Romans 2
God's wrath revealed/announced on those who claims to be morally good:
1 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,
Observation:
Who are inexcusable?
1a Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge,
Why they are inexcusable?
1b for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.
In what basis God will judge them?
2 But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things.
Will they escape the judgment of God?
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?
Did they despise the God's goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering?
4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?
What are they treasuring up?
5a But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath
How are they treasuring up?
5a But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath
When will they receive the God's wrath or judgment?
5b in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God,
Interpretation:
Who are inexcusable?
1a Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge,
Since this passage starts with therefore so it is related to the previous passage Romans 1:22-32.
Romans 1:22-32 - 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man--and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. 24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. 26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 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.
Is Paul refers to the same group of people in Romans 1:22-32 who are Idolaters and immoral?
No, Paul is addressing those who claim to be morally good but judge those immoral people. Romans 2:3 clearly renders this.
Romans 2:3 - 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?
(JC) ... after dealing with the unrighteousness of the heathen in chapter 1, Paul deals with the self-righteousness of the hypocrite in chapter 2.
(DG) In Romans 1, Paul pointed out the sin of the most notoriously guilty; he now envisions those who are generally “moral” in their conduct congratulating themselves that they are not like the people Paul described in Romans 1.
A good example of this mind set is Jesus’ illustration of the Pharisee and the Publican. If we take those figures from Jesus’ parable, now Paul addresses the Pharisee (Luke 18:10-14).
Luke 18:9-14 - 9 Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10 "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, 'God, I thank You that I am not like other men--extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.' 13 And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner!' 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
Undoubtedly, in many ways the Jew of Paul’s day typified the moralist; but his words in Romans 2:1-16 seem to have a wider application, beyond Jews only.
For example, what about Seneca, the Roman moral teacher and tutor of Nero? He would agree wholeheartedly with Paul regarding the morals of most pagans, but a man like Seneca would think, “I’m different from those immoral people.”
(Bruce) Many Christians admired Seneca and his strong stand for “morals” and “family values.” “But too often he tolerated in himself vices not so different from those which he condemned in others - the most flagrant instance being his connivance at Nero’s murder of his mother Agrippina.”
(DG) After gaining the agreement of the moralist in condemning the obvious sinner, now Paul turns the same argument upon the moralist himself.
Paul is addressing to
Immoral people who live as they desire in Romans 1:22-32.
Rest of the humanity/people who claims to be morally good but judge those immoral people in Romans 2:1-5.
Which group do you belong to?
How many of you are not identify yourself with those immoral people described in Romans 1:22-32?
If you are not identify yourself with those immoral people then you are belong to this group.
If you claim that you are morally good then you belong to this group or Paul is addressing you here.
Why they are inexcusable?
1b for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.
They are inexcusable because they judge those immoral people and practice the same things in their life.
What is judge means?
The Greek word used for Judges is krinō (Strong's G2919). It means to condemn to eternal punishment, pronounce judgment.
John 3:16,18 - 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. 18 He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Matt 7:1-2 - 1 "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.
Rev 20:12-13 - 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.13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works
(Murray) As we judge another person, we point to a standard outside of our self - and that standard condemns everyone, not only the “obvious” sinner. “Since you know the justice of God, as evidenced by the fact that you are judging others, you are without an excuse, because is the very act of judging you have condemned yourself.”
Does this mean my condemnation of another is an indication that I am guilty?
(JC) Yes. The Greek word krino, translated “judge,” means to judge to condemnation. In other words, it speaks of judging with a sneer on one’s face and a finger angrily pointed at him, or her, or them. That kind of judgment is wrong because, although it might appear in a different form, the same sort of sin is going on within us whenever we judge condemningly.
Do they really practicing the same thing what they judge?
Yes, they may not be murderer, sexually immoral or homosexuals but doing the same sins that are socially accepted sins listed in Romans 1:29-31.
Romans 1:29-31 - 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 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.
(DG) Notice that the moralist is not condemned for judging others; but for being guilty of the same things that he judges others for. This is something the moral man would object to (“I’m not like them at all!”), but Paul will demonstrate this is the truth.
In what basis God will judge them? Do they know that?
2 But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things.
Both immoral and those whom claim to be moral suppress the truth by their unrighteousness.
Romans 1:18-20 - 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,
Jesus came to this earth to testify the truth.
John 18:37 - Pilate therefore said to Him, "Are You a king then?" Jesus answered, "You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice."
Following are the basic truth that God will use during judgment:
Romans 1:19-20 - 18 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.
John 17:3 - 3 And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. 4 I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. 5 And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.
Paul provides more details in Romans 2:6-16.
(JC) “God will judge,” said Paul. “And His judgment is according to truth.” Folks, we can’t know where a man’s heart is. Therefore, because all things are naked and open before the Lord (Hebrews 4:13), our job is to love people and to leave the judging to God, who will judge perfectly, according to truth.
(DG) According to truth has the idea of “according to the facts of the case.” God will judge (and condemn) the moralist on the basis of the facts.
Will they escape the judgment of God?
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?
No, but they can escape by accepting Jesus as their personal Savior.
(Trapp) You is emphatic in [do you think] you will escape the judgment of God? Paul is bearing down, letting his reader know that he is no exception to this principle. Paul gets right to the heart of his readers. “Our exhortations should be as forked arrows to stick in men’s hearts; and not wound only, as other arrows.”
(Lenski) “Paul’s object is far greater than merely to convict also them of unrighteousness. He robs them, absolutely must rob them, of their moralism and their moralizing because they regard this as the way of escape from God’s wrath.”
Did they despise the God's goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering?
4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?
How can they despise the God's goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering? or Why Paul is raising this question?
In general we are very quick to judge others without realizing the consequence. We need to hand of the judgment to God. He will take care of it in his own time hear in earth or during The Final Judgment.
