Romans 2:11
Thoughts from Amanda Cook
Dive Deeper
“For God shows no partiality.”
Romans 2:11
Behind the Scenes
To completely understand this verse, I think we need to look at the overall purpose of Paul’s letter to the Romans. Paul is explaining God’s plan of salvation to a people who don’t deserve it (as you and I do not either). He is showing God’s redemptive plan in Christ Jesus. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “But the righteous man shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:16–17)
In the first two chapters Paul is specifically calling out to the moralists. Those who judge and condemn others’ actions and behaviors while doing the exact same things. They separate themselves and preach, “do as I say, not as I do.” They believe they are above the law or they simply don’t see their own depravity and immorality. Either way, they are unjustly judging those around them – because that is God’s role alone. “Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things.” (Romans 2:1)
In verse nine, Paul tells us that there will be tribulation and distress for those who do evil but glory and honor and peace for those who do good – the Jew first and then the Gentile.
FOR GOD SHOWS NO PARTIALITY.
Make it Real
You see when it comes to righteousness and unrighteousness, it does not matter if you are Jewish or not, Catholic or not, rich or not, thin or not, popular or not, smart or not, beautiful or not – ALL are judged, by God, according to their works. Because God is just, and His character never changes. And that is why we ALL need a Savior, because none of us is righteous enough.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16). That word whoever means “each, every, any, all, the whole, everyone, all things, everything.” The neighbor that drives you crazy – yup God gave His Son for them. The coworker who makes your life miserable – yup God have His Son for them. The person who hurt, abused, rejected, neglected…you – yup God gave His Son for them too. Because…
FOR GOD SHOWS NO PARTIALITY.
Neither should we. We were created to serve like Jesus, and since He came to serve ALL, we are called to serve ALL. Who are you being called to serve? Where is your partiality keeping you from serving like Jesus?
Colleen McGeorge
ACF Devo Team
End in Prayer
Father God,
Thank You that You show no partiality. That You sent Jesus for ALL because there is no way I could be good enough to deserve Your love and grace and mercy. Show us where we are being partial and help us to live and serve like You.
In Jesus’ precious and holy name, I pray!
AMEN!!