When we watch competitions, judges possess expertise to discern the best. In American Idol, the judges are talented singers who are experts in singing, music and talent. Therefore they are not hypocrites, since they are successful singers.
When we judge other people, are we hypocrites by judging bad traits that we practice too? In Romans 2, by passing judgement on another we condemn ourselves. When morally educated people judge others and say they do not do those sins, their judgment violates another standard. Or do we judge others and fail by doing the same sinful actions. Moreover, judges cannot escape the judgement of God. Thus God’s wrath against these judges will happen at the 2nd coming of Christ.
Is there a qualified judge? God is the only qualified judge of mankind. Therefore God judges those who seek Him with mercy and provide eternal life. But those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, will face God’s wrath.
Thus, God gave the Law or the Ten Commandments to the Jews. Often some Jews followed the letter of the Law, but their hearts did not know God. Even though the Gentiles did not have Law, their conscience helps them know morally what is right and wrong. Ultimately, God judges the secrets in men’s hearts by Christ Jesus.
How often do we judge others and fail to see we are guilty of the same sins. Some Jews felt they would go to heaven because they obeyed the Law. Unfortunately, they also criticized others without seeing their hypocritical hearts.
As circumcision was an outward sign in obedience to God, it meant nothing if the Jews’ hearts were far from God. In verse 28, Paul mentions a someone could outwardly be a Jew. Moreover, being a Jew inwardly with a heart who praises God is more important.
Consider whether our inward hearts are sincere and consistent with our outward words and actions.
Lastly, our home in heaven is dependent on our faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior. It does not depend on our physical acts of kindness and good deeds towards others. But rather it is our heart behind the actions. Do our good actions come from our faith in Christ and are they the outward manifestations of loving God?
How much do we know Christ personally? If we seek Christ to understand His work on the cross, then our hearts will reflect His character.
blessings4ever 