NO EXCUSE
Romans 2:1-5
Eighth in the sermon series, “Romans: Gospel Blueprint.”
Paul explains the wrath of God against all ungodliness and unrighteousness. The apostle also asserts that God gave them up to a depraved mind. The result of God’s judgment includes getting worse in the areas of, but not limited to: idolatry, failing to honor Him, thank Him, homosexuality, lesbianism, gossip, slander, envy, murder, malice, and hating God. The different manners of unrighteousness seem to be more predominant with the Gentiles. However, it is not so, because Israel’s dark past reveals that they also committed such sins despite having the law. Paul shifts his attention to the Jew who feels safe from the wrath of God because they know the law. Paul uses a “diatribe,” a style of writing that employs the singular second person, “you.” It was often used by philosophers in Paul’s time, such as the Stoics. It is dialogue in style. Paul chooses a Jew as his interlocutor, the imaginary person he will be arguing with.[1]
Hypocrites Condemned
Paul explains that condemning sin does not excuse the Jew (or anyone) if they commit the same things. It seems cultural for Jews to condemn the sins common among the Gentiles, but their history shows that they committed such things as well. Yet Paul speaks to their present, focusing on those who do the same evil things.
Romans 2:1: Therefore 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.
The apostle anticipates the Jewish mind and reasoning. They would agree with him in condemning adultery, homosexuality, lesbianism, and other forms of unrighteousness. However, condemning sin does not make one free of accountability.
No Escape from Judgment
Paul asserts that God’s judgment falls on those who do such things. So, Paul corners those who think that they are safe from God’s wrath just because they are Jews.[2] Paul states that if one does the same things, there is no escape from God’s judgment.
Romans 2:2-3: We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. 3 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?
It is not enough to know the law. It is not enough to condemn those who violate the law. It is not enough to teach the law. What matters is obeying the law. The Jew must reflect on his ways and understand that the wrath of God, the judgment of God, is also against those who practice such things.
Repentance of Judgment
Paul assumes that his interlocutor agrees with him on God’s kindness and patience. Such is reflected in Scripture: God gives people time to repent.[3] He delays His judgment for the sake of His people. However, despite His patience, if they do not repent, God will bring upon them His righteous judgment.
Romans 2:4-5: Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? 5 But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.
If the Jewish interlocutor insists that he is free of the judgment of God even though they practice the same unrighteousness, God is “storing up wrath” for the day of judgment. Paul anticipates the stubborn thinking of the Jews, debased still, but debased with the law.
Application
1. Let us engage in self-reflection as often as we can. Condemning sin in others without self-reflection is hypocritical. By His grace, let us continually analyze our lives, which should lead us to confess our sins.
2. There is no escaping God’s judgment without Christ. Let us believe in Christ and let us obey His word. Let us avoid practicing unrighteousness because it leads to judgment.
Let us give thanks to the Lord in His forbearance and kindness. His patience and delay of judgment should lead us to repentance. Let us heed the warning and repent of our sins today.
[1] Douglas J. Moo and Andreas J. Kostenberger, A Theology of Paul and His Letters (Zondervan Academic, 2021), 204.
[2] Frank S. Thielman, Theology of the New Testament (Zondervan Academic, 2011), 352.
[3] Frank S. Thielman, Romans, ed. Clinton E. Arnold, Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Zondervan Academic, 2018), 2:4.
Poem
NO EXCUSE by Ed Pilapil Jr. Listen, listen well, my brothers Condemning the sins of others Does not free you from His judgment Judgment still remains imminent Righteous judgment is only His There is no excuse who practice Similar sins of the Gentiles Now you can check the Jewish files Also fell to idolatry It is the same depravity The Jew and Gentile have fallen Such things should not be forgotten Honor then God’s Son who was sent His patience should make us repent We must as He delays judgment Otherwise, expect punishment
Study Guide
1. Why does Paul say the person who judges others is “without excuse”? (Ro 2:1)
2. Who will God judge? Why is it that they cannot escape God’s judgment? (Ro 2:2-3)
3. What are God’s kindness, patience, and forbearance meant to produce in us? (Ro 2:4-5)
