Chapter 2:1-4
VERSE BY VERSE STUDY ON THE BOOK OF ROMANS
By Pastor Greg Hooker
Read Scripture Text (Note: All Scriptures used are from the KJV.)
Chapter 2:1-4
Chapter 2:1-4
1 You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.
2 Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth.
3 So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment?
4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?
THOU THAT JUDGEST DOETH THE SAME
Verse 1
“Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.”
“Therefore thou art inexcusable,”
Many at the church in Rome had no excuse. They made their choices by rejecting the Light of God in exchange for the darkness of the world, flesh, and the Devil. Paul let’s them know there is no salvation apart from the grace provided by Jesus Christ. The demands of the Law cannot justify them, it was never designed for that. The Law was to show man their inability to keep and justify themselves through keeping it, including their good works.
“O man”
While it’s written to all men who should do these evil things, Paul is mainly addressing the Jews in this letter which made up most, if not all of the congregation.
“Whosoever thou art that judgest”
The word "judgest" here is used in the sense of condemning. It implies they were accustomed to judging the Gentiles who were also involved in these sins. From the New Testament, as well as from their own writings, there can be no doubt that such was the case. They regarded the entire Gentile world with abhorrence and considered them as shut out from the favor of God. They applied to them terms expressive of the utmost contempt (Matthew 15:27).
“For wherein”
For in the "same thing” implies that largely the same crimes which were committed among the pagan Gentiles were also being committed among the Jews.
NOTE: We must keep in mind that the infant church’s were made up of pagans. They wallowed in sin as a pig in a mud hole and thought nothing of it. Now, having found and accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior, they were just starting to learn from the “milk” of God’s Word. The only Bible they had as far as the New Testament goes was this letter being written to them by Paul. So you can understand their ignorance concerning this Man called Jesus.
Later, the letter to the Romans was canonized in our New Testament. To say the least, these ‘new teachings’ were an enormous change brought on them suddenly. Their entire life style and thought process needed revamping. This was not going to happen overnight.
In like manner, souls being saved today come with ingrained philosophies, ideas, and strong diverse cultural and family upbringings. No two people are alike. Consequently, we make the mistake that once they are saved they are going to change overnight, in a blink of an eye. That is not gonna happen! They must learn a new way of living altogether. A life that must be consistently filled with the Word of God and taught by the Holy Spirit over time. That’s called daily sanctification. Putting off the old man and putting on on the new.
EXAMPLE: When a baby is born they cannot even sit up or rollover. But over time they learn how to raise their little bodies, turnover, crawl, stand, and eventually begin to walk and speak. The same goes for newly born children of God. It’s imperative that we as mature Christians have patience with them. They are going to do and say things that may embarrass us, but that is our opportunity to reach out to them in love and teach and nurture them to grow in the Word of God. Like new born babies, we may have to change a dirty diaper or two.
Sadly, we lose so many young Christians because we think they have to be as mature as we are when they first are born into the family of God. That, my friends, is a lie from the devil. While some new Christians ‘blossom’ overnight, they are still in need of grownups to feed and take care of them spiritually.
Satan uses all kinds of excuses and will use other people to discourage new born babies in Christ to just give up. The Devil slithers in while we sleep and takes them back to their old sinful ways. I’ve seen it happen time and time again and so have you.
That’s why I have always believed every church should have a new converts class to get them started right away in the fundamentals of the basic doctrines of Christ before the Devil has a chance to attack them. A class where they learn the basics of how to live the Christian life. A course where young Christians can feed upon the milk of the word and ask questions so they can graduate to the meat of the word.
“Thou judgest another”
The meaning of this clearly is, ‘for the same thing for which you condemn the pagans, you condemn yourselves.’ You are nothing less than hypocrites - you Jews who condemn others,
“Doest the same things”
It is clearly implied here, that some of the church folks were guilty of offences similar to those practiced by the Gentiles. The character of the Jewish nation, as given in the New Testament, is that they were "an evil and adulterous generation" (Matthew 12:39; John 8:7).
The Jews were called a "generation of vipers" by John the Baptist in (Matthew 3:7; Matthew 12:34), “wicked” in (Matthew 12:45) and “sinful” in (Mark 8:38). Additionally they were proud, haughty, and hypocritical (Matthew 23).
