Judgment According To Truth

Alba 7-11-2021

JUDGMENT ACCORDING TO TRUTH

Romans 2:1-11

Someone once quipped that the definition of a jury is: “Twelve people chosen to decide who has the best lawyer.” With the current state of litigation in America, it’s no wonder that people are openly skeptical about truth and justice in our courts of law.

Indeed, the problem with justice is that it no longer appears to be fairly applied. Some, depending on their background, affluence or even their political party, seem to receive better or worse treatment.

There is coming a day, however, when things will be different—radically different. It is a day Paul refers to in Romans chapter two when God will judge mankind.

There will be no need for lawyers; God does not need to listen to crooked defense strategies. There will be no need for remembering what actually happened; God is omniscient and omnipresent.

He knows what happened better than we do. Indeed He was there when the deeds were done. In fact, He knows what lies in the heart of every person. He knows the thoughts and intents of us all.

That's why the Lord uses the apostle Paul to tell us in Romans 2:1-11

the following:

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. 2 But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things.

3 And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?

5 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”: 7 eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality;

8 but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath, 9 tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; 10 but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 11 For there is no partiality with God.

God’s judgment will take place. It will include the hidden places of our lives. You know how you act when have unexpected company? When you see the car pull up in the driveway, its “Quick, pick up the…

There's a flurry of activity as papers are shuffled, shoes stuffed away, items picked up. “Just a minute!” Someone is yelling and waving to kids to pick up dog bones, socks, etc.

“Hello!” Big smile. House looks great…just don't open closet or it will be Fibber McGee all over again.

You know, when God judges us it won’t be like the friend coming for a visit. God will inspect all the recesses of our heart. No hidden compartments. All will be exposed. Even the hypocrisy we have tried to hide.

Of course, we can look at that list of sins in chapter one and, for the most part, feel that it surely doesn't describe us! It is all those other people, those sinners, those reprobates. As the Pharisee prayed, we also say, “I'm glad I'm not like those people!”

But wait. Here in chapter two we are reminded that we also are sinners. We also need Jesus. He went to that cross to pay for our sins, not just those other “terrible” people.

The scripture here is saying, “You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things."

The truth is we often judge others unfairly. We don’t know all their circumstances, nor their motives. Only God, who is aware of all the facts, is able to judge people righteously.

John Wesley told of a man he had little respect for because he considered him to be miserly and covetous. One day when this person contributed only a small gift to a worthy charity, Wesley openly criticized him.

After the incident, the man went to Wesley privately and told him he had been living on parsnips and water for several weeks. He explained that before his conversion, he had run up many bills.

Now, by skimping on everything and buying nothing for himself he was paying off his creditors one by one. “Christ has made me an honest man,” he said, “and so with all these debts to pay, I can give only a few offerings above my tithe.