November 10, 2020
The epistle to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul to the church in the capital city of Rome. The date of the letter was most likely around 56 A.D., near the end of Paul’s third missionary journey, while he was in Corinth. Paul had wanted to visit the believers in Rome for some time, however, he had not yet had the chance to do so. The letter afforded Paul the opportunity to introduce himself to the church, and to instruct them in essential truths of the gospel.
The church in Rome was probably founded by those who had come to faith in Christ on the day of Pentecost in Jerusalem. Unlike many of the other churches that Paul wrote to, his aim was not primarily to correct wrong theology or sinful living on the part of the Roman Christians, but to further instruct the church in doctrinal truths and practical living in light of those truths.
The principal theme of Paul’s letter to the Romans is that God justifies guilty, helpless sinners by faith alone in Jesus Christ alone. He dispels any notion that heaven and a relationship with God can be achieved through good works. Generally, the first eleven chapters of Romans are primarily theological while chapters 12-16 are more about practical Christian living and life in the church.
While the letter does contain some challenging passages that believers have debated, Paul addresses issues such as man’s sin and God’s wrath, justification by faith alone, the security of the believer’s salvation, sanctification, God’s sovereignty, God’s plan for Israel, the purpose of governing authorities, Christian living, and the proper use of one’s liberty in Christ.
It was while studying and teaching the book of Romans that a German Catholic priest, in the early 1500’s, came to understand Romans 1:17 in a brand new light. The words, “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith’” led him to understand justification was by faith alone and not by works. God would so impact Martin Luther with these words that he became a seminal figure in the Protestant Reformation.
Romans 2
God’s Righteous Judgment
1 Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. 2 We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. 3 Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? 5 But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.
6 He will render to each one according to his works: 7 to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; 8 but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. 9 There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek, 10 but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. 11 For God shows no partiality.
God’s Judgment and the Law
12 For all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. 13 For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. 14 For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. 15 They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them 16 on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.
17 But if you call yourself a Jew and rely on the law and boast in God 18 and know his will and approve what is excellent, because you are instructed from the law; 19 and if you are sure 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 children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— 21 you then who teach others, do you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? 22 You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23 You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law. 24 For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”
25 For circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision. 26 So, if a man who is uncircumcised keeps the precepts of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? 27 Then he who is physically uncircumcised but keeps the law will condemn you who have the written code and circumcision but break the law. 28 For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. 29 But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Reflection:
- Paul is very direct about hypocrisy. He says God will judge those who are judgmental of others when they do the same evil acts and have the same evil attitudes. Do you find yourself having a judgmental towards others?
- Verse 6 says God will judge people according to their works. But how does he define the good works and bad works (vv. 7-8)?
- How are the words of Paul in verse 13 similar to James 1:22, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”?
- Jeremiah 31:33 says, “For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” How has God expanded this promise to the Gentiles as well as the Jews (vv. 13-16)?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, never allow me to take my salvation for granted. Thank you for offering me forgiveness for my sin. Thank you for your salvation. Don’t let me ever be casual about sin and spiritual lawlessness. Help me to walk closely with you in faithfulness and obedience. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Please abide by me and in me always. Help me to be not merely a hearer of Your Word but a doer also. Please protect me and my family from all unrighteousness. Cleanse my heart, mind and body and make it be acceptable in your sight, oh Lord, I pray. In Jesus’name. Amen.
Thankyou Lord that your blood sacrifice is enough to save us. Where would we be without you Lord. Please forgive me when I judge other people harshly when I have no righteousness of my own. Please help us walk wisely and humbly before you dear Lord. Yet we must be watchful and prayerful so that we May not be deceived.
Lord be with us and bless us all. Amen.
Amen! Harsh judgement is not of you. Help me to defeat my critical spirit and use my spirit to build understanding and knowledge. Praise you dear Lord for the Holy Spirit’s guidance and abiding nature.
God’s plan is simple but yet so profound. Most people miss it because they insist on working for salvation. They totally miss His mercy shown in His salvation by grace through faith. There is no other way.
May I always have the gladness that David had, as each Sunday I prepare to worship You in Your house, Heavenly Father.
I will not be just a hearer of the gospel, but a doer of the gospel as well.
Lord thank you for revealing yourself so that I could accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Thank yo for the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit, empowering me to obey you, but when I fail you, reminding me that I am part of your chosen people.
Father,
I am unworthy; you are righteous.
I am such a sinner; you are all forgiving.
I was lost; you called me.
I was a wanderer; you placed me on the narrow path.
Empty me of me; fill me with your Holy Spirit.
Now, let’s assault the gates of hell and pull one more from the fire.
May there be rejoicing in heaven over a new soul added to the kingdom today. Together, let’s find one more for Jesus.
Amen
Lord, I ask forgiveness and Pray Today You will be my guide and strength to walk each moment with me. Thank You for All your many Blessings!
“Trust and obey”
To be right with God we have to do right before God (verse 13). We know what to do, we don’t do what we know (verse 14). All are accountable to God and will be judged by what God has revealed to them.