Word@Work Romans16 - Romans 2:7-11
Published: Wed, 09/07/11
Word@Work from BeaconLight
IMPARTIAL JUDGEMENT
Romans 2:7-11 To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honour and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; but glory, honour and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For God does not show favouritism. (NIV)
Paul wanted both Jews and Gentiles to know that God does not have favourites. Neither group could claim exception from God's wrath against sin - either on the basis of ignorance (Gentiles) or of 'family favour' (Jews). Those who knew the law but failed to obey it were in no better position before God than those who did not know there was a law. The argument is summarised in Romans 3:23: "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God".
These words should be read with care. If God's gift of eternal life is based on our totally consistent good behaviour, then nobody would be in heaven - because all have sinned. It is by grace alone that we are saved (Ephesians 2:8-9). On the other hand, those who have believed in Jesus and received salvation should not be able to live in the old ways any more.
A true belief in Christ is seen in their transformed behaviour (Romans 12:1-2). That is why Romans 2:6 says, "God will give to each person according to what he has done." The evidence of our faith is in our behaviour, not our knowledge or our ancestry. So don't look at where someone has come from, see where they are going to! Their everyday life will show those who long for heaven and those who do not care. Quite a challenge for us to contemplate!
Prayer: Dear Lord. Thank You for treating everybody equally, without having favourites. Forgive me when I judge like that, forgetting that the worst and the best of society all need to be saved - and they all can be if they repent and believe in Jesus. And help me to make sure that my faith becomes the motivator for transformed thinking and actions. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Subscribe | View Archive | Donate | W@W Facebook Group
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
Paul wanted both Jews and Gentiles to know that God does not have favourites. Neither group could claim exception from God's wrath against sin - either on the basis of ignorance (Gentiles) or of 'family favour' (Jews). Those who knew the law but failed to obey it were in no better position before God than those who did not know there was a law. The argument is summarised in Romans 3:23: "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God".
These words should be read with care. If God's gift of eternal life is based on our totally consistent good behaviour, then nobody would be in heaven - because all have sinned. It is by grace alone that we are saved (Ephesians 2:8-9). On the other hand, those who have believed in Jesus and received salvation should not be able to live in the old ways any more.
A true belief in Christ is seen in their transformed behaviour (Romans 12:1-2). That is why Romans 2:6 says, "God will give to each person according to what he has done." The evidence of our faith is in our behaviour, not our knowledge or our ancestry. So don't look at where someone has come from, see where they are going to! Their everyday life will show those who long for heaven and those who do not care. Quite a challenge for us to contemplate!
Prayer: Dear Lord. Thank You for treating everybody equally, without having favourites. Forgive me when I judge like that, forgetting that the worst and the best of society all need to be saved - and they all can be if they repent and believe in Jesus. And help me to make sure that my faith becomes the motivator for transformed thinking and actions. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Your next Word@Work will be sent on
W@WRomans16 | Word@Work © Dr Paul Adams 2011 | Provided by BeaconLight | Contact us at wordatwork@beaconlight.co.uk
Subscribe | View Archive | Donate | W@W Facebook Group