Romans 2:1-16
Today's Passage: Romans 2:1-16
“Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” Romans 2:4
In Romans 2:4, we see a beautiful picture of God’s character and the heart we should have before Him.
God’s Character
In verse 4, God’s characteristics of kindness and patience are seen. They are not in short supply—God has riches of these characteristics! But in order to get a full picture of God’s character, we must zoom out and see these characteristics in context.
In verse 2, we see that God judges sin seriously. This is because along with being richly kind and patient, he is also richly holy and righteous. Sin does not and cannot mix with holiness and righteousness.
So back to verse 4—the kindness of God does not excuse anyone of sin. The kindness of God is designed to produce within us a repentance of sin that leads to fellowship with God through forgiveness and the imputation of righteousness.
A Repentant Heart
What does it look like to have a repentant heart before God? It means having godly grief and hatred of your sin that results in a deepening and dependent pursuit of holiness.
“9 As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us. 10 For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. 11 For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves innocent in the matter.” 2 Cor. 7:9-11
Christians are not perfect people, but we are repentant people. Pray to God today, that he would help you have a humble and repentant heart before Him as you pursue holiness.
Written By: Graham Withers
“Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” Romans 2:4
In Romans 2:4, we see a beautiful picture of God’s character and the heart we should have before Him.
God’s Character
In verse 4, God’s characteristics of kindness and patience are seen. They are not in short supply—God has riches of these characteristics! But in order to get a full picture of God’s character, we must zoom out and see these characteristics in context.
In verse 2, we see that God judges sin seriously. This is because along with being richly kind and patient, he is also richly holy and righteous. Sin does not and cannot mix with holiness and righteousness.
So back to verse 4—the kindness of God does not excuse anyone of sin. The kindness of God is designed to produce within us a repentance of sin that leads to fellowship with God through forgiveness and the imputation of righteousness.
A Repentant Heart
What does it look like to have a repentant heart before God? It means having godly grief and hatred of your sin that results in a deepening and dependent pursuit of holiness.
“9 As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us. 10 For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. 11 For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves innocent in the matter.” 2 Cor. 7:9-11
Christians are not perfect people, but we are repentant people. Pray to God today, that he would help you have a humble and repentant heart before Him as you pursue holiness.
Written By: Graham Withers
1 Comment
“The kindness of God is designed to produce within us a repentance of sin that leads to fellowship with God through forgiveness and the imputation of righteousness.“ It really is such a blessing that those of us who are in Christ feel conviction from our sin. God is kind to give us that “gut punch” that pulls us back towards Him!