God’s Judgment of Sin - Part 2
Romans 2:5-11 NLT
4 “Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin? 5 But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. 6 He will judge everyone according to what they have done. 7 He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers. 8 But he will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness. 9 There will be trouble and calamity for everyone who keeps on doing what is evil—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. 10 But there will be glory and honor and peace from God for all who do good—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. 11 For God does not show favoritism.”
In these verses above Paul continues making his point regarding the patient tolerance of our Creator. He wants to know if God’s loving attributes have gone unnoticed by those in the Roman congregation. If it meant something to them then they wouldn’t continue to do those things they know that shouldn’t be doing. It is those who patiently and persistently DO God’s will who find eternal life. It’s not those who have HEAD knowledge with regard to God, but those who cultivate an intimate, personal relationship with Him. It’s a relationship based on HEART knowledge. Let’s face it...the more time you spend with God the better you will know Him. That is certainly an important basic step towards becoming closer to the Lord.
The Bible tells us in James 2:19, “You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror.” Scripture mentions demons, but obviously Satan believes in Jesus as well, since he was the one who confronted Jesus in the wilderness. Just knowing Jesus and God means very little if you don’t allow that knowledge to change your life.
God will judge all of His creation on the final day. If you have relentlessly sought after God and wished to please Him by doing His will, you will be blessed and reside with the Father in His heaven for all eternity. But there is coming a day when God, thru Christ Jesus will shine a light on every secret we think is hidden. Nothing is hidden from Almighty God.
“We are not saved by good deeds, but when we commit our life fully to God, we want to please Him and do His will. As such, our good deeds are a grateful response to what God has done, not as a prerequisite to earning His favor.”
Jews do not like non-Jews, yet Paul make an important point. God will honor those who do good according to God’s directives, first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. Verse 11 puts an exclamation point on this fact but stating very clearly and concisely, “For God does not show favoritism.” What He does for one He will do for all.
Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.
In His name & for His glory,
Richard Keller
Bread of Life Ministries
Resource: The Life Application Study Bible.
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