The Grace Message

The Law only breeds two things – defeat if you’re honest and hypocrisy if you’re not.In this tongue-in-cheek passage, Paul is calling all hypocrites to the carpet. Paul even goes as far to say that obedient Gentiles could rightfully judge disobedient Jews. Ouch. I’m sure that one ruffled some feathers!But Paul is simply trying to show that obedience to the Law is what really matters, and no one is able to be obedient to it.Once we’ve seen our inability, we can see Christ’s ability. Once we see our failure, we can see Christ’s success on Calvary. This is where Paul is leading us.So, buckle up for this blistering rebuke of hypocrites and the beautiful revelation that everything we need with God must be absolutely free!Discussion Questions for Romans 2:17-29:1. Read verses 17-20. How are these verses written with “tongue in cheek”?2. Read verses 21-23. What are the five ways Paul calls out so-called Law keepers for hypocrisy?3. Read verse 24. Do unbelievers still look at religious people as hypocritical today? Give examples.4. Read verses 25-27. Who actually “practices” or “keeps” the Law? So, why is Paul saying what he says in these two verses?5. Read verses 28-29. How does this speak to our identity? What is the circumcision of the heart? What does this mean for your spiritual desires?

How is the heart different from the soul? Does either one need improvement over time to be acceptable to God? How do I talk to people about law and grace? What do Catholics believe about the Eucharist? Will there be another opportunity to believe after death or after “the rapture”?

*Previously aired* Why does Paul compare our relationship with Christ to sex and marriage in both 1 Corinthians 6 and Ephesians 5? What do you think about the term “revival”? I am a new believer and wonder if I should pray to the Father or to Jesus. What are your thoughts? Also, should we pray for Jesus to “be with us” or is there a greater truth to know?

Who is the audience for Hebrews 3- believers or unbelievers? Is my original repentance valid if I continue to sin afterward? What if I keep committing the same sin? Is John 6 talking about the importance of physical bread and wine (Eucharist) or something else? What do you think was the purpose of the laying on of hands in 1 Timothy 4?

Why does Paul quote from the Law about obeying your parents if we are under grace? If a Christian gets a divorce and then remarries, are they in a perpetual state of sin? Can they only get remarried when their ex-spouse dies or remarries? What’s the difference between Old Testament law and New Testament commands?

I’m a new believer and thought that everyone will be treated the same in Heaven. Are there really different levels of rewards? Can you explain exactly why we can’t lose our salvation? Are there female angels? Where in the Bible does it actually say that we are forgiven of all our sins forever?

Why does Paul compare our relationship with Christ to sex and marriage in both 1 Corinthians 6 and Ephesians 5? What do you think about the term “revival”? I am a new believer and wonder if I should pray to the Father or to Jesus. What are your thoughts? Also, should we pray for Jesus to “be with us” or is there a greater truth to know?

Here’s the bad news: We’re all in the same boat! That’s the message of Romans 2 – we’re all equally doomed. And there’s no partiality with God. Whether it’s a Jew trying to keep the Law, or a Gentile trying to obey their conscience, there are exactly zero people on the planet who can meet God’s perfect standard. Here’s the good news: Therefore, God intervened. And He did so through Jesus Christ. As a result, anybody and everybody can be made perfect before God – for free. It’s about receiving, not achieving. This is where the book of Romans is headed. So, check out this important piece of the puzzle, as Romans 2 sets the stage for everything to come! Discussion Questions on Romans 2:1-16 1. Have you ever found yourself judging another person when you've done the same thing? Discuss. 2. React to this statement: The kindness of God leads you to repentance. 3. Who has an unrepentant heart? Why is knowing the audience important here? 4. How many “doers of the Law” are there who persevere in doing good and merit eternal life? Why is this key to understanding Romans 2? 5. Why do you think Paul mentions that there’s no partiality with God? 6. Why are the Gentiles also accountable to God if they weren’t given the Law? 7. Take two minutes to summarize the point of this entire passage in one sentence. Then share your sentence with others.

Is Jesus’ role to help us keep the Law once we’re saved? What is God’s perspective on natural disasters? I’m teaching a Bible study and some have left saying God is leading them away from the group. What should I do? Is there a difference between Heaven and Paradise? I struggle with legalistic, condemning thoughts. How can I break free? Why does Deuteronomy 7 talk about hate if God loves everyone?

Are some Christians spiritually stuck in the “outer court” instead of the “inner court”? Does God give more rewards to those who live better? What should we think about Christian movements that have harmed other people?