Verse
Context
God’s Righteous Judgment
14Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law.15So they show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts either accusing or defending them 16on the day when God will judge men’s secrets through Christ Jesus, as proclaimed by my gospel.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Which show the work of the law - In acting according to justice, mercy, temperance, and truth, they show that the great object of the law, which was to bring men from injustice, cruelty, intemperance, and falsity, is accomplished so far in them: their conscience also bearing witness - that faculty of the soul, where that Divine light dwells and works, shows them that they are right; and thus they have a comfortable testimony in their own souls of their own integrity: their thoughts, the mean while, accusing, or else excusing one another; or rather, their reasonings between one another accusing or answering for themselves. As if the apostle had said: - And this point, that they have a law and act according to it, is farther proved from their conduct in civil affairs; and from that correct sense which they have of natural justice in their debates, either in their courts of law, or in their treatises on morality. All these are ample proofs that God has not left them without light; and that, seeing they have such correct notions of right and wrong, they are accountable to God for their conduct in reference to these notions and principles. These seems to be the true meaning of this difficult clause. See below.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
their thoughts the meanwhile accusing or else excusing--that is, perhaps by turns doing both.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Behold, thou art called a Jew,.... From hence to the end of the chapter the Jews are particularly addressed; their several privileges and characters are commemorated, which by an ironical concession are allowed them; several charges are brought against them, even against their principal men; and the plea in favour of them, from their circumcision, is considered; and the apostle's view in the whole, is to show that they could not be justified before God by their obedience to the law of Moses: "behold"; take notice, observe it, this will be granted: "thou art called a Jew"; thou art one by name, by nation, and by religion; but no name, nor outward religion, nor a mere profession, will justify before God: and restest in the law; which may be understood of their having the law and the knowledge of it, what is to be done and avoided easily, without any fatigue and labour; of their pleasing and applauding themselves with the bare having and hearing of it; of their trust and confidence in it; and of their inactivity and security in it, as persons asleep; and so of their coming short of the knowledge of the Gospel, and of Christ the end of the law for righteousness, their whole confidence being placed in that: so the Targumist in Jer 8:8 paraphrases the words, "we are wise, "and in the law of the Lord", , do we trust;'' and makest thy boast of God. There is a right boasting of God in opposition to boasting in the creature, when men ascribe all the blessings of nature and grace to the Lord alone, and praise him for all their enjoyments, temporal and spiritual; and when they trust in, and glory, and make their boast of Christ as the Lord their righteousness, in whom alone they are, and can be justified. But the boasting here spoken of, was such that was not right; these men boasted of their bare external knowledge of the one God, when the Gentiles around them were ignorant of him; of their being the covenant people of God, when others were aliens and strangers; and of their having the word and worship of the true God, which other nations were unacquainted with; and, on these external things they depended, which was their fault.
God’s Righteous Judgment
14Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law.15So they show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts either accusing or defending them 16on the day when God will judge men’s secrets through Christ Jesus, as proclaimed by my gospel.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Being a Light in a Dark World
By Mark Cahill4.4K1:47:24EvangelismMAT 6:33ROM 2:15ROM 3:23GAL 3:24JAS 2:10In this sermon, the speaker begins by encouraging the audience to actively participate and respond during the talk. He directs them to open their notebooks to page 13 in the leadership section, where they will find most of the information that will be presented on the overheads. The speaker then shares a true story about teenagers handing out track booklets at the World Trade Centers, emphasizing the brevity of life and the importance of sharing the truth of Jesus Christ. He mentions a video of a man who made the decision to jump from a burning building, as well as a lady who witnessed people jumping from the building on September 11th. The speaker also mentions a student who moved to New York City on September 10th and had a phone conversation with him after the events of September 11th, causing him to question and seek answers. The sermon concludes with the speaker sharing a story about teenagers in Mobile, Alabama, who would rejoice in rejection while witnessing because they saw it as an opportunity to accumulate rewards in heaven.
Garland, Texas - Conscience
By J. Edwin Orr4.0K52:57PSA 139:23ISA 1:18JHN 16:8ROM 2:15ROM 8:1ROM 14:232CO 1:12TIT 1:15HEB 9:14HEB 10:22This sermon delves into the historical context of moral decline post-American Revolution, highlighting the societal issues of drunkenness, immorality, and lawlessness. It transitions to the importance of conscience and the role of the Holy Spirit in convicting individuals of sin, emphasizing the need for genuine repentance and cleansing through the blood of Christ. The speaker challenges the congregation to be open to God's conviction and willing to address any areas of wrongdoing in their lives to pave the way for personal revival and spiritual growth.
