All People Are Sinners: The Testimony of Scripture and the Purpose and Limitation of the Law
Romans 3:9–20 (NLT)
9 Well then, should we conclude that we Jews are better than others? No, not at all, for we have already shown that all people, whether Jews or Gentiles, are under the power of sin. 10 As the Scriptures say,
“No one is righteous—
not even one.
11 No one is truly wise;
no one is seeking God.
12 All have turned away;
all have become useless.
No one does good,
not a single one.”
13 “Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave.
Their tongues are filled with lies.”
“Snake venom drips from their lips.”
14 “Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.”
15 “They rush to commit murder.
16 Destruction and misery always follow them.
17 They don’t know where to find peace.”
18 “They have no fear of God at all.”
19 Obviously, the law applies to those to whom it was given, for its purpose is to keep people from having excuses, and to show that the entire world is guilty before God. 20 For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are.
Message
I. The Universal Sinfulness of Humanity (9–18)
After Romans 1:18-3:8, Paul concludes that all people, whether Jews or Gentiles, are under the power of sin (9b). To truly understand the depth of our sin, we must look into the law, because the law reveals God’s standard and exposes how far we fall short of it. Verses 10b-17 provide scriptural support for this conclusion.
The following is provided to assist readers in further self-study by showing how Paul’s argument in Romans 3:10–18 is grounded in earlier Scripture.
Verses 10b-13 (NLT) are derived from Psalm 14:1-4, 53:1-3.
Verses 10b-13 (NLT):
“No one is righteous—
not even one.
11 No one is truly wise;
no one is seeking God.
12 All have turned away;
all have become useless.
No one does good,
not a single one.”
Psalm 14:1–3 (NLT):
1 Only fools say in their hearts,
“There is no God.”
They are corrupt, and their actions are evil;
not one of them does good!
2 The Lord looks down from heaven
on the entire human race;
he looks to see if anyone is truly wise,
if anyone seeks God.
3 But no, all have turned away;
all have become useless.
No one does good,
not a single one!
Psalm 53:1-3 (NLT) is identical to Psalm 14:1-3 (NLT).
Verse 13a is same to the 2nd half of Psalm 5:9 (NLT).
Verse 13 a:
“Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave.
Their tongues are filled with lies.”
Psalm 5:9 (NLT):
My enemies cannot speak a truthful word.
Their deepest desire is to destroy others.
Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave.
Their tongues are filled with lies.
Verse 13 b is from Psalm 140:3 (NLT).
Verse 13b:
“Snake venom drips from their lips.”
Psalm 140:3 (NLT)
Their tongues sting like a snake;
the venom of a viper drips from their lips.
Verse 14 is same to the 1st half of Psalm 10:7 (NLT)
Verse 14:
“Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.”
Psalm 10:7 (NLT):
Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.
Trouble and evil are on the tips of their tongues.
Verses 15-17 are from Isaiah 59:7-8 (NLT).
Verses 15-17:
15 “They rush to commit murder.
16 Destruction and misery always follow them.
17 They don’t know where to find peace.”
Isaiah 59:7–8 (NLT):
7 Their feet run to do evil,
and they rush to commit murder.
They think only about sinning.
Misery and destruction always follow them.
8 They don’t know where to find peace
or what it means to be just and good.
They have mapped out crooked roads,
and no one who follows them knows a moment’s peace.
Verse 18 is the 2nd half of Psalm 36:1 (NLT).
Verse 18:
“They have no fear of God at all.”
Psalm 36:1 (NLT):
Sin whispers to the wicked, deep within their hearts.
They have no fear of God at all.
Old Testament Sources of Romans 3:10b–18
| Romans Passage (NLT) | Quotation / Theme | Old Testament Source (NLT) | Relationship |
| Romans 3:10b–12 | “No one is righteous… No one does good, not a single one.” | Book of Psalms 14:1–3 | Direct quotation |
| Psalm 53:1–3 | Identical to Psalm 14:1–3 | ||
| Romans 3:13a | “Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave. Their tongues are filled with lies.” | Psalm 5:9 (second half) | Direct quotation |
| Romans 3:13b | “Snake venom drips from their lips.” | Psalm 140:3 | Direct quotation |
| Romans 3:14 | “Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.” | Psalm 10:7 (first half) | Direct quotation |
| Romans 3:15–17 | “They rush to commit murder… They don’t know where to find peace.” | Book of Isaiah 59:7–8 | Condensed quotation |
| Romans 3:18 | “They have no fear of God at all.” | Psalm 36:1 (second half) | Direct quotation |
II. The Purpose and Limitation of the Law (19–20)
See verses 19-20.
