God’s Impartial Judgment According to Deeds

Romans 2:6–11 (NLT)

⁶ He will judge everyone according to what they have done. ⁷ He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers. ⁸ But he will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness. ⁹ There will be trouble and calamity for everyone who keeps on doing what is evil—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. ¹⁰ But there will be glory and honor and peace from God for all who do good—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. ¹¹ For God does not show favoritism.

Message

I. The Foundation of God’s Judgment (6)

Today Paul explains the nature of God’s judgment. God will judge everyone according to what they have done (6).

II. Reward for Those Who Do Good (7, 10^a)

He will give eternal life to those who persist in doing good and who seek after the glory, honour, and immortality that God offers (7). There will be glory, honour, and peace from God for all who do good (10^a).

III. Consequence for Those Who Reject the Truth (8, 9^a)

In contrast, God will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and who choose lives of wickedness (8). There will be trouble and calamity for everyone who continues in doing evil (9^a).

IV. God’s Impartiality Toward All People (9^b, 10^b, 11)

God’s judgment applies first to the Jews — because they were given God’s Law and revelation first — and also to the Gentiles, who are equally accountable before Him (9^b, 10^b). God does not show favoritism; His judgment is just and impartial toward all (11).