Rom 2:1-2 (ESV) —“Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things.”
Paul was writing mainly to Jews in Romans 2 that judged the Gentiles in the church, hypocritically and thought they were exempt from God’s judgment because they had not indulged in the sins Paul listed in Romans 1:28-32. Paul had recorded a whole catalog of human sins not confined only to immoral sexual sins as a result of turning away from God. These believers had more knowledge of the truth found in scripture. Therefore, they had greater accountability (James 3:1). “Every time you criticize someone, you condemn yourself. It takes one to know one. Judgmental criticism of others is a well-known way of escaping detection in your own crimes and misdemeanors.” Rom. 1b-2, from The Message. No one can escape the fact that we all are guilty of sin (Rom. 3:23). God does not have a list of any respectable sins that are not as bad as any others.
Paul addressed the Jews judgmental attitude. God did not condemn them merely because they judged others but because they had overlooked their own sins. They practiced some of the same sins on this list and their self-righteousness condemned them:
- Envy
- Murder
- Strife – anger, harsh words, insults, sarcasm and ridicule
- Deceit
- Maliciousness and holding a grudge
- Gossips
- Slanderers – critical speech
- Disobedient to parents
- Foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless
- Haters of God
- Insolent – rude and arrogant and lack of respect
- Inventors of evil
- Pride
- Lack of self-control
- Un-discerning, untrustworthy, unloving, and unmerciful
Back in 2 Sam. 12:7 Nathan rebuked David. Nathan confronted David with a parable. He asked David what judiciously should be done? David denounced the guilty man in the scenario and became angry. He declared the man should die! Nathan’s response was: “You are the man!” Nathan went on to remind David all that God had done for him (anointed him king over Israel, delivered from Saul trying to kill him, etc.) and yet he fell into grave sin and in the end David did have sincere repentance. Aren’t we all just like David in seeing other peoples sins before first examining our standing before the Lord? My own memory is often too short.
Why don’t I remember Matt. 7:2 automatically which states: “For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.” Ouch – I am often guilty.
When raised in a setting of legalism, criticism
I think it comes down in the end to first praying and examining our own heart first before opening our mouth of judgment with humble love. We must thank God first for His righteousness and abundant mercy and grace – much undeserved that He has given to us. God’s judgment is righteous and just, but He is not soft. God judges our hearts and our real character.
Are you falling into any self-righteous traps today?
How can you apply Romans 2:1-2 along with Matthew 7:2?
We all must live out 2 Cor. 10:5b: “Take every thought captive to obey Christ.”
Listen to Mercy by Matt Redman with lyrics on YouTube.