Focus: Since no one can keep the law perfectly, everyone needs a savior
Context Passage – Romans 2:17-3:20
The Theme of Romans
The gospel is the power of God for salvation and radically changes the lives of all who put their faith in Christ Jesus. Paul’s passion for the gospel is seen from the opening verse to the closing of the letter. He had been set apart to proclaim the gospel to unbelievers. The same gospel would strengthen believers in Rome
Study Passage - Romans 2:17-29
Now if you call yourself a Jew, and rely on the law, and boast in God, 18 and know his will, and approve the things that are superior, being instructed from the law, 19 and if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light to those in darkness, 20 an instructor of the ignorant, a teacher of the immature, having the embodiment of knowledge and truth in the law— 21 you then, who teach another, don’t you teach yourself? You who preach, “You must not steal”—do you steal? 22 You who say, “You must not commit adultery”—do you commit adultery? You who detest idols, do you rob their temples? 23 You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? 24 For, as it is written: The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.
25 Circumcision benefits you if you observe the law, but if you are a lawbreaker, your circumcision has become uncircumcision. 26 So if an uncircumcised man keeps the law’s requirements, will not his uncircumcision be counted as circumcision? 27 A man who is physically uncircumcised, but who keeps the law, will judge you who are a lawbreaker in spite of having the letter of the law and circumcision. 28 For a person is not a Jew who is one outwardly, and true circumcision is not something visible in the flesh. 29 On the contrary, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly, and circumcision is of the heart—by the Spirit, not the letter. That person’s praise is not from people but from God.
1. What are some things that you are really good at”?
2. How close to perfect are you in those areas?
3. In what ways do you fall short?
4. Who is God speaking to in verse 17?
“IF” CAN ALSO MEAN “SINCE”
5. How did the Jews see themselves in verses 17-20?
a. Call yourself a Jew, rely on the law, boast in God, know His will, have discernment, instructed by the law, a guide for the blind, light to those in darkness, instructor of the ignorant, teacher of the immature, believed they were the embodiment of knowledge and truth,
6. How would you describe how the Jew felt about themselves? (Superior attitude, better than everyone else)
7. What’s missing here? (A humble loving attitude, walking the talk)
8. Who would Paul be talking to today? (All Christians both Jew and gentile)
9. Look at verse 21. What is Paul saying? (If you think this way of yourself shouldn’t you act like it?
10. Paul continues with rhetorical questions: You who preach, “You must not steal”—do you steal? 22 You who say, “You must not commit adultery”—do you commit adultery? You who detest idols, do you rob their temples? 23 You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? What point is Paul driving home? (Their walk did not back up their talk)
WE SAY WE ARE PEOPLE OF FAITH, BUT IN THE LIGHT OF THIS PANDEMIC WE ARE FACING, ARE WE LIVING OUT OUR FAITH. WHAT SHOULD WE BE DOING?
2 Chronicles 7:14
if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
President Trump declared on Friday a National Day of Prayer for this upcoming Sunday, shortly
