The Grace Message with Dr. Andrew Farley

In Acts 10, is there a multi-year gap in between Pentecost and the Gentiles being saved? Is God helping us keep the Law? What does it mean to be in Christ or hidden with Christ in God? Should we ask the Holy Spirit to “fall fresh” on us? What should we think about revivals? Does Satan need permission from God to mess with us?

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?

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.

Can you lose your salvation? What does it mean to abide in Christ? What does the term “heart” mean in 1 John 3, and how could it “condemn us”? Why didn’t Jesus ever mention the sexual sin described in Romans 1?

Was Adam’s son Seth not born in God’s image or likeness? What effect did the fall of humanity have? My wife is addicted to drugs and in denial about the problem. What should I do? What does 2 Timothy 4 mean concerning those whose ears are tickled and pay attention to fables instead of sound doctrine?

What should I do if I’m not growing in my church because of the teaching? Did God kill some Corinthian believers because of their disobedience at the Lord’s Supper? Are there any altars or should there be any altar calls today? What about those who have an impairment and can’t understand the Gospel?

How can you respond when you’re experiencing accusation on all sides, no matter what you do? Someone quoted 2 Timothy 3:16 and told me I’m still under the Law. Is this true? Why did you write the book “The Art of Spiritual War”? When was Jesus really born, and is it wrong to celebrate His birth on December 25?

How do you identify if you have enough blessings in your life? Acts and Matthew seem to disagree about Judas, and the thirty pieces of silver, and who bought the land. Can you discuss this? If God is all knowing, then wouldn’t He know who is saved in the future and wouldn’t this be predestination? Do you have a favorite Bible passage? Why do you like it so much?

How do you answer those who deny Jesus’ deity and the Trinity? Should the Lord’s Prayer be recited? What is the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit? Is it an unforgivable sin the Christian might commit? Why does Titus say elders must be “above reproach”? Can women speak or serve in the church?

The truth is all around us! We see it in the mountains and in the stars. It’s evident in the animal kingdom and in our own bodies. We are not the product of random chance. We have a Creator!

While this is obvious, some still suppress the truth, making foolish speculations about our origins. As a result, they don’t recognize God or give thanks to Him.

Therefore, God gave them over… but not randomly one day because He was angry. No, humanity chose first to go rogue and live independent of Him. His response was to allow them the consequences of their choice.

Romans 1 showcases this reality and even presents a controversial passage about sexual sin. This heinous sin is listed right alongside “disobedient to parents” – which says a lot. All of us – young and old – show up on the Planet in need of the same solution. And realizing our dilemma then puts the focus on the power of God’s grace – right where it should be!

Enjoy this weighty message from Romans 1 and let us know what you think!

Discussion Questions for Romans 1:18-32:

1. Read verse 18. What does “men who suppress the truth” mean? How do they suppress it?
2. Read verses 19-20. How are God’s attributes evident through what has been made?
3. Read verses 21-22. What are some of the futile, foolish speculations of people without God?
4. What are the three things God gave people over to? What do these mean for our core problem?
5. Read verses 26-27. What sin is defined here? What words and phrases help define it?
6. Read verses 29-31. Heinous sins are listed alongside “disobedient to parents.” What does this say about “levels of sin”? What does it say about God’s grace?