It’s easy to look around at the world and point fingers. Romans 1 paints a sobering picture of sin and its consequences, and we might be tempted to say, “Yes, that’s the problem out there.” But Romans 2 shifts the lens inward. Paul holds up a mirror and asks, “What about you?”
Whether you’re religious, moral, or consider yourself a good person, the truth remains: we all fall short. And the devastating part? The more self-righteous we are, the harder it is to see that truth.
Paul reminds us that righteousness is not about how much right we’ve done—but whether or not we’ve been made right through Jesus. “For God does not show favoritism” (Romans 2:11). In other words, your heritage, your habits, your Sunday morning routine—none of it makes you righteous. Only Jesus does.
So what does Paul say to the person who thinks they’re doing just fine?
– He says, ‘You may know God’s Law, but do you follow it?’
– You may quote Scripture, but do you live it?
– You may carry a Bible, but has it pierced your heart?
– You may carry a Bible, but has it pierced your heart?
We’re reminded that God’s Law isn’t a punishment. It’s a loving boundary. Like a fence around a yard on a busy street, God’s commands are meant to protect us, not restrict us. But too often, we’re like kids trying to hop the fence, convinced that life is better on the other side.
Romans 2 challenges us to stop pretending. Pretending that we have it all together. Pretending that our goodness is enough. Pretending that God doesn’t see the secret
places of our hearts. But He does.
places of our hearts. But He does.
Paul writes, “God… will judge everyone’s secret life” (Romans 2:16, NLT). That’s not meant to shame us—it’s meant to free us. Because God doesn’t just expose sin; He offers to remove it. The righteousness we need doesn’t come from checking religious boxes. It comes from the work of the Holy Spirit, changing us from the inside out (Romans 2:29).
The warning signs of self-righteousness are subtle but dangerous:
– You overestimate your goodness.
– You underestimate your brokenness.
– You don’t recognize God’s holiness.
– You underestimate your brokenness.
– You don’t recognize God’s holiness.
The result? You despise God’s kindness and store up punishment (Romans 2:4–5).
But here’s the good news: You don’t have to live in pretense. You don’t have to hide your flaws behind church attendance, moral opinions, or cultural Christianity. You can come clean. You can be real. You can rest in grace.
Because the gospel is not “try harder.” It’s “trust Jesus.”
So, let’s stop faking righteousness and start following the Righteous One. Let’s admit what we all already know deep down—we can’t save ourselves.
But Jesus can. And He does. When He does, you’re not just cleaned up on the outside—you’re transformed from the inside. So stop pretending. Start living. And walk in the
freedom of being truly loved and unashamed.
freedom of being truly loved and unashamed.