What a lesson we can learn from these passages to the church at Rome. Many times we are quick to condemn sin in others, while at the same time doing the very same, if not worse. I suppose it’s our sinful human nature to turn up our snooty noses and forget the “beam” in our own eye.
Verse 2
“But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.
“But we are sure”
The literal Greek says, "We know" that it’s common among mankind to forget God and serve the pleasures of the flesh. It is known and believed by people generally, that God will punish such crimes. It is implied in this declaration that this was known to the Jews and Gentiles alike. Both were guilty. None will escape their punishment.
“which commit such things”
Paul is referring to the crimes listed in Romans 1. The apostle is not to be understood as affirming each and every individual among the Jews were guilty of the specific crimes charged, but that some were inclined to do the same things. Even where they might be externally moral, they might be guilty of harboring evil desires in their hearts and thus guilty of the offense, (Matthew 5:28).
When people attempt to do evil and are prevented by the providence and graciousness of God, it is still just (should God so desire) to punish them for their evil intentions. The fact that God prevents them from carrying out their evil purposes does not excuse their sin of trying. They are guilty of intent.
2 Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth.
3 So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment?
4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?
THOU THAT JUDGEST DOETH THE SAME
Verse 1
“Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.”
“Therefore thou art inexcusable,”
Many at the church in Rome had no excuse. They made their choices by rejecting the Light of God in exchange for the darkness of the world, flesh, and the Devil. Paul let’s them know there is no salvation apart from the grace provided by Jesus Christ. The demands of the Law cannot justify them, it was never designed for that. The Law was to show man their inability to keep and justify themselves through keeping it, including their good works.
“O man”
While it’s written to all men who should do these evil things, Paul is mainly addressing the Jews in this letter which made up most, if not all of the congregation.
“Whosoever thou art that judgest”
The word "judgest" here is used in the sense of condemning. It implies they were accustomed to judging the Gentiles who were also involved in these sins. From the New Testament, as well as from their own writings, there can be no doubt that such was the case. They regarded the entire Gentile world with abhorrence and considered them as shut out from the favor of God. They applied to them terms expressive of the utmost contempt (Matthew 15:27).
“For wherein”
For in the "same thing” implies that largely the same crimes which were committed among the pagan Gentiles were also being committed among the Jews.
NOTE: We must keep in mind that the infant church’s were made up of pagans. They wallowed in sin as a pig in a mud hole and thought nothing of it. Now, having found and accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior, they were just starting to learn from the “milk” of God’s Word. The only Bible they had as far as the New Testament goes was this letter being written to them by Paul. So you can understand their ignorance concerning this Man called Jesus.
Later, the letter to the Romans was canonized in our New Testament. To say the least, these ‘new teachings’ were an enormous change brought on them suddenly. Their entire life style and thought process needed revamping. This was not going to happen overnight.
In like manner, souls being saved today come with ingrained philosophies, ideas, and strong diverse cultural and family upbringings. No two people are alike. Consequently, we make the mistake that once they are saved they are going to change overnight, in a blink of an eye. That is not gonna happen! They must learn a new way of living altogether. A life that must be consistently filled with the Word of God and taught by the Holy Spirit over time. That’s called daily sanctification. Putting off the old man and putting on on the new.
EXAMPLE: When a baby is born they cannot even sit up or rollover. But over time they learn how to raise their little bodies, turnover, crawl, stand, and eventually begin to walk and speak. The same goes for newly born children of God. It’s imperative that we as mature Christians have patience with them. They are going to do and say things that may embarrass us, but that is our opportunity to reach out to them in love and teach and nurture them to grow in the Word of God. Like new born babies, we may have to change a dirty diaper or two.
Sadly, we lose so many young Christians because we think they have to be as mature as we are when they first are born into the family of God. That, my friends, is a lie from the devil. While some new Christians ‘blossom’ overnight, they are still in need of grownups to feed and take care of them spiritually.
Satan uses all kinds of excuses and will use other people to discourage new born babies in Christ to just give up. The Devil slithers in while we sleep and takes them back to their old sinful ways. I’ve seen it happen time and time again and so have you.
