adherence to a set of rules can make us righteous before God. We must also be mindful of our behavior and how it reflects on our faith. The world is watching us, and we have a responsibility to honor God in all that we do.
In conclusion, the Jews’ condemnation by their own law serves as a warning to us all. Let us not be hypocrites, but rather let us live lives that honor God and reflect His love to the world. Let us put our faith in Christ, who alone can make us righteous and give us the power to live holy lives.
B. THE LIMITATION OF CIRCUMCISION (Romans 2:25-29)
In Romans 2:25-29, Paul highlights the limitation of circumcision, a practice that was considered essential for Jewish identity and acceptance by God. He argues that circumcision is pointless if it is not accompanied by obedience to the Law, and that true circumcision is of the heart, not just the flesh.
1. Voided by transgressing the Law (Romans 2:25-27)
Paul reminds his readers that circumcision is only meaningful if it is accompanied by obedience to the Law. He notes that if a circumcised person breaks the Law, their circumcision becomes uncircumcision. Thus, circumcision itself does not make one righteous or acceptable to God. Rather, it is a sign of a covenant relationship that requires obedience to the Law.
2. The true Jew is one circumcised in the heart, in the Spirit (Romans 2:28-29)
In verse 28, Paul argues that true circumcision is not a matter of the flesh, but of the heart. This echoes a theme found throughout the Bible, where God is concerned with the condition of the heart, rather than outward appearances or rituals. A true Jew is not defined by external factors like circumcision or ethnicity, but by an internal transformation wrought by the Spirit of God.
Paul’s emphasis on the circumcision of the heart also serves to highlight the universal nature of the gospel message. It is not limited to one particular ethnic group or culture, but is for all who believe, regardless of their background. In Christ, there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile, but all are one in Him.
In conclusion, Paul’s teaching in Romans 2:25-29 challenges us to look beyond outward appearances and rituals to the condition of the heart. It reminds us that true righteousness and acceptance with God come through faith in Christ and obedience to His Word, rather than through external practices or ethnic identity. Let us seek to be true Jews, circumcised in the heart, and walking in obedience to God’s commands.
