How Can Gentiles Become More Righteous than Jews?
Romans 2:11-29
February 26, 2023
Pastor Craig Ledbetter
Bible Baptist Church, Ballincollig, Cork, Ireland
I. Introduction and Review (Romans 2)
A. We are working our way through the Book of Romans, verse by verse, line by line
B. Chapter 1 described us – every one of us – as sinners (Law-breakers). So basic
C. Chapter 2 proves that no one is above God’s Laws… Especially those that see themselves as self-righteous, and “law-keepers” – even THEY are law-breakers
D. So, if we are ALL sinners, what’s the point?
E. Well, there is a way for us Gentile sinners to become righteous even though we break God’s Laws!
II. Message
A. God is No Respecter of Persons (Romans 2:11)
1. Romans 2:11 For there is no respect of persons with God.
2. That doesn’t mean that God doesn’t show us respect…
3. It means treating someone SPECIAL(showing extra respect) according to their rank, status or importance.
a. Most people believe they are respected by God because they are Jews, Catholics, Baptists, protestants, Muslims
b. God doesn’t do that. As a matter of fact, no one impresses God – we all fall short of His glory and rightness
c. So, ALL your and my abilities, wealth, popularity, goodness, righteousness, and good looks mean absolutely nothing to God
d. This is very frustrating, because we work so hard on those things, only to find out they are a complete waste of time!
4. God doesn’t care what is on our outside, or “on the surface”
a. He doesn’t look at the clothes, the makeup, the hair, the shoes, the wallet
b. He sees our heart – clear as day! (1Samuel 16:7) But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.
B. The Work of God’s Law (Romans 2:12-15) it has an effect
1. Romans 2:12-15 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)
2. Sin is sin (Romans 2:12) – whether you know it or not
a. Romans 2:12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;
b. Did you notice, whether someone has a written copy of God’s law or not, does not determine if they sin
c. Sin is the breaking of laws, whether written or natural laws (Bible or Conscience)
d. People who don’t have the written Law of God (Torah) – pagans, Gentiles, heathen – and if they sin, they will perish (die) under judgment of God
e. And people who do have God’s Law, and sin, will die as sinners die under the judgment of God
f. The fact is, ALL sinners perish – they will face the judgment of God, judged by the law either written in the Bible, or in their own conscience
g. We would not know something is wrong if a law was not written either in our heart (conscience), or in the Law in the Bible
h. Rocks don’t have morals,
i. Bears don’t have morals
j. Water doesn’t care if it drowns someone
k. But People have morals (a conscience), AND we have a Bible (God’s Laws)
3. Everybody thinks they are okay with the Law, but they are not (Romans 2:13)
a. Romans 2:13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.
b. Just hearing and knowing the Bible doesn’t help you
c. EXAMPLES:
1) Can you imagine a Garda knowing all the laws, and believing in them, yet he himself not living by them? And instead, living his own ways?
2) What about a politician? Can you imagine a politician knowing what is right, and yet amazingly not submitting to the very laws they enact? Imagine that!
d. So, LIVING what this Bible says, obeying it, loving it, doing what is says do, makes the only difference to God (James 1:22) But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
e. Do you want to know why no one changes for the better in churches anymore?
1) Why most Christians are no different than the world we live in?
2) It is because almost NO ONE actually is doing what the Bible says do – they come to church to have their ears scratched, their minds entertained, and their bellies filled!
3) Men refuse to do hat God say do, same with women – marriage, work
4) And so Christianity collapses! Queers “come out”, and truth is trampled in the streets
5) This is a Book to not just BELIEVE…
6) It must be obeyed! It must be lived, for it to be of any good to you
7) Or we are only living a lie!
f. The world promotes a thousand different “lifestyles” – doing as they please
g. Christ
promotes only one lifestyle – HIS LIFESTYLE!
He commands us to live like HE lived by doing what the Bible says do!
4. There are two kinds of laws that Paul is talking about here:
a. Romans 2:14,15 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, [YET] do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)
b. God gave the Jewish people His perfect Laws
1) The Mosaic Laws – the laws of Moses
2) Not just the Ten Commandments,
3) But 613 very precise laws that go much further than conscience
4) They are perfect laws that guide not just individuals how to live, but also how to worship, and how governments and judges are to do right!
c. Yet we Gentiles do the very things contained IN the Law that was given to the Jews! These laws are IN our conscience!