That’s why I have always believed every church should have a new converts class to get them started right away in the fundamentals of the basic doctrines of Christ before the Devil has a chance to attack them. A class where they learn the basics of how to live the Christian life. A course where young Christians can feed upon the milk of the word and ask questions so they can graduate to the meat of the word.
“Thou judgest another”
The meaning of this clearly is, ‘for the same thing for which you condemn the pagans, you condemn yourselves.’ You are nothing less than hypocrites - you Jews who condemn others,
“Doest the same things”
It is clearly implied here, that some of the church folks were guilty of offences similar to those practiced by the Gentiles. The character of the Jewish nation, as given in the New Testament, is that they were "an evil and adulterous generation" (Matthew 12:39; John 8:7).
The Jews were called a "generation of vipers" by John the Baptist in (Matthew 3:7; Matthew 12:34), “wicked” in (Matthew 12:45) and “sinful” in (Mark 8:38). Additionally they were proud, haughty, and hypocritical (Matthew 23).
What a lesson we can learn from these passages to the church at Rome. Many times we are quick to condemn sin in others, while at the same time doing the very same, if not worse. I suppose it’s our sinful human nature to turn up our snooty noses and forget the “beam” in our own eye.
Verse 2
“But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.
“But we are sure”
The literal Greek says, "We know" that it’s common among mankind to forget God and serve the pleasures of the flesh. It is known and believed by people generally, that God will punish such crimes. It is implied in this declaration that this was known to the Jews and Gentiles alike. Both were guilty. None will escape their punishment.
“which commit such things”
Paul is referring to the crimes listed in Romans 1. The apostle is not to be understood as affirming each and every individual among the Jews were guilty of the specific crimes charged, but that some were inclined to do the same things. Even where they might be externally moral, they might be guilty of harboring evil desires in their hearts and thus guilty of the offense, (Matthew 5:28).
When people attempt to do evil and are prevented by the providence and graciousness of God, it is still just (should God so desire) to punish them for their evil intentions. The fact that God prevents them from carrying out their evil purposes does not excuse their sin of trying. They are guilty of intent.
QUESTION INSTRUCTIONS: Please read each question and write your answer in the "COMMENT" box below. Be sure to number each answer corresponding to the question asked and be as thorough as possible. The more you put into this study, the more you will commit it to memory. IMPORTANT: Do not refresh or shut your computer down until you are finished with this section and click the "Submit" button or you will loose all your information.
1. What was the Law designed for?
2. Explain the word “judgest”.
3. What does “for in the same thing” imply?
4. Discuss how the church should help and respond to new born babies in a Christ.
5. Why does the church lose so many new converts?
6. Explain “Doest the same things”.
2. Explain the word “judgest”.
3. What does “for in the same thing” imply?
4. Discuss how the church should help and respond to new born babies in a Christ.
5. Why does the church lose so many new converts?
6. Explain “Doest the same things”.
Verse 3
“And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?”
“And thinkest thou”
Paul appeals to their common sense, to their deep and instinctive conviction of what is right and wrong. ‘Don’t you know if you condemn another person of sin and seek God to judge them, you will also receive the same recompense for your own transgressions?’
If the Jews condemned the Gentiles who practiced these things as imperfect and unholy as their sense of justice was, they yet were guilty of the same crimes. Would not a holy and just God be far more likely to pronounce judgment on their hypocrisy first? It’s imperative that we examine our own lives for purity before we pronounce judgment upon others. Otherwise we may incur a good thrashing by our Heavenly Father first! You might say, ‘God hates a tattle tell’!
NOTE: The Bible does teach that we can and should judge others, but certain criteria must be met first. We may explore that later.
God is of “purer eyes than to behold any evil, and cannot look upon iniquity” (Habakkuk 1:13). Therefore, if people condemned their fellowmen, how much more would a pure and holy God condemn and punish their own iniquities? It is very important that we examine our own hearts before condemning others.
The apostle shows that crime is crime, sin is sin, and wherever and whoever commits it is guilty. Just because the people were members of the church doesn’t qualify or justified them to call out the sins of others, while at the same time doing the very same thing. That’s hypocrisy at its best! There are very few things more revolting and disgusting than a hypocrite.
