Romans 2: The Fallacy of Self-Righteousness
The Gospel of Grace: A Walk Through Romans Section 1: The Condemnation of All Mankind (Romans 1–3) Romans 2: The Fallacy of Self-Righteousness Scripture Focus: "For there is no respect of persons with God." (Rom.2:11) Today's Lesson Paul turns his attention from the openly ungodly to the moralist and religious hypocrite. The natural temptation when reading of extreme wickedness is to sit in judgment, assuming personal morality grants special favour with God. However, God judges according to truth, not outward appearances or religious privilege. Possessing or knowing the law does not justify anyone; only perfect obedience can satisfy its demands. Because no individual keeps the law perfectly, relying on personal works or heritage only increases condemnation. God examines the secrets of the heart, exposing hidden sins that religious performance attempts to cover. Furthermore, true circumcision is not an external, physical ritual, but a spiritual work performed in the heart ...