Romans 2 Notes

Romans 2.  Judgment and the Law.

Verses 1 through 16 are a very clear discussion about the nature of judgment.  We are not to judge others (v. 1 & 3)... judgment is God's job and his is based on solid truth.  The problem is that when we judge others, we don't know the "whole truth" and we don't know their heart.  Only God can know that.  We must be very careful with this.  Rather than focusing on others' sin and judging them, we should instead look to our own sin and deal with that directly with God.

I believe that there is a difference between judging and condemning someone on one hand and admonishing a Christian brother or sister in the Word, in spirit and truth, on the other hand. A follower of Christ must be very careful with this so that we do not cross the line.   See "71 Bible verses about Correcting a Brother" and 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and Matthew 18:15-20

And this line should never be crossed with non-believers.  We must be careful to be living examples of the gospel of grace of Jesus Christ and not to condemn the non-believer, even while we are clear in sharing the truth of the gospel.

Verses 17-24 share a compelling example of spiritual arrogance.  Using the Jewish violation of the law as an example, Paul writes about us being careful not to "preach" or teach others are not then turning around and violating the law... to do so is to blaspheme the name of God (v.24).  That is a severe and stern reminder to be careful with this as well.
 
2 Timothy 3:16-17.  All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

Matthew 7:1-5.  “Do not judge so that you will not be judged. ² For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. ³ Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? ⁴ Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and behold, the log is in your own eye? ⁵ You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.