Romans Chapter 2

The Future of the Upright and Wicked

This chapter reminds us as believers of God, nobody escapes God’s judgement. Where men have heard God’s word but done nothing (Rom 2:13), wrongly accused, found excuses (Rom 2:15), judged others but have themselves failed (Rom 2:21-23), misconstrued the righteous requirements of the law (Rom 2:25-27), and become misdirected (Rom 2:28-29), God will ‘judge according to truth against those who practice such things’ (Rom 2:2). Without fail, God will mete out His righteous judgement on the last day (Heb 9:27). The following listing is a summary of the attributes of God, of those who judge others and commit the same sin, and of the righteous in God’s eyes. Where do we stand?

Attributes of God

• Rom 2:2 judges according to truth against those who practice such things
• Rom 2:4 the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering
• Rom 2:6 renders to each one according to his deeds
• Rom 2:11 there is no partiality with God

Attributes of those who judge others and commit the very same sin

• Rom 2:3 judge those practicing such things, and doing the same themselves
• Rom 2:4 despise God’s goodness, and unrepentant of their own sins
• Rom 2:5 with hard and impenitent heart
• Rom 2:8-9 self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness; all who do evil

Attributes of the righteous

• Rom 2:7,10 patiently continue in doing good.

Let us recall some related verses in Psalm 37:37-40 😊 These verses uplift and bring hope for those who are striving to be righteous:

“Mark the blameless man, and observe the upright;

For the future of that man is peace.

But the transgressors shall be destroyed together;

The future of the wicked shall be cut off.”

LORD, Lay Some Soul upon My Heart

We are at the close of 2022! This is the time of the year when most people tend to start winding down and relaxing (a little). It is also a good time to recall what we have achieved, omitted, or can do better. When I read this book, my thoughts go back to the author – Paul. His mission in life was God’s commission for him (it is God’s commission for us too); to preach the gospel of the kingdom of heaven, and to save some soul for Him. Do we recall Hymn of Praise #508? Amidst our annual stock-taking of our progress, let us also ask God to lead us to some precious soul in our lives, and love that soul through us; that we may bravely do our parts, to win that soul for Him. In the process of doing so, we must heed the very important reminder in Rom 2: 21-24 – to walk the talk, and be a visible and trustworthy witness for the LORD!

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