Romans 2:15
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.
Romans 2:15
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.
A Seared Conscience
By Charles Finney0Moral ResponsibilityConsciencePSA 32:3PRO 28:13ROM 2:15EPH 4:191TI 4:22TI 3:1HEB 10:22JAS 1:221PE 3:161JN 1:9Charles Finney addresses the concept of a seared conscience, explaining that it is not merely a lack of knowledge of right and wrong, but a state of insensitivity to moral obligations and guilt. He outlines the characteristics and consequences of a seared conscience, emphasizing how it can develop through neglecting moral duties, indulging in sin, and resisting the affirmations of reason. Finney warns that a seared conscience leads to apathy towards moral issues and a lack of remorse for wrongdoing, ultimately distancing individuals from God. He encourages self-examination and a return to a sensitive conscience to restore moral clarity and spiritual health.
A Seared Conscience--No. 2
By Charles Finney0Spiritual SensitivityConscienceMAT 7:21ROM 2:152CO 1:12GAL 6:7EPH 4:191TI 4:2HEB 10:22JAS 1:221PE 2:191JN 1:9Charles Finney warns about the dire consequences of a seared conscience, emphasizing that it leads to delusion regarding one's moral character, false security, and a mistaken sense of hope. He explains that a seared conscience can result in abandonment by the Spirit of God, a life of uselessness, and even physical ailments due to neglect of moral and physical laws. Finney stresses the importance of maintaining a sensitive conscience to avoid becoming a negative influence on others and to fulfill one's potential for good in the world. He calls for self-examination and the cultivation of a quick conscience, especially among those in ministry, to prevent the spread of sin and to promote true holiness.
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.
Our Daily Homily - Romans
By F.B. Meyer0Justification 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 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 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.
God's Spy in the Heart
By Thomas Brooks0ConscienceAccountabilityPSA 139:1PRO 20:27ECC 12:14MAT 12:36JHN 8:9ROM 2:152CO 5:10GAL 6:7HEB 4:131JN 3:20Thomas Brooks emphasizes that conscience acts as God's spy within our hearts, serving as a personal tribunal that records our actions and thoughts. He illustrates how conscience functions as a witness, documenting every secret sin and wrongdoing, regardless of how well we try to conceal them. Brooks points out that even in the most hidden circumstances, conscience will ultimately reveal the truth and hold us accountable before God. The sermon highlights the inescapable nature of conscience, which serves as both a guide and a judge in our moral lives.
Conscience and the Bible in Harmony
By Charles Finney0Divine InspirationConscienceJHN 16:8ROM 2:152CO 4:2EPH 2:8HEB 10:22Charles Finney emphasizes the harmony between the Bible and human conscience, arguing that both affirm the same moral truths and obligations. He explains that every person possesses a conscience that recognizes right and wrong, which aligns with the teachings of Scripture. Finney asserts that the Bible's moral precepts are universally accepted by conscience, proving its divine inspiration. He highlights the necessity of atonement and justification by faith, noting that both conscience and the Bible agree on these critical doctrines. Ultimately, he warns that one cannot truly die as a skeptic, as the voice of conscience will inevitably confront them with the truth.
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.
The Moral Government
By Olin Alfred Curtis0PSA 19:7ISA 53:5ROM 2:15ROM 6:23ROM 13:102CO 5:21GAL 5:14COL 2:17HEB 10:11PE 2:24Olin Alfred Curtis delves into the concept of the moral law, contrasting absolute laws grounded in the nature of things with positive laws created by God's will. He explores the idea that sin should be punished according to its demerit, emphasizing that this law is not unchangeable by divine oath or decree. Curtis critiques the Grotian theory of substitution and highlights the need for a larger conception of the moral law beyond mere justice. He presents his own view that the moral law stems from God's holiness, personalized in His self-consciousness, leading to moral distinction, obligation, and concern.
Sin as Transgression
By Charles Ewing Brown0PSA 32:8MAT 3:1JHN 7:17ROM 2:15GAL 4:61JN 1:71JN 3:4REV 3:2Charles Ewing Brown preaches about the nature of sin, highlighting how it is a permanent element in mankind's life, often ignored in modern conversations and literature. He emphasizes that sin is like a pestilential disease, present at all times, and that all suffering has its roots in sin. Brown discusses how religions and philosophy have emerged to address this universal evil, and how the existence of law and government testify to the universality of sin. He delves into various theories of sin, contrasting Calvinism and Arminianism, and explores the New Testament terms for sin, emphasizing the importance of understanding sin in personal relations with God.
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.
Epistle 44
By George Fox0JOB 28:28PSA 111:10PRO 1:20PRO 16:6PRO 17:24ECC 2:14MAT 5:8MAT 11:19JHN 3:19ACT 8:23ROM 2:15ROM 6:61CO 4:201CO 12:13GAL 5:24COL 2:2JAS 1:5JAS 3:17George Fox preaches about the importance of waiting upon the unlimited power and spirit of the Lord to experience unity, crucify the flesh, mortify evil desires, and put off sin. He emphasizes the need to circumcise the heart, join together with God, and receive living mercies from the living God alone. Fox urges the congregation to wait in the light, heed the inner light from God, and bring forth fruits of righteousness. He warns against being led astray by temptations and priests, highlighting the significance of waiting in the fear of the Lord to see wisdom's gate and receive pure wisdom from God's treasury.
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.
What Will You Do When the Day of His Wrath Is Come?
By Catherine Booth0MAT 12:36MAT 25:46JHN 3:36ROM 2:6ROM 2:151CO 4:5HEB 9:27HEB 10:31REV 14:10REV 20:12Catherine Booth preaches about the coming wrath of God, emphasizing that it will be just and in accordance with each person's guilt, with conscience serving as an impartial witness that knows all about an individual's thoughts and motives. She warns that in the day of judgment, every sin will be brought to remembrance, and conscience will be a terrible witness against each person. The sermon stresses the importance of repentance and accepting Jesus to avoid the uttermost wrath that will be unmixed with mercy and everlasting, as described in the Bible.
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.
- 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.