Tues's Devo - Righteous Judgment

Read Ro. 2
This chapter is written to the self-righteous and religious person. It starts with judging your neighbor which is what the Sadducees and Pharisees loved to do because it made them feel better about themselves. Truth is we are all guilty of doing this. Every time I get really upset at a person's actions I hear God saying, (you do the same thing). Then I have to pause and let him show me how I do the same thing. I may not do that thing exactly but maybe I've sone something similar or contemplated doing it which according to Jesus is the same thing as doing it. He used the example of adultery but it applies across the board. God is the only one who can righteously judge.
Verse 4 says that they despise the riches of his goodness. That means that we get upset when we see God doing something good to someone we know doesn't deserve it. (Ps. 73) The truth is none of us deserve anything, but it is God's kindness that will bring that person to repentence and that is God's goal. He loves mercy over judgment. Those who judge God because of the kindness he gives to others will have that treasure waiting for them in heaven. Not a good treasure to have. We will all stand before God and give an account for our lives even if we are saved. We might make heaven, but our rewards are according to our works of righteousness down here. There are books that are opened. One is the Book of Life which determines if we are saved or not and another book is the Book of remembrance (Mal. 3:16) which tell the good things we do for God on earth. If we are saved, then the things we have repented of will not be written in the book, only the good things we have done. But for the sinner, all their unlawful deeds will be read for all to hear.
If we live by the law we will be judged by it.... means that what we know, we are accountable for. Everyone has a conscience so even though people have never read the Bible, they are accountable for what their conscience tells them. But if you know the Word and teach the Word you are accountable for everything you teach. God gave the people of the Old Testament the act of circumcision to show them what God wanted to do with their hearts. In the New Testament he gave us baptism and told us to spiritually circumcise our hearts.
Lord, circumcise our hearts and our mouths which seem to be always getting us into trouble. Thank you for the power of your Word.