1) Every human believes in having laws, rules, expectations of ourselves and each other – Rules of the Road, laws against theft, and murder, etc
a) Every nation, tribe and person on this planet lives by rules
b) It is called our conscience
c) Everyone from the beginning of time has had a moral awareness engraved in our hearts – like an instinct
d) We all know basic right and wrongs – they are written in our hearts
e) The “mean” is the most basic
f) We all know it is wrong to lie, to steal, to hit someone
g) These are general laws – imperfect yes, but they are there!
h) So, God’s law is already written in every person’s conscience
2) And what do us Gentiles do with our own rules? We constantly excuse ourselves from our own laws, or accuse others of not keeping our own laws
d. Both kinds of law overlap and agree, producing two witnesses in a court of Law proving it is true
1) If you have a view point, and someone else has a different view point, they are only opinions
2) But if two independent people, conclude the same things, then those views are said to be true
3) Deuteronomy 19:15 One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.
5. So, the purpose of the Law, what is already in our hearts, or what we find in the Bible, is to show us where we fall short – to expose our sin and prove we are sinners
C. All People Will be Judged by Jesus Christ (Romans 2:16) What a statement!
1. Romans 2:16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
2. All the secrets of every man and woman ever born will be judged not by Moses, or by the Sanhedrin, or the High Court, or by public opinion
3. But by the Lord Jesus Christ one day! The meek and humble and lowly Jesus…
a. Think about it… The very One who came and died on the cross to SAVE us from judgment, when rejected, will be the One who JUDGES this whole world!
b. That ought to terrify everyone!
c. You cannot neglect Jesus Christ without losing!
4. That’s why men need to get right with God! Because if you meet Him without being born again, you will perish, forever, in a lake of fire that you and I deserve!
D. The False Superiority of the Jews (Romans 2:17-20)
1. Romans 2:17-20 Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God, And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law; And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness, An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.
2. Look at all the things a Jew usually trusts in:
a. Genetics – genealogy - they are called a Jew – a descendent of Abraham
b. They have the perfect Law of God – the Torah
c. They are close to God – not spiritually, but close in place – near to Him
d. They know God’s revealed will – revealed in the pages of the Bible
e. They approve, and enjoys things that are more excellent found in the Old Testament
1) Like better hygiene, proper worship, stronger families and restrained government
2) All first world nations enjoy the benefits of the Laws of the Old Testament without even knowing it anymore
f. They are students of God’s Laws – it is worth studying, and makes you a lot wiser than most other people (see Psalm 119)
g. The Jews ARE a Guide (whether we like it or not), a Light, an Instructor, Teacher to us “ignorant” Gentiles about God
h. They Possess the form of knowledge and truth – an absolute source of knowledge and truth
3. All of those things make the Jews think they are superior to everyone else
4. And YOU and I are no different – we also trust in…
a. Our race or nationality as well
b. That WE are so well educated
c. So many people think they are close to God, and God’s favourite
d. That they are blessed by God, and so must be okay with God
E. Yet, Have You (Jews) Learned Anything? (Romans 2:21-24) Test yourself
1. Listen to Paul confront every Jew reading this letter
2. Romans 2:21-24 Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God? For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.
3. As a teacher, have YOU learned anything? “Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself?” You are no different than Law-breaking Gentiles
4. Do YOU break any of God’s Laws? I guarantee that you do!
a. Stealing: time, money, virginity, innocence
b. Adultery: physical, emotional, even spiritual adultery!
c. Idolatry: bowing down to stones, self, money, others
d. Do YOU
dishonour God, ever? With your hypocrisy!
This is the most embarrassing sin to the Jew… to bring dishonour upon God and
His name
5. Your hypocrisy actually causes Gentiles to blaspheme God
a. The world has proper expectations of anyone who loves God
b. It is the same with anyone who is married – we all have expectations of you, and when you don’t live up to those expectations, you demean, ruin marriage for others!
c. The Jew’s visible testimony of life (hypocritical lifestyle) stinks to people, and causes them to think wrongly about God
d. To blaspheme means to mock, blame, accuse God of doing evil
e. 2Samuel 12:13,14 And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die. Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die.
6. I wonder how many people have walked away from God simply because WE have lived so hypocritically? We sin the same sins as others yet act so holy?
F. Understanding Circumcision (Romans 2:25-27)
1. Romans 2:25-27 For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?
2. The Jews had a Physical Circumcision
a. A Circumcision of the flesh
b. The Jews had something that physically set them apart from the world
c. It was called circumcision
d. It was something done to them by their parents. Doesn’t do anything in you
e. It was a sign, a token, a symbol of their separation from the world and that they belonged to God as a peculiar people
f. A badge of honour. Something they boasted in
g. The Jews boasted in their circumcision
h. But Paul reminded the Jewish readers that their circumcision meant nothing if they were breaking God’s Laws
1) It’d be like the son of the Mayor of Cork caught speeding and the son saying, “Do you know who I am?” and the Garda responding, I couldn’t care less!