19 Obviously, the law applies to those to whom it was given, for its purpose is to keep people from having excuses, and to show that the entire world is guilty before God. 20 For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are.
James 2:10 (NLT) says,
10 For the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God’s laws.
Therefore, “No one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands.” (20a) The law shows the entire world is guilty before God (19b) and how sinful we are (20b). Romans 7:7, 8:3 also support what verse 20 says.
Romans 7:7 (NLT)
7 Well then, am I suggesting that the law of God is sinful? Of course not! In fact, it was the law that showed me my sin. I would never have known that coveting is wrong if the law had not said, “You must not covet.”
Romans 8:3 (NLT)
3 The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins.
The only true source of righteousness and salvation is God’s grace through faith in Christ (Romans 3:22).
When Human Reasoning Tries to Justify Sin
Romans 3:5–8 (NLT)
5 “But,” some might say, “our sinfulness serves a good purpose, for it helps people see how righteous God is. Isn’t it unfair, then, for him to punish us?” (This is merely a human point of view.) 6 Of course not! If God were not entirely fair, how would he be qualified to judge the world? 7 “But,” someone might still argue, “how can God condemn me as a sinner if my dishonesty highlights his truthfulness and brings him more glory?” 8 And some people even slander us by claiming that we say, “The more we sin, the better it is!” Those who say such things deserve to be condemned.
Message
I. A Question From Mere A Human Point of View (5)
Paul has established that human unfaithfulness does not nullify God’s faithfulness (Romans 3:3-4). Paul now confronts a dangerous human objection that attempts to turn God’s righteousness into a justification for sin. See verse 5.
5 “But,” some might say, “our sinfulness serves a good purpose, for it helps people see how righteous God is. Isn’t it unfair, then, for him to punish us?” (This is merely a human point of view.)
In Paul’s example, some say, “Our sinfulness helps people see how righteous God is.” (5a) This statement expresses as if our sin is ‘necessary’ for God’s glory. They continue to say, “Isn’t it unfair, then, for him to punish us?” (5b)
II. God’s Glory Is Revealed Without Our Sin (Romans 1:20, Psalm 19:1-14)
But our sin is not necessary for God to reveal His glory.
Romans 1:20 (NLT) says,
20 For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.
According to Romans 1:20 (NLT), God’s creation itself testifies about God. We can know and experience God’s glory by observing what He has made.
Psalm 19:1-6 (NLT) reinforces this truth:
“The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.”
The heavens do not require human sin to proclaim God’s glory. They speak continuously without a sound or word (Psalm 19:2-3a) —yet their message reaches the entire world (Psalm 19:3b-4a NLT). The radiant sun moves across the sky, and nothing is hidden from its heat (Psalm 19:4b-6)
Psalm 19:7-14 then shifts from creation to God’s law. See Psalm 19:13 (NLT).
“Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin.”
We learn what is right by meditating on God’s law—whether written in Scripture (Romans 3:2) or written on our hearts (Romans 2:15). God’s revelation through creation and His law guides us toward righteousness; sin is never required for God to be known or glorified.
When we see the sun shining in the sky, let us remember that God gave His law for our good just as surely as He gave us the sun. The sun brings warmth, light, and life; God’s law brings wisdom, guidance, and protection. To grasp this truth more deeply, take time to read Psalm 19—or revisit Section II of this message.
III. Paul’s Conclusion (6-8)
Paul declares in verse 6 that God is fair in judging everyone. In verse 7, Paul explains that an individual might raise the same argument that some raise in verse 5. The argument is this: a person’s dishonesty highlights God’s truthfulness, and as a result, his sin appears to bring more glory to God. Therefore, he concludes that God should not judge him.
