Daily Devotions
Romans
"To those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth..."
Text: Romans 2:8
THE JUSTICE OF GOD
What lies beneath the judgment of God? The word “justice” must come to mind. Paul made a striking contrast to those who sought for “glory, honour and immortality”.
“But to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth,
but obey unrighteousness- indignation and wrath, tribulation
and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first
and also to the Greek.”
Romans 2:8-9
1. The opposite of those who have faith in God
Paul’s picture of the opposite of those who possessed faith in God was candid:-
a) Self-seeking
How do you describe those who do not seek God and the values He wishes for mankind to pursue? Paul rightly called them “self-seeking”.
b) Do not obey the truth
Paul insisted that the truth of God was clear to all:-
i) They are seen in nature or creation.
ii) They are also understood “instinctively” in the heart.
The fact is that man just refuses to obey that which he knows is the truth that comes from God!
c) Obey unrighteousness
What then does man obey? If man does not obey that which is righteous truth, then he must be obeying “unrighteousness”. Again, Paul does not believe in neutrality.
2. God’s Justice
How does God respond to those who persist in obeying unrighteousness?
a) Indignation and wrath
God expresses His indignation and wrath clearly. He does not approve of the sinful ways of man.
b) Tribulation and anguish
This is the natural consequence that man must learn to accept. We reap what we sow! Tribulation and anguish would be the reward of following the path of unrighteousness.
3. The Jew and the Greek
Whether Jew or Greek, if one pursues evil, dire consequences must be expected!