Romans 2: The Judgment of God

For more context before you begin studying, read this introduction to the book of Romans.

Prostitutes, drug addicts, thieves—it's easy to see why these people need the gospel. But what about "respectable" people: doctors, business executives, the family next door? They seem so contented, so fulfilled, so . . . nice!

In Romans 1:18-32 Paul described the depravity of those who reject God. Now he imagines someone saying, "You're absolutely right, Paul. Such people are wicked and deserve everything that's coming to them! But of course we would never do such things and would be very critical of anyone who did." In this passage Paul shows why even "nice" people need the gospel.

Warming Up to God

Have you ever wondered whether some non-Christians really need the gospel? Explain. Ask God to open your heart to understand what place he has in each of our lives.

Read Romans 2

Discovering the Word

• When people are judgmental, how do they reveal both an understanding and a misunderstanding of God's judgment (vv. 1-4)?
• Verses 5-16 describe a future day of judgment known as "the day of God's wrath" (v. 5). What will God consider important and unimportant on that day?
• How are God's standards of judgment both similar and different for the two groups described in verses 12-16?
• In verses 17-29 Paul focuses his attention on a hypocritical Jew. How does such a person view himself and others (vv. 17-20)?
• Jews placed great value on circumcision because it was the visible sign that they were God's people. How had some of them confused the sign with what it signified (vv. 25-29)?

Applying the Word

• How has religious hypocrisy hurt the cause of Christ in our day?
• Many non-Christians have high moral standards. How can we use their own standards to help them see their need of Christ?
• How can this chapter help you to more effectively share the gospel with respectable, religious or moral non-Christians?

Responding in Prayer

Ask God to make you bold in talking with a non-Christian.