Paul shows that this human way of reasoning leads directly to the claim in verse 8a:
“And some people even slander us by claiming that we say, ‘The more we sin, the better it is!’”
Paul then gives his conclusion in verse 8b:
“Those who say such things deserve to be condemned.”
Paul warns that thinking sin benefits God or should be overlooked is wrong, and those who say such things are rightly judged by God.
God Remains Faithful Even When We Fail
Romans 3:3–4 (NLT)
3 True, some of them were unfaithful; but just because they were unfaithful, does that mean God will be unfaithful? 4 Of course not! Even if everyone else is a liar, God is true. As the Scriptures say about him,
“You will be proved right in what you say,
and you will win your case in court.”
Message
Paul declared that the physical circumcision is meaningless without a life obedient to God’s law. He defined who a true Jew is in Romans 2:28-29. He then pointed out the benefit of being a Jew (Romans 3:1): the Jews were entrusted with the whole revelation of God (Romans 3:2).
Today, let us study Romans 3:3-4.
Verse 3 begins with “True” —Paul’s acknowledgement of the point he made in Romans 3:2. But immediately, he raised a critical question,
“Some of them were unfaithful; but just because they were unfaithful, does that mean God will be unfaithful?”
Paul answers this question decisively in verse 4. See verse 4a.
4a Of course not! Even if everyone else is a liar, God is true.
To explain and support this answer, Paul quotes Psalm 51:4b in verse 4b.
“You will be proved right in what you say,
and you will win your case in court.”
David was Israel’s greatest king, a shadow of the Messiah to come. He didn’t just make a private moral mistake. He committed one of the worst moral failures recorded in Scripture —the crime of adultery and murder. David wrote Psalm 51 when he repented of his sin —his adultery with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah, and his murder of Uriah.
Yet David’s failure did not mean that God failed. God disciplined David and eventually sent the Messiah to save us from our sins.
Entrusted With the Revelation: Israel’s Unmatched Advantage
Romans 3:1–2 (NLT)
1 Then what’s the advantage of being a Jew? Is there any value in the ceremony of circumcision? 2 Yes, there are great benefits! First of all, the Jews were entrusted with the whole revelation of God.
Message
I. The Advantage of Being a Jew: Entrusted with God’s Word (1–2)
In Romans 2:25–29, Paul shows that true circumcision is a work of the Spirit in the heart, not merely an outward sign or religious identity. This leads directly to his next question in Romans 3:1: What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew? (1) There are great benefits (2a). First of all, the Jews were entrusted with the whole revelation of God (2b).
II. God’s Revealed Truth and Israel’s Privilege in History
God’s word is truth (John 17:17) and only God knows the future (Isaiah 46:9-10, Ecclesiastes 3:22, 6:12, 8:7, 10:14).
Solomon declared in Ecclesiastes 10:14b,
No one really knows what is going to happen;
no one can predict the future.
And, Solomon said in Ecclesiastes 8:7 NLT,
7 Indeed, how can people avoid what they don’t know is going to happen?
David knew he would defeat Goliath before fighting him (1 Samuel 17:32, 36–37, 45–47). See 1 Samuel 17:46–47 (NLT).
46 Today the Lord will conquer you, and I will kill you and cut off your head. And then I will give the dead bodies of your men to the birds and wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel! 47 And everyone assembled here will know that the Lord rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the Lord’s battle, and he will give you to us!”
The Bible records that King David asked God about the outcome of battles before going out to fight (1 Samuel 23:2–4, 9–12; 1 Samuel 30:7–8; 2 Samuel 2:1; 2 Samuel 5:19; 2 Samuel 5:23–25), and he knew the results of the battles before he fought.
The above examples show the privilege that the Jews had throughout history, as recorded in the Bible.
The Spirit’s Cut: A Changed Heart
Romans 2:25–29 (NLT)
25 The Jewish ceremony of circumcision has value only if you obey God’s law. But if you don’t obey God’s law, you are no better off than an uncircumcised Gentile. 26 And if the Gentiles obey God’s law, won’t God declare them to be his own people? 27 In fact, uncircumcised Gentiles who keep God’s law will condemn you Jews who are circumcised and possess God’s law but don’t obey it.