NLT: 1 Cor 4:5 - 1 So look at Apollos and me as mere servants of Christ who have been put in charge of explaining God's secrets. 2 Now, a person who is put in charge as a manager must be faithful. 3 What about me? Have I been faithful? Well, it matters very little what you or anyone else thinks. I don't even trust my own judgment on this point. 4 My conscience is clear, but that isn't what matters. It is the Lord himself who will examine me and decide. 5 So be careful not to jump to conclusions before the Lord returns as to whether or not someone is faithful. When the Lord comes, he will bring our deepest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. And then God will give to everyone whatever praise is due.
1 Cor 4:5 - 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. 4 For I know nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one's praise will come from God.
What is goodness?
Goodness means the state or quality of being good, kind, gentle- Greek chrēstotēs (Strong's G5544). This word has been translated as goodness 4, kindness 4, good 1, gentleness 1.
Only God is Good.
Mark 10:18 - So Jesus said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God.
(DG) may be considered God’s kindness to us in regard to our past sin. He has been good to us because He has not judged us yet though we deserve it.
What is forbearance?
Forbearance means the state or quality of being forbear, tolerant, endure, with hold - Greek anochē (Strong's G463). This word used only in two place here and Rom 3:25.
Rom 3:25 - whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed,
(DG) may be considered God’s kindness to us in regard to our present sin. This very day - indeed, this very hour - we have fallen short of His glory, yet He holds back His judgment against us.
What is longsuffering?
Longsuffering means patience, endurance, constancy, steadfastness, perseverance - Greek makrothymia (Strong's G3115)
In other words it means as it says patiently suffering for long time or enduring pain/irritation patiently for long time.
(DG) Longsuffering may be considered God’s kindness to us in regard to our future sin. He knows that we will sin tomorrow and the next day, yet He holds back His judgment against us.
What is the difference between forbearance and longsuffering?
Jesus forbear all our sins in Him on the Cross (Rom 3:25) and suffered long patiently without punishing/judging us when we sin.
How the goodness of God leads sinners to repentance?
2 Peter 3:9 - The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
(DG) Men often see the forbearance and longsuffering of God as a weakness in God; they say things like “If there is a God in heaven, let Him strike me dead!” When it doesn’t happen, they will say, “See, I told you there was no God.” Men misinterpret God’s forbearance and longsuffering as His approval, and they refuse to repent.
(DG) Men should see the goodness of God and understand:
God has been better to them than they deserve
God has shown them kindness when they have ignored Him
God has shown them kindness when they have mocked Him
God is not a cruel master and they may safely surrender to Him
God is perfectly willing to forgive them
God should be served out of simple gratitude
What is repentance?
(Morris) “In the New Testament, repentance is not simply negative. It means turning to a new life in Christ, a life of active service to God. It should not be confused with remorse, which is a deep sorrow for sin but lacks the positive note in repentance.”
Are you waiting for God to drive you to repentance?
(Spurgeon) He doesn’t work like that; God leads you to repentance. “Notice, dear friends, that the Lord does not drive you to repentance. Cain was driven away, as a fugitive and a vagabond, when he had killed his righteous brother Abel; Judas went and hanged himself, being driven by an anguish of remorse because of what he had done in betraying his Lord; but the sweetest and best repentance is that which comes, not by driving, but by drawing: ‘The goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance.’”
(DG) Considering all this, it is no surprise that Paul describes these three aspects of God’s kindness to us as riches. The riches of God’s mercy is measured by four considerations:
His greatness - to wrong a great man is a great wrong and God is greatest of all - yet He shows mercy
His omniscience (all knowing) - if someone knew all our sin, would they show mercy? Yet God shows mercy
His power - sometimes wrongs are not settled because they are out of our power, yet God is able to settle every wrong against Him - yet He is rich in mercy
The object of His mercy, mere man - would we show mercy to an ant? Yet God is rich in mercy
Lam 3:22-23 - 22 Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.
What are they treasuring up?
5a But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath
What is treasuring up the wrath means?
They keep on accumulating the sins and trespasses by living on their own way and deserve punishment.
How/Why are they treasuring up?
5a But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath
Impenitent means not feeling regret about one's sin/sins or un-repented heart.
When will they receive the God's wrath or judgment?
5b in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God,
God start pouring out His wrath during last 7 year period just before His 2nd coming and after 1000 year millennial reign He will judge them on the Final Judgment day.
Application:
Are we (the believers in Christ) allowed/permitted to judge others?
No. But in future after Jesus 2nd coming we judge angels and non-believers.
1 Cor 6:1-3 - 2 Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? 3 Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life
Do you (the believers in Christ) despise the God's goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering?
James and John calls fire from heaven to destroy Samaritans who did not receive Jesus:
Luke 9:54-56 - 51 Now it came to pass, when the time had come for Him to be received up, that He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem, 52 and sent messengers before His face. And as they went, they entered a village of the Samaritans, to prepare for Him. 53 But they did not receive Him, because His face was set for the journey to Jerusalem. 54 And when His disciples James and John saw this, they said, "Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did?" 55 But He turned and rebuked them, and said, "You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. 56 For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives but to save them." And they went to another village.
We need to keep on loving others by receiving love from God and leave the judgment/condemnation/vengeance to God.
Romans 1:19-21 - 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. 20 Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Do we (the believers in Christ) miss use the Grace of God? How?
We misuse the Grace of God by considering that as the license to sin. So, many continue to live in their old/past sinful lifestyle.
Rom 6:1-2 - 1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?
Summary:
There are only two group of people are there in this world:
Professing to be wise but are fools. Replace God with created things/idols so Go gave them up to their debased/corrupt mind - Romans 1:22-32.