(Genesis) Genesis 3:6-7
By J. Vernon McGee2.7K04:05GenesisGEN 3:7GEN 3:10MAT 4:1MAT 6:33ROM 2:151JN 2:16In this sermon, the preacher discusses how Satan uses the same tactics to deceive people today as he did in the Garden of Eden. The preacher explains that Satan appeals to the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life in order to lead mankind astray. He points out that Satan used these same temptations when he tempted Jesus. The preacher also emphasizes the importance of recognizing our guilt and sinfulness, and not just attempting to cover it up, but confessing it to God.
Ray Comfort Interview for Captivated Documentary
By Ray Comfort1.8K29:08PSA 1:1PRO 22:6MAT 7:21MRK 10:17ROM 2:15EPH 6:17This sermon by Ray Comfort emphasizes the importance of living a disciplined Christian life, focusing on the impact of media consumption, the need for repentance and genuine faith, the power of God's Word, the role of the Ten Commandments in convicting hearts, and the necessity of instilling biblical values in families to raise children in the fear of the Lord.
Words of Expostulation
By C.H. Spurgeon1.7K42:14EXO 14:12PSA 42:1ISA 30:1JER 18:15ROM 2:15EPH 4:30HEB 10:29In this sermon, the preacher begins by describing a vision of a great feast where armies have met and there has been a terrible slaughter. He relates this vision to the spiritual battle between sin and righteousness. The preacher then shares his personal experience of being a captive to sin and the bitterness he felt under the law. He also acknowledges the struggles and desperation that many in the audience may have faced in their own journey towards salvation. The sermon concludes with a call to self-examination and a plea for the Holy Spirit to convict and transform the hearts of the listeners.
A Clear Gospel Message - Part 3
By Zac Poonen1.5K09:30PRO 20:27JHN 14:6ROM 2:15ROM 3:231JN 1:8This sermon emphasizes the exclusive truth of Jesus Christ as the only way to God, challenging the idea of broad-mindedness in faith and highlighting the importance of recognizing Jesus as Almighty God who came to die for sinners. It addresses the need for individuals to acknowledge their sinfulness and approach Jesus as sinners rather than identifying with any religious label. The message also underscores the significance of preserving and heeding one's conscience as a vital gift from God, equating it to the eye of the heart that guides one in recognizing right from wrong.
February 09, 2003, Am
By Stephen Fenton77641:41ISA 42:3MAT 7:1LUK 23:43JHN 3:15ROM 2:15In this sermon, the speaker discusses the portrayal of Jesus in movies and how it can be difficult to truly understand his character. He emphasizes that it is easier for us to define evil than it is to define good, as we are naturally drawn to evil. The speaker then encourages the audience to reflect on their own lives and what they are attracted to on a daily basis. The sermon concludes with a focus on John 3:16, highlighting the profound love of God for the world and the importance of accepting his provision for salvation.
Jesus Died for You at Your Worst (Romans 5:6)
By Ernest O'Neill63332:45ROM 1:28ROM 2:15ROM 3:24ROM 4:22ROM 5:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of experiencing a change in our lives as believers in order to be a witness to others. The sermon is based on the book of Romans, specifically chapters 5 to 8. Chapter 5 emphasizes our reconciliation with God and the peace we have through Jesus Christ. Chapter 6 focuses on our freedom from the power of sin, while chapter 7 discusses our freedom from the law. Finally, chapter 8 describes the life and spirit that result from being justified. The speaker highlights that these four chapters are summarized in the first five verses of chapter 5, which emphasize the peace and hope we have in God.
A Healed Conscience
By Phil Beach Jr.4633:25Humility and PrideConscienceHealing of ConsciencePSA 34:18PRO 16:18ISA 57:15MAT 5:8ROM 2:152CO 1:12HEB 10:22JAS 4:61PE 5:51JN 1:9Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the necessity of maintaining a healed conscience, urging believers to acknowledge their faults and seek Jesus' help rather than justifying their pride or insensitivity. He explains that a broken spirit, exposed to God's light, leads to true humility and a tender conscience, which is essential for spiritual growth. Beach highlights that both saved and unsaved sinners are in need of God's grace, and that a healed conscience allows for genuine self-awareness and accountability. He encourages the congregation to embrace vulnerability and transparency in their walk with God, as these qualities foster a closer relationship with Him. Ultimately, he calls for prayer and reliance on Jesus to heal and restore our consciences, making them sensitive to the movements of our hearts.