28 For you are not a true Jew just because you were born of Jewish parents or because you have gone through the ceremony of circumcision. 29 No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by the Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people.
Message
I. Circumcision as the Sign of God’s Covenant with Abraham (Genesis 17:1-8)
The definition of the word ‘circumcision’ in verse 25 is the removal of the foreskin from the male reproductive organ. To understand ‘the Jewish ceremony of circumcision’ (25), let us study Genesis 17. See Genesis 17:1-2.
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am El-Shaddai—‘God Almighty.’ Serve me faithfully and live a blameless life. 2 I will make a covenant with you, by which I will guarantee to give you countless descendants.”
Here, ‘covenant’ is a binding relationship established by a solemn promise, often involving commitments, obligations, and consequences. In the Bible, a covenant is not merely a contract—it is a relational bond, initiated and guaranteed by God.
Abram expressed his gratitude and reverent fear by falling face down on the ground (Genesis 17:3a NLT). Then, God said to him, “This is my covenant with you:” (Genesis 17:3b, 4a NLT) See Genesis 17:4b-8 NLT.
4b “I will make you the father of a multitude of nations! 5 What’s more, I am changing your name. It will no longer be Abram. Instead, you will be called Abraham, for you will be the father of many nations. 6 I will make you extremely fruitful. Your descendants will become many nations, and kings will be among them!
7 “I will confirm my covenant with you and your descendants after you, from generation to generation. This is the everlasting covenant: I will always be your God and the God of your descendants after you. 8 And I will give the entire land of Canaan, where you now live as a foreigner, to you and your descendants. It will be their possession forever, and I will be their God.”
The verses above are summarized in bullet points below
- God promises to make Abram the father of a multitude of nations (Genesis 17:4b).
- God changes Abram’s name to Abraham, signifying that he will be the father of many nations (Genesis 17:5).
- God promises to make Abraham extremely fruitful, with many nations and kings coming from his descendants (Genesis 17:6).
- God confirms an everlasting covenant with Abraham and his descendants, from generation to generation (Genesis 17:7a).
- God promises to always be Abraham’s God and the God of his descendants (Genesis 17:7b).
- God promises to give the entire land of Canaan to Abraham and his descendants as a permanent possession (Genesis 17:8a).
- God reaffirms, “I will be their God.” (Genesis 17:8b)
II. The Covenant Responsibility: Obedience and the Mark of Circumcision (Genesis 17:9-14)
In return, Abraham and all his descendants have a continual responsibility to obey the terms of the covenant (Genesis 17:9 NLT). See Genesis 17:10-14 NLT.
10 This is the covenant that you and your descendants must keep: Each male among you must be circumcised. 11 You must cut off the flesh of your foreskin as a sign of the covenant between me and you. 12 From generation to generation, every male child must be circumcised on the eighth day after his birth. This applies not only to members of your family but also to the servants born in your household and the foreign-born servants whom you have purchased. 13 All must be circumcised. Your bodies will bear the mark of my everlasting covenant. 14 Any male who fails to be circumcised will be cut off from the covenant family for breaking the covenant.”
The verses above are summarized in bullet points below.
- God commands Abraham and his descendants to keep the covenant through circumcision (Genesis 17:10).
- Every male among them must be circumcised (Genesis 17:10).
- Circumcision involves cutting off the flesh of the foreskin as the sign of the covenant between God and His people (Genesis 17:11).
- Every male child must be circumcised on the eighth day after birth, from generation to generation (Genesis 17:12).
- This requirement applies not only to biological descendants but also to servants born in the household and foreign-born servants who are purchased (Genesis 17:12).
- All males must be circumcised, without exception (Genesis 17:13a).
- Circumcision serves as the mark of God’s everlasting covenant on their bodies (Genesis 17:13b).
- Any male who is not circumcised will be cut off from the covenant family for breaking the covenant (Genesis 17:14).
As shown above, circumcision was an essential responsibility given to Abraham and all his descendants as a term and sign of the covenant with God. For this reason, it was regarded as extremely important that every male be circumcised, since it marked inclusion in the covenant community.
III. Paul’s Correction: Circumcision without Obedience Is Meaningless (25–27)
However, Paul refutes the common misconception that physical circumcision alone makes one right with God.