Professing to be righteous but are self righteous. Quick to judge them before God judge them at the same time do the same- Romans 2:1-5.
For more details read How is God reaching out all of us? topic.
God is reaching out:
By putting the basic minimal capacity/ability about true God in their heart
By His general revelation through His Creation:
By creating them geographically in a unique location to make them to seek the true God:
By sending His Son Jesus Christ and actively knocking at our heart through His Holy Spirit and expecting us to respond:
By giving great commission to all who come out of this sinful life by believing in Him to reach out those who are living in the sinful life:
God's righteous judgment to all:
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. 12 For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law 13 (for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified; 14 for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, 15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) 16 in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.
Observation:
How will God judge?
6 who "will render to each one according to his deeds":
13 (for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified;
What is the outcome of God's judgment?
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,
Will God show any partiality while He judges Jews and non Jews(Greeks/Gentiles)?
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.
Will God's judgment varies between those who are in the law and those are without the law?
12 For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law
How God will judge those who are in the law?
13 (for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified;
How God will judge those who are without the law?
14 for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, 15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them)
What is the basic measure God uses to allow people to enter into Heaven? or What is the bottom line God uses to judge all humanity?
16 in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.
Interpretation:
How will God judge?
6 who "will render to each one according to his deeds":
13 (for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified;
(DG) This is an awesome and fearful thought, and it condemns the moralist as well as the obvious sinner.
What is the outcome of God's judgment?
Eternal life to the obedient:
7 eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality;
What it means seek for glory, honor and immortality?
It means seek glory, honor and immortality from God. Living God centric life style or stay focused on God.
NLT: Rom 2:7 - He will give eternal life to those who persist in doing what is good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers.
God's wrath or Eternal Punishment in Hell to the disobedient:
8 but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness--indignation and wrath,
(DG) The word indignation comes from the idea of “boiling up,” thus having the meaning of a passionate outburst. The word wrath comes from the idea of a swelling which eventually bursts, and applies more to an anger that proceeds from one’s settled nature.
Will God show any partiality while He judges Jews and non Jews(Greeks/Gentiles)? Will God judge the Jews with one measure and the Gentiles with another?
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.
No, because our God is Righteous so He never shows partiality but whatever He do will be right and correct.
Deut 10:17 - For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality nor takes a bribe.
Psalm 11:7 - For the Lord is righteous, He loves righteousness; His countenance beholds the upright.
John 17:25 - O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me.
Rom 9:14 - What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? Certainly not!
Acts 10:34 - Then Peter opened his mouth and said: "In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.
Eph 6:9 - And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.
(WW) God's judgment is according to truth. He does not have one standard for the Jews and another for the Gentiles. One who reads the list of sins in Romans 1:29-32 cannot escape the fact that each person is guilty of at least one of them. There are "sins of the flesh and of the spirit" (2 Cor. 7:1); there are "prodigal sons" and "elder brothers" (Luke 15:11-32). In condemning the Gentiles for their sins, the Jews were really condemning themselves. As the old saying puts it, "When you point your finger at somebody else, the other three are pointing at you."
(DG) This judgment comes to the Jew first. If they are first in line for the gospel (Romans 1:16) and first in line for reward (Romans 2:10), then they are also first in line for judgment.
Does God not have sovereign power to give preference to His own people while judging?
Yes, God can do whatever He wants but if God shows partiality then He is not righteous. So, God will never compromise His righteousness even though He has sovereign power to do that.
For more details read How the righteousness of God is revealed in the Gospel? topic in Romans 1:17 notes.
Same principle God uses in choosing (Sovereign election) people to His kingdom.
Rom 9:14 - 10 And not only this, but when Rebecca also had conceived by one man, even by our father Isaac 11 (for the children not yet being born, nor having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works but of Him who calls), 12 it was said to her, "The older shall serve the younger." 13 As it is written, "Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated." 14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? Certainly not!
God knows before hand through His foreknowledge that Esau will not respond to His call:
Heb 12:16-17 - 14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: 15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled; 16 lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright. 17 For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears.
God didn't randomly choose people as He liked by His sovereign power but God has chosen/elected people based on their response to His calling. God knows their response beforehand through His foreknowledge.
1 Peter 1:2 - elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.
Will God's judgment varies between those who are in the law and those who are without the law?
12 For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law
(Morris) “People will be condemned, not because they have the law or do not have the law, but because they have sinned.”
How will God judge those who are in the law?
13 (for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified;
Read more in Are you doers of the word or just a hearer?
How will God judge those who are without the law?
14 for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, 15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them)
Do they have capacity to identify the right and wrong?
15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them)
(JC) “The Gentiles don’t have the Scripture, but they understand right and wrong intuitively,” said Paul.
How do they have the capacity to identify the right and wrong?
15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them)
By birth God created all with conscience.
Adam & Eve's sin brought the knowledge of good and evil to all humanity:
Gen 3:22 - Then the Lord God said, "Behold, the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil. And now, lest he put out his hand and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever"--
Do the Gentiles needs to fulfill all the requirements of the law by nature?
14 for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves,
(DG) a Gentile, may, by nature do the things contained in the law; he is careful to not say that a Gentile could fulfill the requirements of the law by nature.
How God will remember all our deeds/works/sins?
God records all our deeds/works/sins in many books (may be in Mac book or Supper computer):
Revelation 20:12 - 11 Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. 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. 13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works.
Is Paul is teaching salvation by works or good deeds?
Read Is it possible for any one to go to heaven just by their good deeds/works? topic before proceed further.
No. Never.
Note: We will revisit this passage in detail when we go through Romans 3rd chapter.
(WW) In Romans 2:6-11, Paul was not teaching salvation by character or good deeds. He was explaining another basic principle of God's judgment: God judges according to deeds, just as He judges according to truth. Paul was dealing here with the consistent actions of a person's life, the total impact of his character and conduct.
