Zambia Hunt

Throughout this series from Romans 2, we have seen Paul systematically dismantle every excuse and false assumption that religious people use to escape God’s judgment. He has shown that hard hearts lead to self-deception, that religious people create dangerous assumptions about God, and that presuming on God’s kindness leads to storing up wrath. Now, Paul delivers his devastating conclusion and calls for a response.

The Self-Seeking Face Judgment

Romans 2:8 presents the contrast: “but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury.”

These individuals do not obey the truth. Like the religious Jews of Paul’s day, they say the right things but do something else. Jesus spoke of them in Matthew 23:2-3: “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, so practice and observe whatever they tell you—but not what they do. For they preach, but do not practice.”

Verse eight reveals that they obey unrighteousness. Every sinful passion finds embrace in their hearts, and when opportunity arises, they act upon it. They live like beasts, driven by base passions.

These will receive from God the full measure of his wrath and fury according to verse eight.

We are called to reflect God’s image and character in the world. To do less constitutes evil, and God will judge every person according to their works.

Paul’s Central Point: God Shows No Partiality (Verses 9-11)

Paul’s conclusion appears in verses nine to eleven: “There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek, but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. For God shows no partiality.”

This represents Paul’s central message.

Paul’s diagnosis is now complete. Religious or irreligious, Jew or Gentile, all stand equally condemned before God’s righteous judgment. This universal condemnation demands a universal solution, which is exactly where Paul leads us throughout this letter.

How Should You Respond?

Paul has examined the irreligious pagans of chapter one and addressed the religious people of chapter two. Perhaps like these Jews, you have been justifying your sins, looking at others and feeling righteous in comparison. You may assume you will go to heaven when Jesus comes or when you die simply because you’re not worse than those around you.

But if God has shown you through Paul’s words that you are guilty before God—that your heart has been hard and unrepentant—then God is calling you to repent.

For the Unsaved: Repent. Turn from your sins and receive God’s gift of forgiveness and eternal life. Don’t presume upon his kindness any longer.

Paul tells the Corinthians, “Today is the day of salvation.” Today, your guilt can be removed. Today, you can be made righteous and just before the eyes of a holy God. Run to Jesus. Do it today. Do it now.

Humble your heart. Acknowledge that you are wicked and guilty before God. Open your heart and say, “God, I trust in you for freedom, for forgiveness, for righteousness—not my righteousness, but your righteousness, God. I receive you as my Lord and Savior.”

Don’t delay with excuses like, “I felt it, I heard it, I understand it, but…”

For the Saved: Live for Jesus. If you know that you are righteous—not through your own righteousness, but because the righteousness of Christ has been applied to you—then the question becomes: “How should I respond?”

Pursue obedience motivated by appreciation of God’s kindness, forbearance, and patience, and by gratitude for God’s gifts of glory, honor, and eternal peace that are all yours in Jesus.

Series Conclusion

Paul’s journey through Romans 2:1-11 has exposed the universal human tendency toward self-justification and the dangerous assumptions that flow from hardened hearts. He has shown that religious people don’t fool God, that God sees the heart behind all our external behavior, and that God shows no partiality in his judgment.

This devastating diagnosis serves a central purpose: it prepares the way for the gospel solution that Paul will unfold in the chapters that follow. By demonstrating that all people—both immoral and the self-righteously religious—stand condemned before God, Paul sets up the truth that all people can be saved through faith in Jesus Christ.

The God who shows no partiality in judgment also shows no partiality in bestowing grace. The same gospel that condemns human pride offers hope to human humility. This is the magnificent theme that will dominate the rest of Romans: God’s provision of justification by faith through the gospel for all sinners.

Romans 2 leaves us with no excuses, no false securities, and no presumptions about special treatment. But it also leaves us perfectly positioned to receive the gospel with the humility and gratitude it deserves.

This concludes our 5-part series examining Romans 2:1-11. Paul’s diagnosis of universal human guilt sets the stage for his presentation of universal divine grace available through faith in Jesus Christ—the theme that will carry us through the rest of this magnificent letter.