Our Daily Homily - Romans
By F.B. Meyer1Justification and SanctificationRighteousnessROM 1:17ROM 2:15ROM 3:26ROM 4:20ROM 5:17ROM 6:13ROM 7:24ROM 8:26ROM 10:9ROM 12:1F.B. Meyer emphasizes the profound significance of righteousness as revealed in Romans, explaining that it encompasses both our standing before God and our personal character. He distinguishes between forgiveness and justification, asserting that through Christ's finished work, believers are declared righteous and can claim the law's protection. Meyer highlights the role of conscience as God's judgment-seat within us and the necessity of yielding ourselves to God for true deliverance from sin. He encourages believers to feed their faith on God's promises and to present their bodies as living sacrifices, ultimately leading to a life of victory and service in Christ. The sermon concludes with a call to embrace the grace of God and the importance of unity in the body of Christ.
Epistle 103
By George Fox0DEU 1:17DEU 25:15PSA 89:14PRO 16:11ROM 2:15ROM 13:32CO 1:122CO 10:14COL 4:6JAS 3:171PE 2:141JN 5:9George Fox preaches about the importance of staying within God's boundaries and fearing Him to receive divine wisdom, enabling believers to order their lives to glorify God and reflect His witness in all interactions. He emphasizes godly sincerity, simplicity, meekness, patience, humbleness, justice, truth, and mercy as qualities that honor God and serve as a praise to those who do well, while being a terror to evildoers. Fox warns against straying from God's witness within one's conscience, urging listeners to maintain the just weight, measure, balance, and true understanding to uphold God's principles.
Spiritual Confirmation
By A.W. Tozer01SA 12:23PSA 139:23MAT 5:23ACT 23:1ROM 2:15ROM 9:21CO 8:72CO 1:121TI 1:52TI 1:3TIT 1:15HEB 9:91PE 2:19Paul, in his letter to Timothy, emphasizes the significance of conscience, describing it as a 'knowing with' oneself, a witness to one's conduct based on the apprehension of God's will. He highlights the importance of maintaining a clear conscience, not necessarily free from sin, but habitually seeking to obey and please God, facing acts of sin before Him. Paul's prayers for Timothy day and night serve as a powerful example of intercession and encouragement in times of challenge and spiritual warfare.
Luke 16:19
By Chuck Smith0ConscienceMemoryPSA 139:14ECC 12:1ISA 43:25LUK 16:25JHN 14:26ROM 2:151CO 3:13PHP 3:13HEB 10:27REV 20:12Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of memory in our lives, illustrating how it can be both a blessing and a burden. He discusses the complexities of memory, including the impact of past experiences and the role of conscience in recalling wrongdoings. The sermon highlights the importance of remembering God's calls and the love of Christ that we may have rejected. Smith urges listeners to reflect on their memories, particularly those related to their spiritual journey and relationship with God. Ultimately, he reminds us that we cannot escape our memories, and they shape our understanding of ourselves and our faith.
Having a Good Conscience
By Charles Finney0ConscienceMoral IntegrityPRO 28:1ACT 24:16ROM 2:152CO 1:121TI 1:51TI 3:92TI 1:3HEB 13:181PE 2:191PE 3:16Charles Finney emphasizes the significance of maintaining a good conscience, explaining that it involves moral awareness, enlightenment, and obedience to its dictates. He outlines the conditions necessary for a good conscience, including the need for divine light and the importance of indulging and obeying one's conscience. Finney argues that a good conscience is essential for self-respect, peace of mind, and usefulness in society, while also being indispensable for salvation. He warns that those who neglect their conscience become a nuisance to society and are ultimately odious to God and others. The sermon concludes with a call to heed the conscience, as it is vital for spiritual well-being and moral integrity.
Struggling Into Life
By Ernest O'Neill0PRO 20:27JHN 4:24ROM 2:151CO 2:11GAL 5:16Ernest O'Neill preaches about the loss of spiritual life within us, comparing it to the carefree joy of children that gets crushed by adult responsibilities. He emphasizes the need to awaken our spirits to trust in our Creator and move away from self-reliance. O'Neill highlights the importance of conscience as a part of our spirit that guides us towards God's will and intentions, urging us to listen to our deepest consciousness of God rather than societal norms. He encourages individuals to take personal responsibility in responding to their conscience and aligning their actions with the stirrings of their spirit to experience true spiritual life.
