Motives Can't Hide From God's X-Ray Vision

Read Romans 2:1-16
Theme: All men's guilt as sinners
Title in NIV: God judges sin impartially.

I re-read the 21 characteristics in chapter 1:29-31. During a season in my life---I call it immaturity for the things of God-- I have done all those things. I thank God my desire for Him was stronger than my desire for those sinful lies that Satan tried to keep me holding on to. I have turned from my sinful desires and even though I fail at times, I know there is grace for my failures.

This passage, however, is talking about those who continually do these sinful things and approve of those who practice them. (I wonder what they think of people who do not participate?? 'Missing Out', 'Hypocrites', 'Goody-two-shoes'?) These people do not realize they need a Savior, they do not think the knowledge of God is worth pursuing, but they are storing up wrath against themselves on the day Jesus is revealed.

Vs. 16 says, "God will give to each person according to what he has done." Don't get this confused and think deeds get you eternal life. If you love the Lord you will want to do good deeds. Your motivation will be love and your life will reflect good. If you do not love the Lord you will want to follow your sinful desires, your motivations will be self-seeking and your life will reflect the sin in your life. When God, who looks at the heart and motives, looks at a person, he sees the heart. He sees all the deeds weather good or evil. Vs. 11 says that God does not show favoritism. It is kinda like God has x-ray vision. You can't hide what is inside. You can't fake evil motives. One man will be happy and the other will ask, "Why? I was always at church and I was a good person and helped people." God will say (vs.13) it is not those who hear, it is those who obey who are righteous. God judges your motives for going to church and why you helped people. Vs. 16 says the God will judge men's secrets through Jesus Christ.

If you are faking it in some area of your life, ask God to help you break the stronghold Satan has you in and ask for a desire for right motives. He will provide!

Further study:
1 Samuel 16:7
1 Chronicles 28:9
Psalm 14
Psalm 51:10;17
Luke 6:45
Prov 16:2

1Cor 4:5
Phil 1:18
1 Thes 2:3
James 4:3