Topic: Kindness of God (Romans 2:4)

Judgment versus kindness? Whether we like to admit it or not, it appears there are two sides to God. He has times when He becomes angry at mankind and times when He demonstrates extreme kindness.

In Genesis 6, God is very angry with sinful humanity to the point He is grieved that He even made man. God’s anger is then unleashed by flooding the earth. While God is angry, He is also kind. Noah found favor with God. This favor led to the building of the ark which saved man from God’s wrath.

There are many more examples of God’s judgment and His kindness working simultaneously.

Take a moment and read Romans 1:1-2:11. Did you notice the wrath of God working alongside His kindness?

Kindness of God in chapter 1&2:

1. God’s kindness is universal. We can find it everywhere. Psalm 33:5 tells us that the Lord, “loves righteousness and justice; The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.”

2. God’s kindness is personal. The Lord cares about you as an individual. The Bible tells us that His eye is on the sparrow, and you can be sure that He is watching over you.

3. God’s kindness is eternal. It’s something you can depend on today, tomorrow and forever! As David said in the 23rd Psalm: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”

4. God’s kindness is necessary. God’s kindness provides the path that turns away from sin, and turns to God. That’s why in vs. 4, Paul asked, “do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?”

Judgment of God in chapter 1&2:

1. God’s judgment is universal. The wrath of God is against all unrighteousness.

2. God’s judgment is personal. Each man is guilty of one’s own sin.

3. God’s judgement is eternal. God’s wrath on sin is eternal distress.

4. God’s judgement is necessary. God must punish those who exchange truth for a lie.

Paul sets out the rest of the book of Romans to give evidence of the great joy of the kindness of salvation. My prayer for you is that you will come to a personal enjoyment of the kindness of God.

See you Sunday,

Dr. Scott Kallem