Romans 2:1-16  "Therefore.."  Because mankind has rejected God.. "although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death.. " they are.. we all are.. "without excuse".   God has revealed Himself to mankind.. in Creation.. in the Word.. and in His Son. We all have been given the choice.. the free will to choose.. good or evil. 

Paul addresses those who act as judges.. those who condemn others and excuse themselves.  He rebukes those who say one thing and do another.  The confession of faith is important.. but if our actions do not back up our words.. they are useless. 

God's judgement, on the other hand, is perfect. "And we know that the judgement of God rightly falls upon those who practice such things..(v2)..." For He will "render to every man according to his deeds." (v6)

Do we "think lightly of the riches of His kindness and forbearance and patience..?"  Do we have "stubborn and unrepentant hearts"?  Are we "selfishly ambitious",  disobedient to the truth, filled with unrighteousness and wrath and indignation"?   Then we should expect judgement.. no matter what our claim is in regard to faith.

But, if we persevere in "doing good" and seek the "glory and honor and immortality" that Jesus alone can give.. then we have eternal life. God is the one who justifies us.. not by what we hear.. but by what we do in response to what we hear. He looks at our hearts.. he knows our thoughts... and He judges according to the truth. "..for not the hearers of the Law, but the doers of the Law will be justified." (v 13)

Again, we turn to the good news.. the gospel that" is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes..."  May we encourage one another in the truth of God's grace and forgiveness, for we are all in need of His kindness, forbearance, and patience! He leads us to repentance.. so may we not harden our stubborn hearts, but fully yield to Him in every way... every day. 

Father, You see our hearts.. lead us into absolute surrender to Your perfect will. May Your power fill us with Your Truth that we might walk faithfully.. doing the good that You have called us to do.  Be glorified in us, Your children, today. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.