Romans 2:12-16
Sermon shared at Joy Tabernacle Church Githurai 44 on
29-05-2016
Introduction
The book of Romans was written by Paul around AD 57. This
book talks about God's plan for salvation and is written for both Jews and
Gentile Christians who were living in Rome. The Church of Rome was not started
by Paul. It must have been started by the Christians who converted to faith,
may be, during Pentecost but moved back to the city of Rome. It was a city
church (Urban Church). These Christians may not have had good grounding on
doctrines but they were zealous enough. Paul wanted to visit, but he had not
met them before.
Paul was aware of the multicultural nature of these people. He
addressed both Gentiles and Jews in his letter, saying “to all in Rome who are
loved by God and called to be saints”. When Paul greets these people saying “Grace
and peace”, we understand that he is using an inclusive language. At this time
the Jews greeting was shalom which means peace while grace here is the Greek
version of shalom. Paul is therefore addressing both Greek and Jews together in
letter to the Romans.
All sin will be
punished v12.
In this passage, Paul writes in V12 by stating that “all who
sin apart from the law will perish apart from the law and all who sin under the
law will be judged by the law.”
Here Paul is declaring that God will not discriminate and that
all people will be responsible for their own actions. The Law will judge anyone
who boast about it, yet not living according to its requirements. Those who do
not have the law and never take recognition of the glorious presence of the
Almighty will perish without the law.
Those who obey the
law will be counted righteous v13 -15
In the sight of God, obedience to the Law is better than the
knowledge of the Law dictates. Knowing the Law and not walking according to its
requirements is in itself disobedience. God will declare those who obey the
requirements of the Law righteous V13.
Paul uses gentiles as an example in V13-15. He says that if
they do by nature the things that the Law requires, then they indicate that the
requirements of the Law are engraved in the tablet of their heart.
This is in line with what Jeremiah talks about in Jeremiah
31:33 “This is the covenant I will make
with the people of Israel after that time," declares the LORD. "I
will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their
God, and they will be my people.”
The gentiles who live like this are confirming that they
know the law. They do not have the stone tablet, but their heart has the record
of the law and they have chosen to live in obedience to it. They do not need a
witness, but their conscience bears witness. They are aware and alert to avoid
being swayed away from the Lord. It is as though they have seen the Lord.
Brothers we were once living in ignorance. We once were not
a people but now we have the Lord and He has given us Himself. He suffered and
died so that I and you may believe, and live. We must now live by faith in the
Lord Jesus Christ through whom all our sins are punished on the cross. We are
washed clean through his blood. This same Jesus, will come as a Judge for the
living and the dead.
Now let us choose today whom we will serve. God’s judgment
will come without discrimination. Those who do not know him and live according
to earthly standards will perish. Those who have known Him and claim to believe
in him but still live as though Jesus never died for them will be judged and
punished for their disobedience.
Those who believe and walk according to faith’s requirements
will dwell in the Land of the living and will inherit the Kingdom of the Lord.
They will rejoice and be glad as they sit at the table of the Blessed One of
God, the Lord Jesus Christ, and eat with him in glory.
Brothers, the Israelites had the Law but some did not obey.
They were rebuked and punished for their disobedience. Our Lord Jesus Christ
died on the cross to take our place. He took away the wrath of God so that if
we believe and obey, eternal inheritance is for us.
Those who do not believe and remain disobedient will face
the wrath of God. Let us examine ourselves and take up a position. Let us decide
which side to take. The offer is for us and for our children and grandchildren.
If you have never considered this matter, I urge you today
to wake up on your feet and declare before the congregation, the righteousness
of the Lord. Arise and believe in God’s only begotten Son that you may live. Do
not postpone anymore. The Judgement of the Lord is pronounced already. Take
your stand now!! Amen!
