Romans 2:1-16: God's Bad News - Part 2

• Book of Romans was written: by the Apostle Paul in AD 57, likely from Corinth
• Recipients were believers in Rome, from both Jewish and Gentile backgrounds

Questions

1. v1-3.  According to these verses, what is wrong and what is right with judging other people? (ref 1:32)
2. v4-10.  Why does God delay judgment?  What will God look at to determine his judgment? What are the results of his judgment?  What does this say about the importance of our intentions and motivations?  Is there a relationship between motivation and perseverance?
3. v11-13.  To what degree does our citizenship in a Christian, Islamic or Jewish state affect God's judgment of us? To what degree does our religious or family background, our attending church or other spiritual practices affect God's judgment of us?  What if our background lacked good spiritual, moral or ethical foundations?  What does "God is  impartial" mean?
4. v14-15.  In chapter 1:19-20 we read that people have a degree of understanding of God's qualities from looking at nature.  According to these verses, what other kinds of knowledge are common to people, regardless of their backgrounds or status?
5. v13,16. God's declaration "you're okay (=righteous)" in v13 is based on our consistent, thorough and persistent obedience to all of God's laws.  How is this different than the righteousness of 1:17?  Who will be the agent of God's judgment?

Discussion

1. Do you notice others acting differently from what they say? Do you think hypocrisy is a common problem?  If so, why do you think we tend to have gaps between what we say and what we do?  How do we deal with this disconnect?
2. Is it worse to do something bad or to be hypocritical?
3. Do you think people are basically good (cf. Luke 18:19)?  What are some implications for yourself and for your dealings with others?
4. Why should or should we not judge?

For Application and Reflection

1. What types of sin do you have the best "nose" for in others?  Do you find that you are struggling with a similar type of sin yourself?  How do you react when you notice that you are in such a situation? (cf. Romans 7:14-8:17)
2. Can other people criticize you? How do you react to criticism?
3. Does your vision for yourself include immortal life and sharing Jesus' glory? (cf. Romans 8:18-30)
4. Are you growing in obedience to what you know and what your conscience tells you?

More reality-defying post-modern whimsy Wexner Center for the Visual Arts Photograph courtesy of Peter Eisenman. 　 Outline of the book of Romans Introduction (1:1-16) Theme: summary of the gospel to which Paul is committed (v:16-17) Unrighteousness of all mankind (1:18-3:20)  The Gentiles (1:18-32) The Jews (2:1-3:8) Summary: unrighteousness of all people (3:9-20) God's gift of His own righteousness (3:21-5:21) Through Christ (3:21-26) Received by faith (3:27-:25) Fruits of righteousness (5:1-11) Summary: Contrast of Man's unrighteousness and God's gift of righteousness (5:12-21) God's gift of a new foundation for living (chs. 6-8) Freedom from domination by moral failure (ch. 6) Freedom from condemnation (ch. 7) Life in the power of God's Holy Spirit (ch. 8) What about God's chosen people? (chs. 9-11) God's rejection of the Jews is just (9:1-29) Why God rejected the Jews (9:30-10:21) God's mercy (ch. 11) Practical implications (12:1-15:13) For the local church (ch.12) For our relationships outside the church (ch. 13) For relationships between Christians of different maturity (14:1-15:13) Conclusion (15:14-33) Commendations and Greetings (ch. 16)