Sharp Conscience
By James Stalker0PRO 4:23ROM 2:15ROM 14:231TI 4:2HEB 10:22HEB 13:18James Stalker delves into the concept of a seared conscience as described in 1 Timothy 4:2, highlighting how repeated disobedience can lead to a numbing of the conscience, allowing individuals to commit heinous acts without remorse. He emphasizes the importance of obedience to conscience, which sharpens it and refines character, contrasting the outcomes of a hardened versus a tender conscience on the soul and body.
Epistle 33
By George Fox0ISA 8:13MAT 18:20MAT 28:20JHN 3:19JHN 17:14ACT 26:18ROM 2:15ROM 5:17GAL 6:81PE 3:19George Fox preaches about the importance of waiting in the light of Christ, being guided by His power and wisdom, and manifesting the fear and dread of the Lord in all aspects of life. He emphasizes the need to be obedient to the power that comes from Christ, to avoid stumbling blocks, and to walk in righteousness and truth. Fox urges believers to condemn anything contrary to the light of Christ, to keep strife away, and to let the Prince of peace reign in their hearts.
God's Preacher in the Heart
By Thomas Brooks0Sin and AssuranceConsciencePSA 66:18PRO 28:13ISA 59:2ACT 24:16ROM 2:152CO 1:121TI 1:19HEB 10:22JAS 4:81JN 1:9Thomas Brooks emphasizes that conscience serves as God's preacher within us, acting as a witness to our actions and intentions. He warns that tampering with sin leads to a guilty conscience, which obstructs our peace and assurance in God. Brooks explains that harboring unconfessed sins creates a barrier between us and God, preventing Him from revealing His love and grace. He stresses that God will not listen to the prayers of those who continue to indulge in sin, as it is contrary to His holiness. Ultimately, a clear conscience is essential for true communion with God.
Reformation or Regeneration?
By Ernest O'Neill0JHN 3:3ACT 3:19ROM 2:15GAL 2:20HEB 4:12Ernest O'Neill emphasizes the importance of listening to our conscience as a way for God to communicate with us, highlighting that our spirit, though insensitive, retains a memory of the Creator through conscience. He explains that following our conscience and seeking guidance from the Bible can help correct our moral compass and lead us to repentance, where we must actively change our behavior in alignment with God's will. O'Neill stresses the need for a personal encounter with God through repentance, acknowledging Christ's sacrifice as the means for new life and a living relationship with God.
The Word of Men and the Word of God
By J.C. Philpot0JOB 11:8PSA 33:6LUK 8:13JHN 8:30ACT 26:16ROM 2:151CO 2:92CO 2:16GAL 1:11EPH 1:171TH 2:13J.C. Philpot preaches about the importance of receiving the gospel not as the word of men, but as the word of God, emphasizing the vital distinction between the two. He delves into the effects of receiving the gospel as the word of men versus the word of God in the understanding, conscience, and affections. Philpot highlights the necessity of the word of God being received with divine power to work effectually in the hearts of believers, leading to salvation. He concludes by expressing gratitude for those who have truly received the gospel as the word of God, acknowledging the eternal impact it has on their lives.
The Moral Person
By Olin Alfred Curtis0PRO 20:27ROM 2:151TI 1:5HEB 13:181PE 3:16Olin Alfred Curtis delves into the complexities of conscience, exploring how it guides individuals in distinguishing between right and wrong, feeling a sense of personal obligation to do what is right, and experiencing self-blame or moral content based on their actions. He emphasizes the importance of moral distinction, obligation, and settlement in shaping one's moral character and decision-making process, highlighting the inner spiritual tribunal that drives moral distress and self-blame. Curtis also discusses the impact of education on conscience, pointing out how moral judgment is influenced by one's educational environment and the need for a clear understanding of the intuitive notion of right and wrong.
Epistle 155
By George Fox0Unity in FaithLight of ChristJER 32:40JHN 1:12JHN 12:36ROM 2:15ROM 5:51CO 13:62CO 4:6COL 2:191PE 1:41JN 5:4George Fox emphasizes the importance of turning to the light of Christ, which unites believers and reveals the truth about the world and its vanities. He encourages the faithful to meet together in this light, which brings peace with God and knowledge of His glory, leading to victory over worldly temptations. Fox highlights that in the light, believers are transformed into the likeness of God and are called to walk in love, unity, and truth, while remaining vigilant against the deceptions of the world. He reassures the faithful that by abiding in the light, they will experience God's promises and eternal life. Ultimately, he calls for perseverance in faith and mutual encouragement among believers.
