Condemnation (Romans 1:18-3:20), continued

Hypocrites are condemned (Romans 2:1-16)

• Romans 2:1-3 – Paul switched the pronouns from “they” and “them” (Romans 1:18-32) to “you” and “yourself.” He’s forcing his audience to examine themselves rather than point fingers at others. We need to watch out for sin. Paul is warning about hypocritical judgment.

• Romans 2:4-11 – God’s punishment is righteous and impartial. We cannot claim that He is unfair.

• Romans 2:12-16 – Sometimes Paul is referring to law in general or the law of Moses. See Acts 16:21.

  • Romans 2:12 – Gentiles could still be guilty even without the Law of Moses.

  • Romans 2:13 – You have to obey the law, not just hear it! God still expected Gentiles to infer some things about Him (Romans 1:19-21) and follow their conscience which He instilled in them (Romans 2:14-15).

Religious hypocrites are condemned (Romans 2:17-29)

• Romans 2:17-20 – Jews had a right to glory in being a Jew (Romans 3:1-2). It was a wonderful blessing! But wearing the name (and having the physical lineage) did not mean automatic salvation (remember Romans 2:13). We should make the same point about ourselves: If you bear the name “Christian” …
• Romans 2:21-24 – The Jews had a big problem with pride (Matthew 23). Paul presses them to examine their hypocrisy.
• Romans 2:25-29 – Who was in better shape with God? A Jew who did not obey God or a Gentile who did?