Lesson 2: Man's Need of Salvation (Rom 1:18-3:20)
Topic 3: Self-Righteous People Condemned (Continued)

Self-Deceived and Self-Condemned (Rom 2:1-6)

Objective 5 - At the end of this topic, you will be able to explain how the sins of self-righteousness and hypocrisy can be recognized and apply this knowledge in your spiritual life and ministry.

What is God's evaluation of people who have a high moral standard and criticize those who do not measure up to it? Paul tells people of this type that they are guilty of some of the very things that they condemn in others.

Did you ever see a man who sometimes tells lies but punishes his son for lying to him? Or someone who would criticize a preacher for using the kind of language that he himself uses? Or who condemns a murderer but has an enemy that he hates? In reality, our critical attitude toward others is often an unconscious cover-up for the same faults in our own lives. Harsh criticism is usually a signal that something is wrong in the one that criticizes. And pretending that we are better than others is a form of hypocrisy. See the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 7:1-5.

Question 16
What does Paul say about the guilt of those who condemn others for things that they themselves do (Rom 2:1)? (Select all that apply.)
  Minimal since all are sinners
  Inexcusable
  Less serious than some other kinds of sin
  Brings them under condemnation

Question 17
According to Romans 2:3, "good, moral people" sometimes have the mistaken idea that they will escape God's judgment.
  True
  False

Question 18
On what basis will God judge these people (Rom 2:2)?
  By their superiority over bad people
  By their moral standards
  By their concept of how good they are
  By the truth of what they really are

Question 19
Some people trust in their own goodness and refuse to repent and ask God for His forgiveness. Of what sins are such people guilty (Rom 2:4-5)? (Select all that apply.)
  Stubbornness
  Contempt for God's forbearance and patience
  A lying spirit
  An unrepentant heart
  Contempt for God's kindness
  Bitterness

Question 20
According to Romans 2:5, these "good, moral people" who refuse to seek God are storing up _______ for themselves.

Paul's argument in Romans 2:1-6 is that moral people who trust in their own goodness and harshly criticize others are deceiving themselves. Their very attitude shows that they are full of the sins of pride, harshness, and lack of love. It is perfectly fair for God to condemn them.

Question 21

Enter your answer for the question in the "Course Life Notebook Questions" page found in the "Personal Life Notebook" section.

Suppose you are trying to persuade people to leave their sins and consecrate themselves fully to God. A member of your church says, "You say that telling lies and cheating in business is sin and that God punishes sin. But look at how God blesses me. He must not think there is anything wrong with lying or cheating. He knows I have to do it to stay in business. If it were so bad, he would surely punish me. And you can see how He has prospered me and how He blesses me at church. That proves I'm fine." How could you use this passage to explain God's dealings with him? In your Life Notebook, give a concise two-three paragraph statement of what you would say to him.