For example,
David committed some terrible sins; but the total emphasis of his life was obedience to God.
Judas confessed his sin and supplied the money for buying a cemetery for strangers; yet the total emphasis of his life was disobedience and unbelief.
True saving faith results in obedience and godly living, even though there may be occasional falls. When God measured the deeds of the Jews, He found them to be as wicked as those of the Gentiles. The fact that the Jews occasionally celebrated a feast or even regularly honored the Sabbath Day did not change the fact that their consistent daily life was one of disobedience to God.
God's blessings did not lead them to repentance.
(DG) The Jew - or the religious person - may think that he is saved because he has the law; but has he kept it? The Gentile may think that he is saved because he does not have the law, but has he kept the dictates of his own conscience?
(DG) In theory, a man might be justified (“excused”) by obeying his conscience. Unfortunately, every man has violated his conscience (God’s internal revelation to man), just as every man has violated God’s written revelation.
Who will judge all on the judgment day? or Whom God will uses to judge?
16a in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ,
Jesus Christ will judge.
(DG) The idea that God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ is distinctively Christian. The Jews taught that God the Father alone would judge the world, committing judgment to no one - not even the Messiah.
John 5:22 - 22 For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son, 23 that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.
Revelation 20:11 - 11 Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. 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.
What is the basic measure God uses to judge people to allow people to enter into Heaven? or What is the bottom line God uses to judge all humanity?
16b according to my gospel.
What are all we needed to enter into heaven?
(JC) we don’t need justice. We need mercy. You see, God made our minds in such a manner that we don’t remember the sins we committed even an hour ago. If we remembered all of the wrong thoughts, lousy attitudes, critical spirits, lust, and everything else that goes on in our minds—much less the things we say and do outwardly—we would lose our sanity. So to the self-righteous moralist who says, “I’m a good person,” what a shock it will be when the books are opened and the depth of his sin is brought to light. Presently, we sing in this big choir of humanity. There are almost five billion of us on this planet, so if we’re a little out of tune, nobody knows. But there’s coming a time when man will sing solo. Then we’ll find out how off-key we really were.
James 2:13 - For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
Jude 21 - keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
Lamentations 3:22 - 22 Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.
We need God's righteousness as a covering which can be obtain through faith in Jesus Christ:
Romans 1:17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."
NIV: Rom 3:21 - This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference
John 6:28 - Then they said to Him, "What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?" 29 Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent."
Romans 3:30 - since there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith.
That is why God provided a unique way by sending His Son Jesus Christ to this world. It is our choice either we choose Him or reject Him as our personal Savior. We decide this our self while we live on this earth through the Gospel:
John 3:16,18 - 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. 18 He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
For more detail read Who then can be saved or enter into the Heaven?
(Spurgeon) “‘My gospel.’ Does not this show his courage? As much as to say, ‘I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God onto salvation to every one that believeth.’ He says, ‘my gospel,’ as a soldier speaks of ‘my colors,’ or of ‘my king.’ He resolves to bear this banner to victory, and to serve this royal truth even to the death.”
Gal 1:8 - But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.
Application:
Will God judge believers in Christ like non-believers? Will God's judgment varies between those believe in Jesus and those not believe in Jesus?
Since our God will not show partiality so God uses same principal to judge all. At the same time since Jesus received the punishment for their sins of those who believe in Him so,
What happen to believers sins?
Believers sins are completely forgiven by God
God forgives and forgets our sins
Jeremiah 31:34 - No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,' for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more."
Hebrews 8:12 - For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more."
Hebrews 10:17 - then He adds, "Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more."
Psalm 103:12 - As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
Will the believers punished for their sins on the judgment day?
Believers will not punished for their sins on the judgment day
John 5:24 - "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.
Luke 165:22,23,31 - 19 "There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. 20 But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, 21 desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 Then he cried and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.' 25 But Abraham said, 'Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. 26 And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.' 27 Then he said, 'I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father's house, 28 for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.' 29 Abraham said to him, 'They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.' 30 And he said, 'No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' 31 But he said to him, 'If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.' "
John 3:16,18 - 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. 18 He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
What will God do if the believers sin or keep on sinning?
If they sin God forgives them when they confess:
1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
If they practice sin they need to question their salvation or if they are really born again or believe in Jesus then God will discipline them.
1 Cor 11: 31-32 - 27 Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. 30 For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. 31 For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.
Heb 12:5-11 - 5 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: "My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; 6 For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives." 7 If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? 8 But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. 9 Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. 11 Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
Then how will God judge the believers?
God will not judge/condemn them but God will reward them for all their deeds done as per God's leading.
Revelation 11:18 - The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come, And the time of the dead, that they should be judged, And that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints, And those who fear Your name, small and great, And should destroy those who destroy the earth."
God never forget our good work/service to our God
Hebrew 6:10 - For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
NLT: Hebrew 6:10 - For God is not unfair. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other Christians, as you still do.
1 Corinthians 15:58 - Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
NLT: 1 Corinthians 15:58 - So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and steady, always enthusiastic about the Lord's work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
Galatians 6:9-10 - 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
How God will reward the believers in Christ?
1 Cor 3:11-15 - 11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is. 14 If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.
Read more in Are you doers of the word or just a hearer?
God's righteous judgment includes Jews/Israelites:
17 Indeed you are called a Jew, and rest on the law, and make your boast in God, 18 and know His will, and approve the things that are excellent, being instructed out of the law, 19 and are confident that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, 20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, having the form of knowledge and truth in the law. 21 You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal? 22 You who say, "Do not commit adultery," do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23 You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonor God through breaking the law? 24 For "the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you," as it is written. 25 For circumcision is indeed profitable if you keep the law; but if you are a breaker of the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision. 26 Therefore, if an uncircumcised man keeps the righteous requirements of the law, will not his uncircumcision be counted as circumcision? 27 And will not the physically uncircumcised, if he fulfills the law, judge you who, even with your written code and circumcision, are a transgressor of the law? 28 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; 29 but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.