Luke 3:19, 20. John's Imprisonment.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0PRO 29:25MAT 5:29MAT 14:5MRK 6:20ACT 5:29ROM 2:151CO 10:12HEB 4:121JN 1:91JN 3:20Favell Lee Mortimer delves into the last discourse of John the Baptist, focusing on the impact of John's preaching on Herod, who despite respecting and reforming parts of his conduct, refused to give up his sinful ways. Herod's actions highlight the struggle between worldly pleasures and eternal salvation, showcasing how one sin can lead to another. The imprisonment of John by Herod not only insulted God but hindered the spread of the gospel, emphasizing the grave consequences of hindering the proclamation of God's word. The fear of man and conscience restrained Herod from killing John, prompting reflection on the motives that drive our actions and the importance of seeking to please God in all things.
The Inner Monitor
By Ernest O'Neill0PRO 20:27ROM 2:151CO 2:152CO 1:12HEB 10:22Ernest O'Neill discusses the concept of the mature individual and the rounded personality, emphasizing the importance of inner direction through conscience. He highlights how aligning our wills and actions with our inner voice of conscience brings harmony and clarity to our lives, contrasting it with the confusion that comes from introspection and societal values. O'Neill delves into the personal nature of conscience, explaining that following it, informed by the revelation of God's nature in Christ, frees us from judgment by others and establishes a unique connection with our Creator. He further explores how conscience reinforces intuition, guiding us to perceive God's will and purpose for our lives.
Living Originally
By Ernest O'Neill0PSA 32:8PRO 20:27JHN 1:4ROM 2:151CO 2:15Ernest O'Neill preaches about the importance of listening to our conscience, which is a supernatural compass planted by God to guide us towards the unique and fulfilling life He has planned for us. By acknowledging our individuality and the unique contribution we were made to make to the universe, we can avoid becoming bored and unfulfilled by simply following the crowd. O'Neill emphasizes the significance of being true to ourselves and allowing Christ to work through our conscience to reveal the purpose He has for each of us.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Which show the work of the law - In acting according to justice, mercy, temperance, and truth, they show that the great object of the law, which was to bring men from injustice, cruelty, intemperance, and falsity, is accomplished so far in them: their conscience also bearing witness - that faculty of the soul, where that Divine light dwells and works, shows them that they are right; and thus they have a comfortable testimony in their own souls of their own integrity: their thoughts, the mean while, accusing, or else excusing one another; or rather, their reasonings between one another accusing or answering for themselves. As if the apostle had said: - And this point, that they have a law and act according to it, is farther proved from their conduct in civil affairs; and from that correct sense which they have of natural justice in their debates, either in their courts of law, or in their treatises on morality. All these are ample proofs that God has not left them without light; and that, seeing they have such correct notions of right and wrong, they are accountable to God for their conduct in reference to these notions and principles. These seems to be the true meaning of this difficult clause. See below.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
their thoughts the meanwhile accusing or else excusing--that is, perhaps by turns doing both.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Behold, thou art called a Jew,.... From hence to the end of the chapter the Jews are particularly addressed; their several privileges and characters are commemorated, which by an ironical concession are allowed them; several charges are brought against them, even against their principal men; and the plea in favour of them, from their circumcision, is considered; and the apostle's view in the whole, is to show that they could not be justified before God by their obedience to the law of Moses: "behold"; take notice, observe it, this will be granted: "thou art called a Jew"; thou art one by name, by nation, and by religion; but no name, nor outward religion, nor a mere profession, will justify before God: and restest in the law; which may be understood of their having the law and the knowledge of it, what is to be done and avoided easily, without any fatigue and labour; of their pleasing and applauding themselves with the bare having and hearing of it; of their trust and confidence in it; and of their inactivity and security in it, as persons asleep; and so of their coming short of the knowledge of the Gospel, and of Christ the end of the law for righteousness, their whole confidence being placed in that: so the Targumist in Jer 8:8 paraphrases the words, "we are wise, "and in the law of the Lord", , do we trust;'' and makest thy boast of God. There is a right boasting of God in opposition to boasting in the creature, when men ascribe all the blessings of nature and grace to the Lord alone, and praise him for all their enjoyments, temporal and spiritual; and when they trust in, and glory, and make their boast of Christ as the Lord their righteousness, in whom alone they are, and can be justified. But the boasting here spoken of, was such that was not right; these men boasted of their bare external knowledge of the one God, when the Gentiles around them were ignorant of him; of their being the covenant people of God, when others were aliens and strangers; and of their having the word and worship of the true God, which other nations were unacquainted with; and, on these external things they depended, which was their fault.