v. 1 “You, therefore,” ties the context to Paul’s description of the depravity of humankind in the previous section. It appears he is talking to both Jew and Gentile Christians at this point who thought they were superior, especially the Jews who had the Law of God. The readers were judging hypocritically those they perceived as less than.

An overarching sin problem for all humankind is PRIDE: judgmental pride. The Jews looked down on the Gentiles and passed judgment for sinful behaviors they themselves were doing, yet they condemned themselves.

Are there sinful areas in our own lives that we are unaware or refuse to make known, yet hypocritically judge as sinful in others?

If we can genuinely perceive the sin problem with others shouldn’t we also be able to examine ourselves in the same light? “In Christ” and through the power of the Holy Spirit, I desire to make sure I am discerning and judging appropriately so others will experience our God. Our God is: just, merciful, compassionate, patient, loving, etc., I think it is safe to say, “to discern and judge appropriately” means constantly being “in Christ” so that I view circumstances, people, dynamics from God’s perspective and allow God to be manifest through my Christ life so that He is experienced.

Obviously, as long as I/we live in this life our discerning and judging circumstances, people, events, etc., is imperfect. However, may we humbly cry out to our merciful God: Help me Lord to die to myself and get out of the way.

Jesus made it clear that we tend to focus on the sin of others, yet fail to shine the light onto ourselves first. (Matt 7:2-3).

How do we actively understand and process in our hearts the sinful behaviors of others?

Some might say: “I am not doing what they are doing…I am not so bad.” Comparatively speaking this may be true. However, it is not because of us, but the grace of God.

May I never forget: only because of the grace of God, here I am “in Christ” today.

In my depravity I could be strung out on drugs or struggling with a sexual addiction, etc., However, “in Christ” by God’s grace! I choose to be accountable and strive to live obediently to the law of Christ. (Jesus said if you love me….?) I cry out to God for grace to empower me to yield to the Holy Spirit every day, even every moment as temptations from every direction relentlessly offer to get me off course.

v. 2-4 However, do not be mislead, God is going to judge based on truth. In fact, God has already “gave them over to a depraved mind…” A future judgment is coming for the hypocrite: the judgmental prideful person who thinks he or she is secure with God because they continuously get away with sinful behavior.

Paul is warning his readers that it is contemptuous to think that God’s tolerance and patience overlooks their sin. In fact, “God’s kindness leads you toward repentance (cf. 2 Peter 3:9).

v. 5 May these inspired words of Paul prompt us to examine ourselves first and then ignite in us a compassion for the lost who will face the wrath of God should their stubborn and unrepentant heart prevail. In Chp. 1 we read, “God gave them over..” an indirect working of God’s wrath because of sin… In contrast, Paul refers to “storing up wrath…for the day…” at that time a divine judgment will occur.

v. 6-11 There are two broad groups of people mentioned:

1. Those who persist in doing good: seek glory, honor, and immortality.

2. Those who are self-seeking, reject the truth, and follow evil.

The reward of eternal life is promised to those “in Christ” who are righteous in God’s sight by faith: there is a trust and dependence on God for all things. The pursuit or persistence is the supernatural result of our indwelling God. We do not trust in good works, but trust only in our living and empowering God: Father, Son, Holy Spirit. He is our only source of glory, honor, and immortality. Life in Christ results in eternal fellowship with God.

Harrison (1976) said, “The good works the believer performs do not bring him salvation, but they attest the salvation he has received by faith.”

On the other side: the life pattern is stubbornness and unrepentant hearts. The self-seeking person who rejects the gospel truth will sadly experience divine judgment. It does not matter whether one is Jew, Gentile, Black, White, Hispanic, etc.,

12-16 The gospel is clear that all people will be judged because of sin. The Jew will be judged by the Law he couldn’t keep. The Gentiles will be judged by the light they received. Whether the Law of Moses for the Jews or a law unto themselves for the Gentiles, there is no power from the Law or conscience to bring salvation.

Paul talks about not just hearing the Law but obeying it to be declared righteous. In order to obey, one has to have faith. Moreover, we have to be “in Christ” in order to have the ability to obey and please our Holy God. Paul makes it clear later that none of us can actually obey the law.  Hence we can’t do anything to be righteous before our holy God outside of Christ.

In the end, the gospel declares that judgment will prevail through our Lord Jesus Christ. cf. Revelation 22:12-13

“Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.

Praise our Holy God!

Persevere In Christ!

References:

Expositor’s Bible Commentary (1976) F. E. Gaebelein (ed).

NIV Study Bible (1984).