See verse 25.
25 The Jewish ceremony of circumcision has value only if you obey God’s law. But if you don’t obey God’s law, you are no better off than an uncircumcised Gentile.
If a Jew lives lawlessly after undergoing physical circumcision, he is no better off than an uncircumcised Gentile. Paul continues to support this argument in verses 26 and 27.
26 And if the Gentiles obey God’s law, won’t God declare them to be his own people? 27 In fact, uncircumcised Gentiles who keep God’s law will condemn you Jews who are circumcised and possess God’s law but don’t obey it.
God would declare the law-abiding Gentiles to be His own people (26). Uncircumcised Gentiles who keep God’s law will condemn Jews who are circumcised and possess God’s law but do not obey it (27).
IV. True Circumcision: A Heart Changed by the Spirit (28–29)
Physical birth from Jewish parents or the formal ceremony of physical circumcision does not make him a true Jew (28). Then, how to become a true Jew? A true Jew is one whose heart is right with God (29a) rather than one whose body merely bears the physical mark of circumcision.
Paul explains that physical ‘circumcision’ is meaningless without a life obedient to God’s law (25-27). Yet in verse 29b, Paul argues that mere obedience to the letter of the law is not enough. True circumcision—circumcision at heart— that brings genuine obedience to God’s law, is a change of heart produced by the Spirit (29c).
Paul concludes by saying, “And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people.” (29d). The Jews are descendants of the tribe of Judah, and ‘Judah’ means ‘praise’. Therefore, Paul is teaching that a true Jew—one whose heart has been changed by the Spirit—seeks praise not from people but from God, who knows the heart.
Knowing the Law vs. Living the Law
Romans 2:17–24 (NLT)
17 You who call yourselves Jews are relying on God’s law, and you boast about your special relationship with him. 18 You know what he wants; you know what is right because you have been taught his law. 19 You are convinced that you are a guide for the blind and a light for people who are lost in darkness. 20 You think you can instruct the ignorant and teach children the ways of God. For you are certain that God’s law gives you complete knowledge and truth.
21 Well then, if you teach others, why don’t you teach yourself? You tell others not to steal, but do you steal? 22 You say it is wrong to commit adultery, but do you commit adultery? You condemn idolatry, but do you use items stolen from pagan temples? 23 You are so proud of knowing the law, but you dishonor God by breaking it. 24 No wonder the Scriptures say, “The Gentiles blaspheme the name of God because of you.”
Last week, we studied that God judges both the Gentiles and the Jews. The Gentiles did not receive the written law as the Jews did. However, God’s law is written in the heart of every human being.
Today, Paul talks about the pride of the Jews and why it is a problem. He shows that spiritual privilege must be matched by spiritual obedience.
I. The Jews’ Confidence in the Law (17–20)
The Jews received the written law from God, which is the truth from God, and they rely on it (17a). They boast about their special relationship with God (17b). They are God’s chosen people, and God led them throughout their history.
The Jews know what God wants and what is right, as they have been taught in God’s law (18). Therefore, they are convinced that they are a guide for the blind and a light for people lost in darkness (19). They believe they can instruct the ignorant and teach children the ways of God (20a), because they are certain that God’s law gives them complete knowledge and truth (20b).
II. Paul Exposes Their Hypocrisy (21–22)
Now Paul points out their problem: they teach others but do not teach themselves (21a). Paul gives examples—stealing, adultery, and idolatry. They teach others not to commit these sins, yet they commit them themselves. (21a, 22).
III. The Consequences of Hypocrisy (23–24)
Paul summarizes the issue in verse 23:
23 You are so proud of knowing the law, but you dishonor God by breaking it.
Paul then quotes Isaiah 52:5 in verse 24.
24 No wonder the Scriptures say, “The Gentiles blaspheme the name of God because of you.”
God’s Law Written on the Heart and His Final Judgment
Romans 2:12–16 (NLT)
12 When the Gentiles sin, they will be destroyed, even though they never had God’s written law. And the Jews, who do have God’s law, will be judged by that law when they fail to obey it. 13 For merely listening to the law doesn’t make us right with God. It is obeying the law that makes us right in his sight. 14 Even Gentiles, who do not have God’s written law, show that they know his law when they instinctively obey it, even without having heard it. 15 They demonstrate that God’s law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right. 16 And this is the message I proclaim—that the day is coming when God, through Christ Jesus, will judge everyone’s secret life.
