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2. Paul, explaining to the Romans Rom 2:1 Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. What is Paul’s concern here? Is it, that we are aware and concerned over our brother or sisters life or is it a whole different motive? 2

3. GOD arraigns them For their censoriousness and self-conceit They want to assume to themselves the power of censor, control and the authority to condemn others. He is talking about the proud, arrogant, behavior of the Jews. They themselves were not doing what the Lord had commanded as they threw stones at the Gentile Christians. They might not be idolatrous but they were sacrilegious. 3

4. Be careful what you wish for? If the Gentiles were considered by the Jews as inexcusable for their sins, what should the Jews be thought worthy of, who had a first hand knowledge of God’s Law down through the ages which they had not bothered to obey. The Jews had the light of the law, the understanding of God’s wishes and they were not convicted to obey it. Where does that put them on the scale of justice before God? 4

5. CAN THIS BE APPLIED TODAY? Let’s try to apply this lesson Rom 2:2 But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. We understand that God will always do what is right. If what is right condemns us or confirms our righteous acts, so be it! God does not alter his judgment to fit us or our personalities or what we had hoped would be the outcome. The end justifies the means will not work with God or his law. 5

6. God looks at the heart not the outside! 1 Sam 16:7 But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." There are no games when judgment is in the hands of God. He is not a man to be swayed by excuses or pleadings. When he gives mercy, it is at the decision making point and not at the end after judgment is certain. 6

7. Many today try to move the spotlight! People today that feel the heat from their sins would love to move the attention from themselves to others. This diversion appears to work for man because of his attention span but it has never worked to divert God’s judgment. Bribery or conspiracy appears to work in Washington DC on a regular basis but God is not shallow like these people. 7

8. Men try to delay judgment! We know that today criminals try to drag out judgment for years if possible to delay punishment or penalties. (Death Row) Eccl 8:11-13 Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. 12 Though a sinner does evil a hundred times, and his days are prolonged, yet I surely know that it will be well with those who fear God, who fear before Him. 13 But it will not be well with the wicked; nor will he prolong his days, which are as a shadow, because he does not fear before God. 8

9. God wants us to be pentitent! Hos 2:16 "And it shall be, in that day,“ Says the Lord, "That you will call Me 'My Husband,' And no longer call Me 'My Master,' Hos 3:1 Then the Lord said to me, "Go again, love a woman who is loved by a lover and is committing adultery, just like the love of the Lord for the children of Israel, who look to other gods and love the raisin cakes of the pagans." 9

10. Provoking the wrath of God ! Sadly this does happen and we cause it. Rom 2:5-6 But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, 6 who "will render to each one according to his deeds": God allows truth to determine his judgment – emotion has no bearing 10

11. God speaking to house of Judah Ezek 8:17-1 And He said to me, "Have you seen this, O son of man? Is it a trivial thing to the house of Judah to commit the abominations which they commit here? For they have filled the land with violence; then they have returned to provoke Me to anger. Indeed they put the branch to their nose. 18 Therefore I also will act in fury. My eye will not spare nor will I have pity; and though they cry in My ears with a loud voice, I will not hear them." Put the branch to the nose is scoffing at God and what he can do about their iniquities. 11

12. What do we do to help the lost? Just look at what God did! Jer 31:3 The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: "Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you. Judgment is the last of things to do not the first For many that want to put down others it ends up being the first thing they do. Condemnation should be the last thing that is done and that is not done by us but by the only one that can do it, God! 12

13. We should try every possible cure! We would if we had a dreaded disease. If sin is not considered a dreaded disease by us, it should be. Sin can be overcome, and sin can even be removed from a persons life if we so desire. Why then not look for remedies for sin? Rom 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Rom 3:4 "That You may be justified in Your words, And may overcome when You are judged." What we do now makes all the difference later when judgment does eventually come. 13

14. We should strive to overcome! 2 Peter 2:19-22 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage. 20 For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. 21 For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. 14

15. Rev 17:14 These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful." 15