Passage
Romans 2:1-5 (ESV)
Joseph Redeems His Brothers
Genesis 45:1-28
Key Verse: 45:7-8
The Righteous Judgment of God
Date: Feb. 24, 2015
Daily Bread
Key Verse: 2:5
First, the problem with judging others (1-4). Today's passage is a warning to the self-righteous - those who condemn the sin of others but fail to acknowledge their own guilt. The Jewish converts who knew the scriptures were quick to pass judgment upon the Gentiles. But those who judged others were being shortsighted in several ways. By judging others, they exhibited knowledge of God's law and therefore had no excuse for their own disobedience. Furthermore, only God can judge in perfect knowledge and truth. They simply were not qualified to judge others. By overlooking their own guilt, they showed contempt for God's kindness.
Second, the unrepentant heart (5). God has showered us with his kindness and has delayed the judgment we deserve. It is because God is waiting for a change of heart. Peter writes, "...he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." But if our hearts continue to be stubborn and hard, his righteous wrath remains and continues to grow until the final day when he executes his righteous judgment upon sinners.
Prayer: Lord, give us a repentant heart that seeks you.
One Word: Be honest before God
