Final notes that I use to guide the lesson on Romans 2

Who Needs the Gospel? They Do Too!, Romans 2:1-29, key verses 1-11, 17-21, 23-24

1. (Slide 1) Who did not receive the study guide from Tom Brown? Collect their email addresses. Make study guide intro comments and tie into Curt’s lesson last week. Cover lesson AIMS.

2. Overview chapter 2. Ray Stedman mentions 4 types of people that Paul addressed in Romans 1&2: 1) the wicked that flaunt evil, 2) the self-righteous moralist, 3) the pagan, and 4) the religious devotee (eg. Jew). Read vs 1-4. For what does Paul condemn the self-righteous moralist?

3. On what basis do the self-righteous justify criticizing someone else? Of what does Paul remind them in verses 3&4? What is the difference between discernment and judgment? See study questions 2, 3 &5.

4. (Slide 2) Present the list one entry at a time. Do people really use these excuses? Answer--YES. Paul makes the point in Romans 2:3, that ‘self-righteous judges’ do the same things. Are we like this? Do we judge the “excuser’s”? Should we excuse our behavior, but call attention to that of others?

5. Fairness is one of the core values of today’s culture of tolerance. It teaches us to not judge. Jesus commanded us in Matt 7:1, “Do not judge”, but He also said in John 7:24, “Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment.” Should we ever judge? See 1Cor 5:12-13 and 2 Thes. 3:14.

6. In Verse 5, Paul says a self-righteous moralist is stubborn and refuses to change. Read 5-7. On what basis will God judge the self-righteous?—by their works, to which they will give personal testimony.

7. According to Romans 2:7-10, for those who accept Christ, eternal life, glory, honor and peace lie ahead, and for those who reject Him--God’s anger and wrath, and trouble and calamity await them.

8. What do we learn of God’s character in vs. 11? God does not show favoritism. However the so-called judges operated from an assumed-righteous mindset.

9. Read edited down “Confrontation in the teacher’s lounge”. Divide class to Describe Larry. Describe Janet. Describe Carol. What impact was Larry’s behavior having on Carol? On Janet? What did Janet do that honored God? What did Larry do that honored God?” Apply: How can we honor God today?

10. Verses 12-14 discuss the pagan, the 3rd type of person addressed by Paul in Romans 1&2. On what basis will God judge the pagan? They are guilty because of (1) what is written on their hearts, (2) what their conscience witnesses against them, and (3) what they have kept secret. Missionaries share the gospel to those God has enabled to receive it. By accepting the gospel, they are saved.

11. Now, regarding the religious devotees. Read 17-24 with “since” in place of “if”. How would you summarize these verses? What the ‘religious’ boasted in would not save them from God’s judgment. True followers worship and serve the Lord, and are not just ‘religious’ in name only.

12. A philosophy called nominalism describes people who have nothing in common but name only. Show Slide 3 and ask how so-called Christians might boast today. Other verses: 1 Peter 2:12, 15-17, 20b, 23b. What are “blind spots”? Ask if our position is theologically motivated or simply political?

13. What’s Paul’s charge to the religious Jew in verses 28-29? True Jews have their hearts circumcised by the Holy Spirit. They are justified by faith apart from the Law. See Romans 3:27 Where is boast? It is excluded [on the principle of faith since we are justified by faith apart from the Law.].

14. Is God pricking your heart today to avoid being judgmental? To honor Him by valuing others? We can humble ourselves. Discuss Slide 4 with the class and ask them to individually select one that the Holy Spirit is especially speaking to them about through this lesson and challenge them to do it this week.

15. Only God can help us to see judgmentalism as evil. Pray that God changes us to honor Him by valuing others.