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5/18/2009 Bible StudyRomans 2:1-16 (New International Version)
Romans 2
God's Righteous Judgment
1You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. 2Now we know that God's judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. 3So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgment? 4Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?
5But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God's wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed. 6God "will give to each person according to what he has done."[a] 7To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. 8But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. 9There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; 10but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 11For God does not show favoritism.
12All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. 13For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. 14(Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, 15since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.) 16This will take place on the day when God will judge men's secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares.
Do you struggle with self-centeredness? If so you should take careful note of this, this mindset is one of the best ways to find the wrath of God! This is something you may not want to experience! We have to know there is only One God and you are not it! A Christian must practice what we preach. We cannot be “two faced” doing one thing and saying another. If you like to do this or find comfort in it you need to know that this is a great way to bring up dysfunctional children! This is a great way to destroy the work of God in your church. It is also a great way to keep the neighborhood away from your church. But of course this should not be you goal. Self-centeredness only makes you lose out on life’s precious opportunities. Now we need to ask ourselves do I do this, am I self-centered? Do I condemn others for what I do in secret? If so, what are you going to do about it? Paul’s point is this, everyone should know better than to sin!
Note: This is Paul’s first discussion of law and its implications. This will be expanded upon in the next lesson.
Questions:
1. Have you ever had a pet that had a pedigree? If so what purpose did it have such as to show or stud?
Do you or do you know people who take a passionate comfort in their heritage with pride?
There is nothing wrong with being glad with your heritage, but when does it get to the point that it turns into pride and sin against our Lord?
How does God see the different ethnicities all over the world? Does He have His favorites?
Many Americans feel that God favors Americans and we are His special people today instead of the Jews, what do you think of that?
Why do people put others down when they are different such as skin color or social status?
What are the factors that cause prejudice, from not being friends and associating with people who are different than you to being a Hitler or Stalin who kill millions they feel are “human weeds”? What does Christ think about that?
Have you ever experienced prejudice against you? If so how did that make you feel?
Do you obey God and pursue righteousness?
How can you be on guard from judging others yourself?
What can you do to gain more favor with God?
What ways can we judge others?
Why would someone ‘despise (NKJV)’ or show ‘contempt (NIV)’ vs. 4, to God?
Have you ever refused to yield to the knowledge and trust of God’s goodness?
How do you feel about God’s right of judgment?
Because God is generous with His grace toward us, so we should be generous toward each other and be thankful. What do you think of that statement?
Do you think that people, who refuse to see God’s goodness and turn from sin, are the ultimate sinners who are living in contempt to our loving Lord? Many Christian theologians say this is the unpardonable sin!
Why would people think they are special and will go to Heaven and receive no judgment when they reject Christ?
How and Why do we store up wrath?
20. How and Why can we get rid of the wrath?
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