Observation:
To whom Paul is addressing?
17a Indeed you are called a Jew,
What do they know and do?
17b and rest on the law, and make your boast in God,
18 and know His will, and approve the things that are excellent, being instructed out of the law,
19 and are confident that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness,
20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes,
What do they really have?
20c having the form of knowledge and truth in the law.
Do they really follow what they know and teach?
21a You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself?
21b You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal?
22a You who say, "Do not commit adultery," do you commit adultery?
22a You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?
23 You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonor God through breaking the law?
What is the result/outcome of their behavior?
24 For "the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you," as it is written.
When circumcision will be profitable?
25a For circumcision is indeed profitable if you keep the law;
What might happen to circumcision when they break the law?
25b but if you are a breaker of the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.
What might be possible if uncircumcised man keeps the righteous requirements of the law?
26 Therefore, if an uncircumcised man keeps the righteous requirements of the law, will not his uncircumcision be counted as circumcision? 27 And will not the physically uncircumcised, if he fulfills the law, judge you who, even with your written code and circumcision, are a transgressor of the law?
Who is a true Jew?
28 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; 29 but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.
Interpretation:
To whom Paul is addressing?
17a Indeed you are called a Jew,
What does Jew mean?
"Jew" comes from "Judah" which means "praise" (Gen. 29:35; 49:8).
Now Jew means an Israelite.
A member of the people and cultural community whose traditional religion is Judaism
One of a scattered group of people that traces its descent from the Biblical Hebrews or from postexilic adherents of Judaism; Israelite.
From when Israelites are called Jews?
Around 742 BC - Wicked Reign of Ahaz - 2 Kings 16, 2 Chronicles 28:
KJV: 2 Kings 16:6 - At that time Rezin king of Syria recovered Elath to Syria , and drave the Jews from Elath: and the Syrians came to Elath, and dwelt there unto this day.
There are many in Old Testament and become very common usage in New Testament times.
What do they know and do?
17b and rest on the law, and make your boast in God,
What it means that they "rest on the law, and make your boast in God"?
NIV: 17 Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and brag about your relationship to God;
NLT: 17 If you are a Jew, you are relying on God's law for your special relationship with him. You boast that all is well between yourself and God.
They boasted that they and God are very close so that God gave the laws to them. If they are really that close then they will not boast.
(WW) The Jew boasted in the Law. He was different from his pagan neighbors who worshiped idols! But Paul made it clear that it was not the possession of the Law that counted, but the practice of the Law.
(DG) Every “boast” of the Jew in this passage concerns the possession of law. The Jewish people of Paul’s day were extremely proud and confident in the fact that God gave His holy law to them as a nation. They believed this confirmed their status as a specially chosen people, and thus insured their salvation.
18 and know His will, and approve the things that are excellent, being instructed out of the law,
How do they know the will of God?
They know the will of God through the given Law or the Word of God i.e. Old Testament portion of the Bible.
God revealed His will to them through the Law and Prophets in the Old Testament portion of the Bible.
What it means "approve the things that are excellent, being instructed out of the law"?
NIV: 18 if you know his will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law;
NLT: 18 Yes, you know what he wants; you know right from wrong because you have been taught his law.
19 and are confident that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness,
20a an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes,
(WW) The Jews looked on the Gentiles as blind, in the dark, foolish, immature, and ignorant! But if God found the "deprived" Gentiles guilty, how much more guilty were the "privileged" Jews!
What do they really have?
20c having the form of knowledge and truth in the law.
What it means?
They have the form of experiential knowledge i.e. knowledge with understanding because of their experience but they are really not.
(WW) The Jewish people had a religion of outward action, not inward attitude. They may have been moral on the outside, but what about the heart? Our Lord's indictment of the Pharisee in Matthew 23 illustrates the principle perfectly. God not only sees the deeds but He also sees the "thoughts and intents of the heart” (Heb. 4:12). It is possible for a Jew to be guilty of theft, adultery, and idolatry (Rom. 2:21-22) even if no one saw him commit these sins outwardly. In the Sermon on the Mount we are told that such sins can be committed in the heart.
Heb 4:12 - For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
(JC) “Just because you have information,” Paul is saying, “you can’t assume you have justification or are qualified to be a guide for others.”
Application: How these passage relates to our Christian life or walk with God?
What happens if you gain just the theoretical knowledge without any experience?
Knowledge will puffs up:
1 Cor 8:1 - Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies
Have the form of godliness but...
2 Tim 3:4,5,7,9 - 1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good,4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 6 For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, 7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith; 9 but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was. (NLT: 9 But they won't get away with this for long. Someday everyone will recognize what fools they are, just as happened with Jannes and Jambres.)
Do they really follow what they know and teach?
21a You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself?
(DG) It comes down to this principle: “You have the law, do you keep it? You can see how others break the law, do you see how you break it also?”
Remember that much of rabbinical Judaism of Paul’s day interpreted the law so that they thought they were completely justified by the law. Jesus exposed the error of such interpretations. (Matthew 5:19-48)
God applies His law to both our actions and our attitudes. Sometimes we only want our attitudes evaluated, and sometimes only our actions. God will hold us accountable for both motives and actions.
21b You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal?
(JC) “When did we steal?” the Jews asked God in Malachi.
“In not giving the tithe you’ve robbed Me,” He answered (see Malachi 3:8).
22a You who say, "Do not commit adultery," do you commit adultery?
Jesus explains this clearly in
Matthew 5:27-28 - 27 "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not commit adultery.' 28 But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
22b You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?
