Rom 2:1-16 Is an impartial God a good idea?

This passage is an exegete's nightmare. So many significant commentators seem to disagree about what Pual is trying to say. This, of course, is not surprising since he says that we are "justified by doing the law" (v.13) which, as any child of the Reformation will tell you, just can't be right. [Of course, N T Wright has a theory that Paul means what he says but we'll leave that for the moment.]

For me the key is found in Paul's axiom: There is no partiality with God (v.11; also, v.2 judgment based upon truth; v.6 each person according to their deeds; vv.9,10 to the Jew first then also for the Gentile; + 3:29 He is God of the Gentiles too).

So I ask myself, Who needs to hear that axiom articulated? And I answer myself, Those who think God is partial. And, given the tone (the "you" addressed thinks they will escape God's judgment), it seems that these people believe that God is partial towards them. They mistake his kindness and patience as a lack of judgment when, instead, it is meant to lead to repentance (v.4).

And I ask myself, "am I he?" Am I one who believes that because I am a Christian that God is partial towards me and that he will not judge in truth? Am I one who believes that hearing is enough and that doing is optional (v.13)? Or, am I one who because the Spirit lives within me actually lives as a slave to God (leading to righteousness + holiness) (6:19-23, 8:1-17).

Don't be deceived Paul says (Gal 6:7-10), God will not be mocked. We will be judged and we will be judged in truth for there is no partiality with God.