Ideas and questions for group members and leaders for Romans 2:1-13

Romans 2:1-13 Questions

Warm up exercise in pairs: We see Jesus’ sense of humor in Matthew 7:1-5. Do you have a good sense of humor? Do you laugh as much as you would like? What makes you laugh?

Romans 2:1-5

1. Why is it important to recall the verses at the end of Romans 1 to fully understand what Paul is saying here? Context, context, context. In the previous verses he goes into great detail of the many sins of the Gentiles. Perhaps the Jews in the church at Rome were feeling pretty good about themselves compared to how sinful some to the Gentiles were living.
2. What did Jesus say about judging in Matthew 7:1-5? He said don’t do it. He uses the example of looking at the speck in a brother’s eye while having a log in our eye.
3. Agree or disagree with the following statement: “Those who protest the loudest about certain sins may be most guilty of the same sin.” 
4. Based on what Paul says in these five verses, do you get the idea that the Jews at the Roman church thought they would escape God’s judgement because their sins were not as bad as the ones mentioned at the end of Romans 1? That seems to be the case.
5. According to II Peter 3:9, how were “some misinterpreting the slowness of the Lord’s coming to judge? That he wasn’t coming. His delay in coming was actually the result of his patience and kindness allowing people time to turn to him. That is what Paul is saying here in 2:4.
6. Does it seem Paul is being rough with the Roman Jews in 2:5? Keep in mind that he was a Jew as well. They had a history of hardened and unrepentant hearts. Perhaps they had become smug because they were God’s chosen people. Paul was trying to bringing them back to reality.
7. Why is it important for believers today to keep in mind that God’s righteous judgment will be revealed? Like the Romans, we can feel pretty good about ourselves compared to the “heathen.”

Romans 2:6-11

1.   Do you see how some could misinterpret these verses to mean salvation is by works? On the surface, it may appear to do so, but a look at Paul’s overall teaching clearly indicates salvation is by faith. The works he refers to here are the basis for coming judgment.
2. When Paul said that the Lord shows no favoritism, do you think that rattled the cages for the Roman Jews? We can only speculate about that. Because of their special status, some of them may have felt they would not be accountable to God for their deeds. 

Romans 2:12-16

1. What is Paul doing in these verses? He is laying the groundwork for what follows in Romans 3 and following about the need for salvation-for those without the law and those under the law.
2. What did Paul say about his ministry to those without the law in I Corinthians 9:21? He wanted to win them to Christ.
3. What were the two ways that Gentiles could come to know God apart from the law? Creation (Romans 1:19) and conscience (Romans 2:14)
4. Does Galatians 3:10-14 provide additional commentary on Romans 2? It sure does. What does it say about those who try to be made right with God by keeping the law? They are under a curse.
5. Who redeemed us from the curse of the law? Jesus did by taking upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing by being hung on the tree (cross).
6. How was the blessing given to Abraham given to the Gentiles? Through Jesus and for all Gentiles who come to him by faith.