NLT: 22b You condemn idolatry, but do you steal from pagan temples?
(Morris) on the idea of robbing temples: “Clearly some people held that a Jew might well make profits from dishonest practices connected with idolatry, and Paul may well have had this in mind.”
(JC) The Book of Hosea declares that the adultery of the Jews was demonstrated in the way they had distanced themselves from God by following after other lovers, other priorities, and other affections.
What is the result/outcome of their behavior?
23 You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonor God through breaking the law?
24 For "the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you," as it is written.
(WW) Instead of glorifying God among the Gentiles, the Jews were dishonoring God; and Paul quoted Isaiah 52:5 to prove his point. The pagan Gentiles had daily contact with the Jews in business and other activities, and they were not fooled by the Jews' devotion to the Law. The very Law that the Jews claimed to obey only indicted them!
(JC) The hypocrisy of the Pharisees gave the Gentiles cause to blaspheme God. That’s always the problem with sin: It gives the skeptic, the cynic, the unbeliever a reason not to become a Christian. You and I are to proclaim not our greatness but God’s grace. We set ourselves and others up for a huge fall if we start pointing to anything or anyone other than Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
Isaiah 52:5 - Now therefore, what have I here," says the Lord, "That My people are taken away for nothing? Those who rule over them Make them wail," says the Lord, "And My name is blasphemed continually every day.
Ezekiel 36:20,22 - 20 When they came to the nations, wherever they went, they profaned My holy name--when they said of them, 'These are the people of the Lord, and yet they have gone out of His land.' 21 But I had concern for My holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the nations wherever they went. 22 "Therefore say to the house of Israel, 'Thus says the Lord God: "I do not do this for your sake, O house of Israel, but for My holy name's sake, which you have profaned among the nations wherever you went. 23 And I will sanctify My great name, which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned in their midst; and the nations shall know that I am the Lord," says the Lord God, "when I am hallowed in you before their eyes. 24 For I will take you from among the nations, gather you out of all countries, and bring you into your own land. 25 Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. 26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them. 28 Then you shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; you shall be My people, and I will be your God. 29 I will deliver you from all your uncleannesses. I will call for the grain and multiply it, and bring no famine upon you. 30 And I will multiply the fruit of your trees and the increase of your fields, so that you need never again bear the reproach of famine among the nations. 31 Then you will remember your evil ways and your deeds that were not good; and you will loathe yourselves in your own sight, for your iniquities and your abominations. 32 Not for your sake do I do this," says the Lord God, "let it be known to you. Be ashamed and confounded for your own ways, O house of Israel!"
Application: Theoretical knowledge and Experiential Knowledge:
What happens if you gain just the theoretical knowledge without any experience?
Knowledge will puffs up:
1 Cor 8:1 - Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies
Have the form of godliness but...
2 Tim 3:4,5,7,9 - 1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good,4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 6 For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, 7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith; 9 but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was. (NLT: 9 But they won't get away with this for long. Someday everyone will recognize what fools they are, just as happened with Jannes and Jambres.)
If "knowledge puffs up" does that mean we should not study the Bible and gain knowledge about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?
No.
What do you learn from the Prodigal's elder brother?
Luke 15:25-32 - 11 Then He said: "A certain man had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.' So he divided to them his livelihood. 13 And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living.......20 And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.' 22 But the father said to his servants, 'Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. 23 And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; 24 for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' And they began to be merry. 25 Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said to him, 'Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf.' 28 But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him. 29 So he answered and said to his father, 'Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends. 30 But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.' 31 And he said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. 32 It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.' "
Did he know and understand his father's will/desire?
No. He didn't even know that all the father has is belongs to him.
He is serving the father without even taking any break assuming that his father will not permit him to enjoy by spending time and money for himself and for his friends.
He lacks the knowledge about his father.
Most of us follow God without knowing and understand Him. Knowledge without experience will puffs up at the same time lack of knowledge also causes many problems:
2 Peter 1:2-4 - 2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, 4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
Ephesians 2:6 - and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
1 John 4:8 - He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
Romans 5:5 - Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Psalm 34:8 - Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!
Ephesians 6:17 - And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
Heb 4:12 - For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Knowledge about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is very important so gain knowledge by studying the Bible.
Try to understand by applying what you have learnt/gained knowledge.
Are you doers of the word or just a hearer?
(JC) I believe one of the great hazards for those who love to study the Scriptures, and who take seriously the privilege of plowing through God’s Word, is that we can begin to think that hearing the Word automatically implies doing the Word. It’s a very subtle, but a very real danger
James 1:22-25- 22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.
Matt 21:28-32 - 28 "But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, 'Son, go, work today in my vineyard.' 29 He answered and said, 'I will not,' but afterward he regretted it and went. 30 Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, 'I go, sir,' but he did not go. 31 Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said to Him, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you. 32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw it, you did not afterward relent and believe him.
Matt 7:24-27 - 24 "Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall."
(JC) How do you know if you’re obeying the Word?
If you’re grumpy, you’re not obeying the Word because Jesus said, “Happy are you if you do these things” (see John 13:17). The word “happy” in Greek means “happy.” It means “elated.” It speaks of emotion. You will be happy if you’re obeying the Word. But if you’re just hearing about it, or being analytical of it, you will not be happy. So Paul would say to the self-righteous, to the Hebrew, to the biblical scholar, “It’s not what you hear or know, it’s what you do that will affect you.”
John 13-17- 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. 16 Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed (KJV: Happy) are you if you do them.
In your morning devotions, during Wednesday night study, in a Sunday morning service, or whenever you’re in the Word, ask the Lord to give you one thing to do—not just to journal, or to ponder, but one thing through His Word to do by His Spirit. And happy will you be if you do it.
How do you achieve this?
