In some ways it is difficult to do this chapter by chapter. The beginning of chapter 2 continues on where 1 leaves off. Paul is admonishing our behavior when it comes to sinning and judging others. Whenever we judge others (and yes, we ALL do it) we are not showing ourselves to be 'above' them or better than them. We are just trying to draw attention away from our own sinfulness. If I focus on the negative in someone else, then I don't have time to focus on me. In fact, we are setting ourselves up for God's judgment. Not just for the sins we commit, but also for our judging of others. He can keep up with EVERYONE all the time - we can't distract Him from focusing on us.
Each time Paul went to a new city, he first began teaching in the synagogue to the Jews; who, many times, did not listen or began to rise up against his teachings. From there, he went to the Gentiles (non-Jews) that listened and received what the Lord spoke to them. The Jews, being God's chosen people, were given "dibs" on the Messiah, but when they rejected Him, the Gentiles were then allowed to be taught and believed. The Jews followed the laws of Moses, the Gentiles were not under that law. Yet, many Gentile believers knew and followed the law even though they were not required to, because the knowledge was placed in them when they believed. They WANTED to follow God's law. Many of the Jews "knew" the law and chose to disobey it, yet wanting the reward for being born a Jew.
God is looking for those that follow Him and have a changed heart, not ones that follow the law because it is the "right" thing to do. Doing the right thing with the wrong motives is no better than doing the wrong thing. God looks at our hearts and motives, not the actions. His desire is for us to seek praise from Him and not praise from people for what we do.
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