Browse Bible Study Resources

Daily Devotions

Romans

Romans 
Day 
Day 28

"Do you think... that you will escape the judgment of God?"

Text: Romans 2:3

A FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY

Paul likely had the Jews in mind when he wrote the following words.

“And do you think this, O man, you who judge those
practising such things, and doing the same, that you will
escape the judgment of God?”
Romans 2:3

What were some of the things that the Jews relied on to give them this sense of security (false)?

1. The Temple

There was an ancient belief that as long as the Temple of God stood, there would be safety and blessing. To this false belief, the prophet Jeremiah was sent to say these words.

“Do not trust in these lying words, saying,
‘The temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD,
the temple of the LORD are these.'”
Jeremiah 7:4

2. Sacrifices

Another popular misconception was that as long as people made sacrifices to the Lord, He would be happy with His people. Again, the prophet Jeremiah was sent to bring this solemn word.

“For what purpose to Me comes frankincense from Sheba,
And sweet cane from a far country? Your burnt offerings
Are not acceptable, nor your sacrifices sweet to Me.”
Jeremiah 6:20

3. Sons of Abraham

A third popular belief was that since the Jews were the children of Abraham, they would be excused from judgment! John the Baptiser addressed this wrong assumption.

“And do not think to say to yourselves,
‘We have Abraham as our father.’

For I say to you that God is able to raise up children
to Abraham from these stones. And even now the axe
is laid to the root of the trees.”
Matthew 3:9-10

IN THE SAME VEIN

Paul warned the critical Jews that they would not escape the judgment of God. They would not be able to come up with any kind of excuse that would be acceptable. The judgment they meted against Gentiles could well be the judgment that God would mete out against them.

To read about the wrath of God and His judgment should cause the heart to bow in awesome, holy reverence. There is no room for a judgmental, critical spirit in man!