By walking in the Holy Spirit:
(JC) I didn’t know this for many years. “Of course Jesus fed thousands, healed lepers, and walked on water,” I thought. “He’s Jesus.” But my entire understanding of the ministry of my Master changed when I understood that, according to Philippians 2, Jesus laid aside His power when He became a Man and instead relied on the same Spirit available to me.
(JC) I used to think a believer was either a Spirit-filled person or a student of the Word. Not so. Jesus said the Father seeks those who will worship Him in Spirit and in truth (John 4:23, 24).
John 4:23, 24 - 23 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. 24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."
Gal 5:16-26 - 16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law ......
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
This will eventually establishes the love relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ.
Have you established love relationship with our Father God and His Son Jesus Christ?
James 4:8 - Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
Our obedience to God must come out of our love towards God. That is why Jesus often says if you love me obey my commandments:
John 14:15 - "If you love Me, keep My commandments.
Loving others is not easy and it requires effort. Do it with the power of Holy Spirit i.e. with the help of God.
1 Cor 8:2 - 1 Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. 2 And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know.
1 Thes 1:3 - 2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, 3 remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, 4 knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God.
Hebrews 6:10 - For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
When we do this regularly then we will glorify God.
Are we the believers in Christ are glorifying God among non-believers?
How to glorify God among non-believers?
Believers unity with His agape/sacrificial Love.
John 17:21,23 - 18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth. 20 "I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.
Tips to follow:
Gain knowledge about Jesus Christ by reading the Bible.
Try to understand by applying what you have learnt/gained knowledge.
This will eventually establishes the love relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ.
When we do this in our private life eventually it will reflect in public life.
Summary:
Paul describes how Jews miss represent The Almighty God to the gentile world - Romans 2:17-24
Paul describes what Jews are doing with the law God has given them - Romans 2:17-20
They have form of knowledge and truth in the law - Romans 2:20
Paul raises questions about their practical applications of their teaching of the law to others - Romans 2:20-23
Because of their hypocrisy the blasphemed the name of God among gentiles - Romans 2:24
(DG) Although the Jew should gratefully receive the law as a gift from God, Paul will show how mere possession of the law justifies no one.
When circumcision will be profitable?
25a For circumcision is indeed profitable if you keep the law;
Read basics of Circumcision in The Covenant of Circumcision topic. This answers following questions:
What is circumcision?
Where and who instituted/established the circumcision?
Why?
Who made the covenant?
What is the Covenant?
What needs to be done to keep the covenant?
Who needs to be circumcised?
In what age they need to circumcise?
What happen if one refuse to circumcise?
Is there any way/options God provided to anyone who wants to become a Abraham's family (Israel)?
Is this circumcision still applicable or necessary now?
Why circumcision is not necessary now?
Is there anything similar to circumcision exist in Christianity?
Why Paul has brought this circumcision as a part of this discussion?
(DG) Paul recognizes that a Jew may protest, and say that his salvation is based on the fact that he is a descendant of Abraham, proven by circumcision. Paul rightly answers that this is irrelevant in regard to justification.
The Jew believed that his circumcision guaranteed his salvation...
In Paul’s day, some Rabbis taught that Abraham sat at the entrance of Hell and made certain that none of his circumcised descendants went there. Some Rabbis also taught “God will judge the Gentiles with one measure and the Jews with another” and “All Israelites will have part in the world to come.”
Circumcision (or baptism - or any ritual in itself) doesn’t save anyone. In the ancient world, Egyptians also circumcised their boys but it did not make them followers of the true God. Even in Abraham’s day, Ishmael, the son of the flesh, was circumcised, but it did not make him a son of the covenant.
Therefore circumcision is indeed profitable if you keep the law or follow God.
What might happen to circumcision when they break the law?
25b but if you are a breaker of the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.
Note: Here Paul has raised few hypothetical questions which in reality never happens.
Does Paul really mean that the circumcision has become uncircumcision?
No. In God's sight if they have not keep the law then their circumcision is equivalent to uncirumcision.
What Paul is saying?
In God's sight if they have not keep the law then their circumcision is equivalent to uncirumcision.
He is trying to say that there is no advantage/use in doing physical circumcision.
In other words without keeping the law there is no point in doing physical circumcision as a religious ritual.
What might be possible if uncircumcised man keeps the righteous requirements of the law?
26 Therefore, if an uncircumcised man keeps the righteous requirements of the law, will not his uncircumcision be counted as circumcision? 27 And will not the physically uncircumcised, if he fulfills the law, judge you who, even with your written code and circumcision, are a transgressor of the law?
Here Paul again raised another hypothetical questions which in reality never happens.
What Paul is saying?
Sure, if an uncircumcised/gentile man keeps the righteous requirements of the law, then his uncircumcision will be counted as circumcision.
What he tries to convey is Obeying/Keeping the law is as important as physically circumcising.
(WW) God judges according to "the secrets of the heart" (Rom. 2:16), so that He is not impressed with mere outward formalities. An obedient Gentile with no circumcision would be more acceptable than a disobedient Jew with circumcision. In fact, a disobedient Jew turns his circumcision into uncircumcision in God's sight, for God looks at the heart.
(DG) If a Gentile were to keep the righteous requirement of the law (through his conscience, as Romans 2:15 shows) within his heart, would he not be justified, instead of the circumcised Jew who did not keep the law? The point is emphasized: having the law or having a ceremony isn’t enough. God requires righteousness.
Morris quoting Manson: “If they are loyal to the good they know, they will be acceptable to God; but it is a very big ‘if’.”
Read Is Paul is teaching salvation by works or good deeds? topic for more details.
Application: Read more in Are you doers of the word or just a hearer?
Who is a true Jew? What is true Circumcision means?
28 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; 29 but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.
True Jew is not about outward performance but about inward change in their heart.
True Jew will be as humble, kind, loving as God.