I. God Judges Both Gentiles and Jews (12-13)
God judges both the Gentiles and the Jews (12). The Jews, who have God’s written law, will be judged by that law when they fail to obey it (12b, 13). But the Gentiles did not have God’s written law. So how does God judge them?
II. Gentiles Show the Law Written on Their Hearts (14-15)
They show that they know God’s law when they instinctively obey it, even without having heard it (14).
See verse 15 (NIVUK).
15 They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them.
They demonstrate that God’s law is written in their hearts in the following way:
- The conscience functions as a witness.
- The thoughts function as lawyers, sometimes accusing and sometimes defending.
III The Final Judgment Through Christ (16)
Finally, the Day of Judgment —the Last Day—when God, through Christ Jesus, will judge everyone’s secret life (16).
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, 10a)
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 (10a).
III. Consequence for Those Who Reject the Truth (8, 9a)
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 (9a).
IV. God’s Impartiality Toward All People (9b, 10b, 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 (9b, 10b). God does not show favoritism; His judgment is just and impartial toward all (11).
Repentance Before the Day of Anger
Romans 2:5 (NLT)
5 But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.
Message
I. God’s Kindness Rejected (5a)
See verse 5a.
5a But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself.
The connective “But” reflects the previous paragraph in Romans 2:1-4. Paul has just shown that although God has been patient and kind toward sinners—giving them every chance to repent—but because they remain stubborn and unrepentant, they are storing up judgment for themselves.
II. The Coming Day of God’s Judgment (5b)
See verse 5b.
5b For a day of anger is coming, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.
Paul reminds the reader that the day is coming when God’s righteous anger will be revealed, and every hidden motive and action will be brought into the light (Romans 2:16, 1 Corinthians 4:5, Luke 12:2, Ecclesiastes 12:14) under His perfect judgment.
III. Conclusion
These verses urge us to respond to God’s kindness with genuine repentance, not stubbornness. God is patient, but His patience has a purpose—to lead us away from sin and into life. Since the day is coming when His righteous judgment will reveal every hidden thing, the wise response is to humble our hearts, turn from sin, and seek the mercy that God freely offers through Jesus Christ. May we allow His kindness to soften our hearts today, before that day arrives.
A Call to Repent, Not to Judge
Romans 2:2–4 (NLT)
2 And we know that God, in his justice, will punish anyone who does such things. 3 Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God’s judgment when you do the same things? 4 Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?
Message
I. God’s Impartial Judgment (2-3)
See verse 2.
2 And we know that God, in his justice, will punish anyone who does such things.
Here, ‘does such things’ means committing the same sins that one condemns others for.
Verse 3 repeats what Paul wants to say in verse 2.
3 Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God’s judgment when you do the same things?
Proverbs 17:5 NLT shows a similar principle.
Those who mock the poor insult their Maker; those who rejoice at the misfortune of others will be punished.
‘Rejoicing at the misfortune of others’ shows their judgmental attitude that Paul mentioned in verses 2 and 3.
II. God’s Kindness and Patience (4)
See verse 4.
4 Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?
Here, Paul describes how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is. God’s kindness is intended to turn us from our sin. If we don’t repent, we too will receive God’s judgment.
III. This Principle found in Jesus’ Teaching (Luke 13:1-5 NLT)
This principle is found in Luke 13:1-5 NLT.
1 About this time Jesus was informed that Pilate had murdered some people from Galilee as they were offering sacrifices at the Temple. 2 “Do you think those Galileans were worse sinners than all the other people from Galilee?” Jesus asked. “Is that why they suffered? 3 Not at all! And you will perish, too, unless you repent of your sins and turn to God. 4 And what about the eighteen people who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them? Were they the worst sinners in Jerusalem? 5 No, and I tell you again that unless you repent, you will perish, too.”
Jesus taught that those who die in tragedy are not more sinful than others.
Instead, He calls everyone to repentance, warning that without it, all will face the same fate — not necessarily a physical disaster, but spiritual judgment.
