Romans 2:1-11 Knowledge does not justify but the works of a penitent heart does
Romans 2:1-11 Knowledge does not justify but the works of a penitent heart does
Therefore you have no excuse, everyone of you who passes judgment, for in that which you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. 2 And we know that the judgment of God rightly falls upon those who practice such things. 3 But do you suppose this, O man, when you pass judgment on those who practice such things and do the same yourself, that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? 5 But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, 6 who will render to each person according to his deeds:7 to those who by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life; 8 but to those who are selfishly ambitious and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, wrath and indignation. 9 There will be tribulation and distress for every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek, 10 but glory and honor and peace to everyone who does good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 11 For there is no partiality with God.
Background
We have seen in our previous studies that the root causes of evil and injustice in this world is the lack of honour for God and gratitude towards His lovingkindness. In order for society to progress, people must honour God and one another, and be grateful for the things they possess. In view of the imminent judgment of God, Paul directs his attention to the leadership of God’s community calling them to re-exam their own attitudes and to repent. The transformation of any community begins with the leadership who must show themselves as models to assume a position of respect and authority. Paul attempts to awake the people from their stupor; they suppose their religion or social status can offer them reprieve from God’s judgment. Even though the Jews received mercy from God, they did not show mercy to people of other nationalities but despise them. Paul reminds them that God judges without partiality each person according to their works revealing the true condition of their hearts. He rewards those who seek the heavenly glory and the virtues of God. The outward forms of religion: religious piety, knowledge of the Law, social status and wealth cannot offer them a single shred of righteousness before God. We are reminded of the heavenly glory and honour that await the righteous. In today’s devotion, we learn that one’s knowledge does not justify him on the day of judgment, but the works that flow from a penitent heart does.
Observation
Therefore you have no excuse, everyone of you who passes judgment, for in that which you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.
He who is in leadership positions, who plays the role of judge, must be aware of his true moral condition. The principle in operation here is reciprocal in nature; when one judges another, he at the same time judges himself. Hence, a person operating in the capacity of a leader either as manager in a company, or minister in a church or parent in the family must be above board in all things. A leader may be in a privileged position to welt authority, but at the same time he subjects himself under greater scrutiny by God.
Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?
This does not apply only to leaders but to people in general; the tendency to take another’s kindness for granted. The natural tendency of people upon receiving God’s blessings is to take Him for granted by lowering His importance in their lives. Our minds upon experiencing God’s grace deceive us into thinking that greater grace equates greater tolerance (on God’s part) towards our imperfections. But quite the opposite, God’s kindness should move us to greater affection and reverence towards Him and His commandments.
But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God.
God always focuses on the heart, its desires, passions, and inclinations. The state of a person’s heart either rewards or penalizes him. The works or words of a person flow from his heart and serve as evidences that justify God’s reward or judgment. “Righteous judgment” refers to God’s perfect judgment of every individual as He has complete knowledge of every heart, for everything a man does in his lifetime (Hebrews 4:12-13). And God makes no exceptions for those who hold leadership positions in the church, as they will also be judged by the same law.
There will be tribulation and distress for every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek, but glory and honor and peace to everyone who does good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For there is no partiality with God.
The righteous judgment of God will be without bias; every human being regardless of their race, social status or religious affiliation will stand before the righteous Judge (every soul of man … the Jew first and also of the Greek). God’s judgment will be based on one standard that will apply to both churchgoers and non-churchgoers for there is no partiality: (the Jew first and also to the Greek). That outcome for each individual is glory and honor and peace to everyone who does good, … tribulation and distress for every soul of man who does evil.
What does “does good” or “does evil” mean? For one who does good, he works out of goodwill for the benefit of others. He seeks out God’s will for his life and obeys Him. He is honest and upright in all his dealings. And he is faithful in his relationships. For one who does evil: he looks out for his own interests and benefits at the expense of others. He will do anything for selfish gains if he thinks he can get away with it.
Put in a nutshell, a true believer of Jesus Christ out of goodwill chooses to do good. And his heart will be regenerated by God to do even greater good. That said, one who do good out of goodwill may not know Jesus Christ as the Saviour of the world. For such, God will in His own way reveal Himself to Him and call him into His kingdom.
Truth
We must not judge another by their appearance or religious affiliations.
It is clear that God judges a person by his heart and not by his affiliation to a certain religion. God judges by a person’s inclinations to love and purity; not by his religious knowledge and piety. There will be no “examination papers” on the day when God judges, our works done in our life time shall speak on our behalf. Any person who loves God and others will most definitely acknowledge Jesus as Lord when he sees Him on the day of judgment. A person may be baptized, but if he remains self-centred without regard for others, how will God judge him? Let us not be presumptuous, for only God can truly see what is in a person’s heart.
The kindness of God should lead us to greater commitment and gratitude.
The kindness of others should inspire gratefulness and spur us towards greater commitment towards the relationship. Hence, if we respond with greater commitment and gratitude every time we receive a blessing, we will continue to keep the blessings coming. But if we take God or others for granted thinking that we have already possessed their loyalty, then the blessings will cease. The kindness of God and of another is meant to strengthen our relationship with them in mutual respect and reciprocity. For those who have once prospered and wondered why the blessings stopped coming, should think how they have once responded to the Giver during the times of plenty.
Applications
Write down on paper the blessings that you have received in the past year. Include items that are external to you (e.g. promotions, wealth etc.) and items that are internal (e.g. spiritual gifts, revelations, a fresh confidence etc.) Write down on paper the names of those who has contributed to your life. Thank them for their kindness and consider how you can reciprocate their kindness.
Write down on paper the names of people who share the values of God regardless of their religion or social status. Reach out to them, verbalize your appreciation for them and offer the share the blessing of the gospel.
Having been made wiser and richer through favourable and unfavourable experiences, and having been blessed in your family, career and spiritual gifts, re-commit your life to God. Commit yourself to do more and to give more to the work of God’s kingdom knowing that every deed will for you on the day of judgment.
Reference to Jesus’s teachings
Jesus said, “For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart. The good man brings out of his good treasure what is good; and the evil man brings out of his evil treasure what is evil. But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:36
In the above passage, Jesus taught that every person will be held accountable to the things he did and the words he said during his life on earth. A person’s inclination towards good or evil will drive his lifestyle and his works. Ultimately, God sees the secrets of every person’s heart and his works shall speak on his behalf.
Reference to Paul’s other epistles
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” 2 Corinthians 5:10
The apostle Paul encourages the church, in the light of the future resurrection and eternal home in heaven to live a life fully pleasing to God. Jesus will unpack the lives of each person examining every deed he has done so that he may be vindicated or penalised by his deeds.
Dear Lord, I recognize my position of influence over my family and community. As I humble myself to receive Your correction, use me as an effective influence to the people around me. Your kindness and blessings in my life caused me to be more aware of my shortcomings. As I set my heart towards Your kingdom, transform me and reward me for my loyalty towards you. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.