True Jew will reflect the characters of God to their friends, neighbors, colleague, and to the world around them.
True circumcision is not just outward action in the flesh; but circumcision is of inward change of heart by the work of the Spirit, not just the knowledge or the God's word.
(JC) Circumcision was an identification of God’s covenant people, an outward sign of what was to be an inward reality;
NLT: Romans 2:28-29 - 28 For you are not a true Jew just because you were born of Jewish parents or because you have gone through the Jewish ceremony of circumcision. 29 No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not a cutting of the body but a change of heart produced by God's Spirit. Whoever has that kind of change seeks praise from God, not from people.
Acts 7:51 - 51 "You stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you.
Phil 3:3 - For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, a rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh,
Of course, this is not a new thought. The Old Testament scriptures teaches this principle:
Deuteronomy 10:16 - Therefore circumcise the foreskin of your heart, and be stiff-necked no longer.
Deuteronomy 30:6 - And the Lord your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live.
Jeremiah 4:4 - Circumcise yourselves to the Lord, And take away the foreskins of your hearts, You men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, Lest My fury come forth like fire, And burn so that no one can quench it, Because of the evil of your doings."
Lev 26:41 - and that I also have walked contrary to them and have brought them into the land of their enemies; if their uncircumcised hearts are humbled, and they accept their guilt--
(JC) Circumcision was an illustration of God’s dealing with the flesh.
In the Old Testament, God defined how the illustration of circumcision was intended to work.
Exodus 6:12 speaks of the circumcision of the lips.
Jeremiah 6:10 speaks of the circumcision of the ears.
Ezekiel 44 speaks of the circumcision of the heart.
God’s people were to speak with tenderness, hear with sensitivity, feel with compassion. Circumcision was meant to be a picture externally of the transformation that takes place internally. Yet although the Jews were outwardly circumcised, they were far from where they should have been internally.
As the Israelites were about to enter the Promised Land, the Lord said, “Before you can take on Jericho in victory, before you can enter the Promised Land and enjoy the milk and honey, you must circumcise all those who came out of Egypt” (see Joshua 5). They needed to do away with the flesh before they could have victory in the Spirit. But this principle became lost in the community of the super-religious, for although they boasted of their circumcision physically, their hearts, lips, and ears were hardened to the Lord in reality.
Read What Circumcision really means? topic for more details.
What it means "whose praise is not from men but from God"?
(DG) All the outward signs of religion may earn us praise from men, but they will not earn us praise from God. The evidence of our rightness with God is not contained in outward signs or works, and it is not assured because of our parentage; the evidence is found in the work of God in our hearts, which shows itself in fruit.
(WW) The Jews praised each other for their obedience to the Law, but the important thing is the "praise of God" and not the praise of men (Rom. 2:29). When you recall that the name "Jew" comes from "Judah" which means "praise," this statement takes on new meaning (Gen. 29:35; 49:8).
Warning:
Based on this verse and the other circumcision reference in New Testament Bible some teach/preach/believe that the Church replaces the Israel. That means Church is Israel and God will not deal with physical Israel nation and Israelites/Jews. This is a wrong interpretation/teaching because there are many prophesy regarding nation Israel and Jews yet to be fulfilled.
Phil 3:3 - For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, a rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh,
Galatians 3:28-29 - 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. 29 And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
So Paul is not teaching the Church (believers in Christ) replaces Israel or Israelites/Jews.
God is not done with Israel - Read Romans 9-11.
He will deal with them during the last 7 year period of Great Tribulation before Jesus 2nd coming - Read Revelation 6-19.
Luke 21:24 - And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
Application:
Is there any advantage/use in circumcision, adult/child baptism, confirmation, Christening/dedication, communion if you are mere hearer but not the doer or not keep the law?
(JC) I point this out to you because Paul is making a very important point concerning outward signs and religion. “I’ve been baptized,” people say. “I’ve gone through Confirmation. I’ve had Communion.” And many people think that, because they’ve gone through a baptismal ceremony, been christened as an infant, or come to the Lord’s table, they will be especially blessed. Not so. Outward expression means nothing if not accompanied by inward experience.
(DG) Circumcision and baptism do about the same thing that a label on a can does. If the outer label doesn’t match with what is on the inside, something is wrong! If there are carrots inside the can, you can put a label says “Peas” but it doesn’t change what is inside the can. Being born again changes what is inside the can, and then you can put the appropriate label on the outside.
Are you focusing on outward life whom others see or inward change in your heart?
Matt 23 - 23 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. 24 Blind guides, who strain out a gnat (small flies that will not bled properly in accord with kosher regulations) and swallow a camel! (to fuss about small matter while ignoring more serious matters.) 25 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. 26 Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also. 27 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness. 28 Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. 29 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the monuments of the righteous, 30 and say, 'If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.' 31 Therefore you are witnesses against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. 32 Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers' guilt. 33 Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell?
Whom do you pleasing?
Gal 1:10 - 10 For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ. 11 But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. 12 For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Whom do you expect praise from?
Are you a true born again believer in Christ?
Is your faith produces works?
Summary:
(JC) God not only judges according to truth (Rom. 2:2), and according to men's deeds (Rom. 2:6); but He also judges "the secrets of men" (Rom. 2:16). He sees what is in the heart!
William Newell summarizes Romans 2 with “Seven Great Principles of God’s Judgment” that are worth noting:
God’s judgment is according to truth (Romans 2:2)
God’s judgment is according to accumulated guilt (Romans 2:5)
God’s judgment is according to works (Romans 2:6)
God’s judgment is without partiality (Romans 2:11)
God’s judgment is according to performance, not knowledge (Romans 2:13)
God’s judgment reaches the secrets of the heart (Romans 2:16)
God’s judgment is according to reality, not religious profession (Romans 2:17-29)