Introduction
In chapter 1, Paul announced God’s judgment on evil and wicked people who “deserve condemnation.” Now Paul announces God’s judgment on three kinds of good, moral people.
God’s Judgment on the Moral Person, vv. 1-11
A. The Moral Person’s Argument, v. 1a: “I’m a good, moral person. I should not be judged because I am not evil.”
B. The Moral Person’s Accusation, vv. 1b-11: God says, “You do the same things, only in a more refined way.”
1. God’s goodness was extended to lead you to repentance.
2. Instead of repenting, you hardened your hearts and committed sin, thinking that God loves you too much to condemn you.
God’s Judgment on the Pagan Person, vv. 12-16
A. The Pagan Person’s Argument, vv. 12-13: “I should be acquitted on the grounds of ignorance of the law!”
B. The Pagan Person’s Accusation, vv. 14-16: God says, “You had the twin witnesses of conscience and nature. Therefore you will be judged by these and not by the written law.”
God’s Judgment on the Religious Person, vv. 17-29
A. The Religious Person’s Argument, vv. 17-20
The religious person says, “I should be exempt of judgment because I know the law of God and teach courses in religion!”
B. The Religious Person’s Accusation, vv. 21-29: God says, “You don’t practice what you preach!”
1. The marks of a religious Jew, vv. 21-24: Their hypocrisy dishonors God among the Gentiles.
2. The marks of a redeemed Jew, vv. 25-29: Their hearts are right with God.
Conclusion
Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man! Your morality, your ignorance, or your religiousness condemns you. Repent!