2.2. JEWS ARE LOST SINNERS (Romans 2:1 - 3:8)

God will judge those who, in judgment and condemnation of others excuse themselves.

Romans 2:1 "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."

The self-righteous Jew, hearing what Paul said concerning Gentiles, would applaud in full agreement - only to be confronted with the stunning charge that they were doing the same thing they condemned the Gentiles of, and in excusing themselves were actually condemning themselves. God will in fact judge them for their sins.

This judgment will be according to truth.

Romans 2:2 "But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things."

This judgment will be according to one's deeds.

Romans 2:6 "who 'will render to each one according to his deeds': "

This judgment will be according to the gospel.

Romans 2:16 "in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel."

The condemnation of the Jews is explained and applied (Romans 2:17 - 3:8 ). Their privileges included having the law of God and the promises of God.

Romans 2:17-18 "Indeed you are called a Jew, and rest on the law, and make your boast in God, and know His will, and approve the things that are excellent, being instructed out of the law,"

With such privileges the Jews should have become guides and light to those in darkness (Romans 2:19-20 ). They failed to live up to their privileges, for they did not keep the law (Romans 2:21-24 ).

they preached honesty but were dishonest themselves (Romans 2:21 )
and purity but themselves practiced impurity (Romans 2:22 )
condemned idolatry but did not abhor idols (Romans 2:22 )
boasted in the high standards of God's law but broke that law (Romans 2:23 )

Their sinful conduct was the cause of blasphemy among the other nations.

Romans 2:24 "For 'the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you,' as it is written."

While emphasising this teaching on the unfaithful Jew, it must be remembered that it is also true of the unfaithful Christian. Trust in the national sign of being a Jew, circumcision of itself availed nothing to breakers of the law.

Romans 2:25 "For circumcision is indeed profitable if you keep the law;... "

The Jewish lawbreaker stands before God in the same place as a pagan (Romans 2:25-29 ). The real mark of relationship with God is inward, a 'circumcision' performed by the Holy Spirit that sets a person, heart and soul, apart to the Lord. (Romans 2:22-29 ). Holy living is the sign of being in the new covenant of God

Jews had an advantage in having God's inspired teachings, but practising unrighteousness brought deserved condemnation. "What advantage then has the Jew?" (Romans 3:1 ). They had been entrusted with the words of God. God's faithfulness is unchanged by their unfaithfulness (Romans 2:3 ). God faithfully provided salvation. Each is given the freedom to accept or reject, to return the love of God or reject His love. God does not break His word - it is man who breaks God's word (Romans 3:4 ).

God will judge sinners no matter what twisted arguments they present (Romans 3:5-8 ). In punishing sin God shows Himself righteous. In providing a way of salvation God shows His mercy and faithfulness. False arguments that to go on sinning gives God the opportunity of showing more grace and faithfulness, is totally rejected. God is true and merciful because of who He is, not because of our evil.

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. What will happen to those who condemn others, and in self-righteousness excuse themselves (Romans 2:1 )?

2. What examples of preaching one thing and doing the other do you know of that match those in Romans 2:21-24?

3. When was the national sign of covenant of no value (Romans 2:25 )?

4. How would you answer the statement in Paul's reasoning "Let us do evil that good may come" (Romans 3:8 )?