Moreover, just because a person claims salvation, is baptized, and goes to church doesn’t give them a special license to sin that would justify their actions, and at the same time give them the right to condemn those who didn’t attend church. Paul let’s them know that the most repulsive sins are those committed by the professed believers of God ( Isaiah 1:11-17; Isaiah 65:2-5; Revelation 3:16). They know better!
Verse 4
“Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?”
“despisest”
This word properly means to detest, or to treat with neglect.
The Jewish Converts didn’t necessarily neglect God’s word (which was only the Old Testament at that time), but they did pervert and abuse it. Furthermore, they did not make proper use of it, did not regard it as suitable to lead them to repentance and salvation.
Because God had not come forth in judgment and punished them, but rather continued sending blessings, they surmised they were innocent of their sins and safe from God‘s wrath, but were badly mistaken. They had yet to learn of the Lord’s grace and forbearance.
“The riches of his goodness”
This is a Hebrew mode of speaking, for ‘his rich goodness,’ that is, ‘for his abundant or great goodness.’ Riches denote surplus exceeding man’s needs and desires. Although we don’t deserve it, the Lord often makes our cup run over. That’s how His grace works.
“and forbearance”
Literally, God holding in, or restraining His indignation and forbearing to manifest his displeasure against sin. If it weren’t for this, all of mankind would have perished a long time ago, starting with Adam and Eve.
“Long-suffering”
This word denotes God’s slowness to anger and long suffering as not to pour out His wrath on their sins. While He certainly is justified to do so, the Lord is “long suffering” and wishes all to come to repentance.
“For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:17).
Although God is patient with us, it should not give us cause to assume a false forgiveness and safety net as we continue on in our filthy sins. That’s the same as playing spiritual roulette. The longer you wait to repent (turn from sin unto God) the closer you get to the wrath of God.
To abuse the goodness of God and plunge deeper in sin is to tempt Him to swift and just action against us. There will come a day when the patience of the Lord is expended and we will be caught in His cross hairs unless we accept His forgiveness through Christ.
“Not knowing”
The Greek word used here means not merely to be ignorant of, but it denotes such a degree of inattention, carelessness, and complacent attitude as to result in ignorance. In this sense it denotes a voluntary and therefore a criminal ignorance.
“Leadeth thee”
The goodness of God is to persuade people to repent of their sins and encourage them not to go deeper and more aggravated in iniquities. This is expressed in 2 Peter 3:9,
"The Lord is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance."
Isaiah 30:18 says, "And therefore will the Lord wait, that he may be gracious unto you;"
“Repentance”
The base Greek word for repentance means to change ones mind about sin and to mentally accept God’s grace through His Son, Jesus Christ. However, the word here evidently means not merely being sorry for sin, but a forsaking and turning away from it. We will discuss the meaning and stages of “repentance” later.
The tendency of God's goodness and forbearance to lead people to repentance is manifest in the following ways,
1) It shows the evil of transgression when it is seen to be committed against such a kind and merciful a Being.
2) It melts and softens the sinners heart.
3) It demonstrates the great mercy of God toward mankind.
4) It shows the mercy and forbearance of God are constant, but eventually exhaustible.
“And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?”
“And thinkest thou”
Paul appeals to their common sense, to their deep and instinctive conviction of what is right and wrong. ‘Don’t you know if you condemn another person of sin and seek God to judge them, you will also receive the same recompense for your own transgressions?’
If the Jews condemned the Gentiles who practiced these things as imperfect and unholy as their sense of justice was, they yet were guilty of the same crimes. Would not a holy and just God be far more likely to pronounce judgment on their hypocrisy first? It’s imperative that we examine our own lives for purity before we pronounce judgment upon others. Otherwise we may incur a good thrashing by our Heavenly Father first! You might say, ‘God hates a tattle tell’!
NOTE: The Bible does teach that we can and should judge others, but certain criteria must be met first. We may explore that later.
God is of “purer eyes than to behold any evil, and cannot look upon iniquity” (Habakkuk 1:13). Therefore, if people condemned their fellowmen, how much more would a pure and holy God condemn and punish their own iniquities? It is very important that we examine our own hearts before condemning others.
The apostle shows that crime is crime, sin is sin, and wherever and whoever commits it is guilty. Just because the people were members of the church doesn’t qualify or justified them to call out the sins of others, while at the same time doing the very same thing. That’s hypocrisy at its best! There are very few things more revolting and disgusting than a hypocrite.
