Romans 2

fight against self-righteous pride

It is important to remember to read all of Scripture in context. This cannot be stressed enough. The first chapter of Romans, for instance, when read in its entirety, requires the prioritization of the Gospel of Christ which is “the power of God for salvation for all who believe” (Romans 1:16). However, immediately following this precedency is the outline of godless behaviors prevalent throughout humanity. Yes, there is that from which we must recognize our need for salvation, but there is also a path that, if taken, with or without knowledge of the law, stands in opposition to God and leads only to death. As Paul will state later in his correspondence, our freedom in Christ does not provide permission for ungodliness. Again, reading the first chapter in context is essential.

Likewise, the second chapter cannot be properly understood out of context from the previous passages; while this may sound basic, consider for a moment its implications. If anyone, only reading the second half of the first chapter, felt inclined toward judgment of the ungodly, Paul quickly pivoted to one of the important themes throughout the book of Romans.

“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.” Romans 2:1

There is no hesitation in stifling the temptation to judge. Despite the heartfelt greeting in which he expressed his desire to personally fellowship with this gathering of believers, Paul was not gentle in his efforts to remind them of their own spiritual poverty. He told them that they practice the same things! Paul even repeated himself to ensure there was no misunderstanding.

“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?” Romans 2:3

The emphasis on creating an understanding of mutual unrighteousness cannot be stressed enough; those who judge the unrighteousness of others are guilty of practicing the same behaviors. And, keep in mind that the specific list of behaviors includes hating God and engaging in practices so vile that practitioners are described as being inventors of evil. Paul is very clear that all who take pride in religious piety blaspheme the name of God by living in conflict to His ways (Romans 2:23); however, for the truly stubborn, for all determined to stand in self-righteousness, “He will render to each one according to his works” (Romans 2:6).

“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.” Romans 2:12

We do not simply resist the temptation to judge others because that role is reserved for God alone; we, instead, recognize that we are not worthy to even consider standing in the place of judgment. We do not, as taught in post-modern worldviews, avoid judgments because all matters should be considered permissible (because this simply is not true); rather, we do not judge because we understand that we are all equally guilty. There is no greater or lesser sin because all sin is an act of rebellion, a practice of ungodliness. Therefore, we, instead, are moved to seek a change of heart, to be renewed inwardly by the grace of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit and to not delusionally consider ourselves to be justified by acts of self-righteousness. Such a response should yield compassion, grace, and a healthy understanding of the heart of God.

“Circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter.” Romans 2:29