2) Your relationship with the Mayor means nothing when you break the law – no one is above the law
3) It would be like being a boy scout with a chest full of badges, and yet being caught stealing! Your badges mean nothing!
3. Circumcision is Good (Romans 2:25)
a. Romans 2:25 For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.
b. Health benefits
c. But ONLY if… you are keeping/doing all God’s laws
d. But if you are not obeying them, or failing, it does nothing for you with God
e. Same with a wedding ring – it dos nothing for the relationship, when your heart is on something or someONE else!
f. This was a very offensive truth to the Jews!
4. Gentiles, who are naturally UN-circumcised, are able to: (Romans 2:26,27)
a. This is Paul’s big truth…
b. Romans 2:26,27 Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?
c. So, if someone who is not circumcised accomplishes/fulfils the righteousness of the law, isn’t he equal to someone who is circumcised?
d. Become righteous with God, and equal to the Jews
e. And even be superior to the Jews who were trying so hard to keep all the laws, and circumcision
f. The UN-circumcision of a Gentile means nothing if they have a better righteousness than law-breaking Jews!
g. Did you get that?
h. So, There is a righteousness that exceeds outward symbols and ceremonies
i. That shocked every Jewish reader, AND every Gentile reader who was not circumcised
5. How? How can anyone get a better righteousness than the Jew? (Matthew 5:20) For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
6. A Better Circumcision (Romans 2:25-27)
a. God is not impressed with the circumcision of a person’s flesh – only a symbol
b. God’s priority was always the spiritual circumcision of the heart
1) Deuteronomy 10:12,13,16 And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, To keep the commandments of the LORD, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good?... 10:16 Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked.
2) Acts 7:51 Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.
3) This circumcision is your choice, and done by God
c. Physical circumcision was done by a priest on the eighth day after birth
d. Heart circumcision can only be done by the surgical operation of GOD at the very moment of their NEW birth! (Colossians 2:10,11) And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
e. A spiritual circumcision is a change of the heart from the things we do naturally, to what we can do supernaturally, by the Spirit of God now
1) Do you want to be able to walk away from the temptation to lust, drink, smoke?
2) Do you want to have victory over addictions, and demonic oppression?
3) DON’T try and do, do, do better – it will only discourage you!
4) Turn to Jesus Christ, and ask Him to save your soul and become Lord of your desires, and your future!
f. Galatians 6:15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision [OUTWARD EFFORT] availeth [PRODUCES] any thing, nor uncircumcision [NOT DOING THINGS], but a new creature. A new birth achieves freedom from sin!
G. What is A Proper Jew? (Romans 2:28,29)
1. Romans 2:28,29 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
2. Someone who is a Jew on the inside – A Real Jew, through and through
a. That is God’s goal for all mankind… To be God’s people
b. To NOT be a Jew, but to be just like JESUS (who was the perfect law-keeping Jew) on the inside
c. Matthew 3:9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
3. Someone who ignores all outward shows, the flesh, good looks, fancy words, popularity, DNA, amount of money, wealth – nothing wrong with any of those, but they do nothing for your relationship with God!
4. Forget about ceremonial works, religious efforts:
a. Whether it is the Circumcision of the flesh – only outward (Matthew 23:25) Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.
b. Or, the Wearing of a ring – means nothing – loving and actually SERVING that woman, or that man you married means your marriage is REAL!
c. Or, Getting baptized – means absolutely nothing for your soul
d. Joining a church? Means absolutely nothing if your heart is still like everyone else
5. Someone who allows God to circumcise their heart by repenting (great sorrow) and desperately believing in Jesus Christ as Saviour!
6. And someone who seeks only God’s approval, and not man’s
a. Not seeking MY own personal approval, or my wife’s, or the praises of my friends
b. But seeking to be right with God, having HIS approval
III. Conclusion - What is the point?
A. God’s Laws totally expose the sins of our heart – what we really are SINFUL
B. No one is better or more superior than anyone else. All are law breakers
C. And Jesus Christ WILL be our Judge
D. We need a better righteousness than the Jews had –
1. A better way to be righteous with God, than just ceremonies and traditions and physical changes.
2. God doesn’t care what is on our outside, or “on the surface” – He sees our heart
3. It is actually a whole lot easier to change our looks, and our words. But it is impossible to change our heart.
E. We need a change of heart.
1. A change of the heart from the things we do naturally, to what we can do supernaturally, by the Spirit of God now
F. And only God can change the heart.
1. Separate it from our old habits and old loves.
2. Sanctify it for His use and His filling.
G. How?
1. It occurs when we admit our nature
2. Then repent of it. Reject it as good
3. Turn in faith to Jesus Christ and ask Him to give us a new heart!
4. That is when a pagan, heathen, ignorant dumb Gentile obtains a righteousness better than the Law!