Moreover, just because a person claims salvation, is baptized, and goes to church doesn’t give them a special license to sin that would justify their actions, and at the same time give them the right to condemn those who didn’t attend church. Paul let’s them know that the most repulsive sins are those committed by the professed believers of God ( Isaiah 1:11-17; Isaiah 65:2-5; Revelation 3:16). They know better!
Verse 4
“Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?”
“despisest”
This word properly means to detest, or to treat with neglect.
The Jewish Converts didn’t necessarily neglect God’s word (which was only the Old Testament at that time), but they did pervert and abuse it. Furthermore, they did not make proper use of it, did not regard it as suitable to lead them to repentance and salvation.
Because God had not come forth in judgment and punished them, but rather continued sending blessings, they surmised they were innocent of their sins and safe from God‘s wrath, but were badly mistaken. They had yet to learn of the Lord’s grace and forbearance.
“The riches of his goodness”
This is a Hebrew mode of speaking, for ‘his rich goodness,’ that is, ‘for his abundant or great goodness.’ Riches denote surplus exceeding man’s needs and desires. Although we don’t deserve it, the Lord often makes our cup run over. That’s how His grace works.
“and forbearance”
Literally, God holding in, or restraining His indignation and forbearing to manifest his displeasure against sin. If it weren’t for this, all of mankind would have perished a long time ago, starting with Adam and Eve.
“Long-suffering”
This word denotes God’s slowness to anger and long suffering as not to pour out His wrath on their sins. While He certainly is justified to do so, the Lord is “long suffering” and wishes all to come to repentance.
“For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:17).
Although God is patient with us, it should not give us cause to assume a false forgiveness and safety net as we continue on in our filthy sins. That’s the same as playing spiritual roulette. The longer you wait to repent (turn from sin unto God) the closer you get to the wrath of God.
To abuse the goodness of God and plunge deeper in sin is to tempt Him to swift and just action against us. There will come a day when the patience of the Lord is expended and we will be caught in His cross hairs unless we accept His forgiveness through Christ.
“Not knowing”
The Greek word used here means not merely to be ignorant of, but it denotes such a degree of inattention, carelessness, and complacent attitude as to result in ignorance. In this sense it denotes a voluntary and therefore a criminal ignorance.
“Leadeth thee”
The goodness of God is to persuade people to repent of their sins and encourage them not to go deeper and more aggravated in iniquities. This is expressed in 2 Peter 3:9,
"The Lord is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance."
Isaiah 30:18 says, "And therefore will the Lord wait, that he may be gracious unto you;"
“Repentance”
The base Greek word for repentance means to change ones mind about sin and to mentally accept God’s grace through His Son, Jesus Christ. However, the word here evidently means not merely being sorry for sin, but a forsaking and turning away from it. We will discuss the meaning and stages of “repentance” later.
The tendency of God's goodness and forbearance to lead people to repentance is manifest in the following ways,
1) It shows the evil of transgression when it is seen to be committed against such a kind and merciful a Being.
2) It melts and softens the sinners heart.
3) It demonstrates the great mercy of God toward mankind.
4) It shows the mercy and forbearance of God are constant, but eventually exhaustible.
QUESTION INSTRUCTIONS: Please read each question and write your answer in the "COMMENT" box below. Be sure to number each answer corresponding to the question asked and be as thorough as possible. The more you put into this study, the more you will commit it to memory. IMPORTANT: Do not refresh or shut your computer down until you are finished with this section and click the "Submit" button or you will loose all your information.
5. Explain why the parishioners at the church in Rome were hypocrites.
6. The Jewish Converts didn’t necessarily neglect God’s Word, but did what?
7. Explain what Paul meant when he said “and forbearance”.
8. In your own words, what does this verse mean to you “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved”
9. Define the word ‘repentance’. You can also do some research online if you would like to learn more about it.
6. The Jewish Converts didn’t necessarily neglect God’s Word, but did what?
7. Explain what Paul meant when he said “and forbearance”.
8. In your own words, what does this verse mean to you “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved”
9. Define the word ‘repentance’. You can also do some research online if you would like to learn more about it.