Romans 2 Study Guide - Living Out of True Obedience

Romans Chapter 2

Section 1: God’s Righteous Judgment (Romans 2:1–16)

Key Points:

• God’s judgment is based on truth and applies equally to all, without favoritism (Romans 2:1–2, 11).

• Passing judgment on others while practicing the same sins leads to self-condemnation (Romans 2:1).

• God’s kindness is meant to lead people to repentance, not complacency (Romans 2:4).

• Persistence in doing good leads to eternal life, while self-seeking and rejecting truth lead to wrath (Romans 2:6–8).

• Both Jew and Gentile will be judged according to their deeds, and God judges the secrets of the heart through Jesus Christ (Romans 2:12–16).

Discussion Questions:

1. Why is judging others dangerous for us? (Romans 2:1, Matthew 6:12, Matthew 7:1–5; James 4:11–12, Luke 11:2-4).

2. What is the purpose of God’s kindness? (Romans 2:4, 2 Peter 3:9; Titus 3:3–7).

3. How does God’s judgment differ from human judgment? (Romans 2:6, 11, 1 Peter 1:17; Jeremiah 17:10).

4. How can someone without the written Law still be accountable to God? (Romans 2:14–15, Ecclesiastes 3:11; John 1:9-13).

Section 2: The Jews and the Law (Romans 2:17–24)

Key Points:

• Relying on the Law and boasting in God is meaningless without personal obedience (Romans 2:17–20).

• Teachers of the Law must first obey it themselves to avoid hypocrisy (Romans 2:21–22).

• Disobedience dishonors God and causes His name to be blasphemed among unbelievers (Romans 2:23–24).

Discussion Questions:

1. What danger is there in relying on knowledge of God’s Word without living it out? (Romans 2:17–24, James 1:22–25; Matthew 23:27–28).

2. How can hypocrisy damage God’s reputation? (Romans 2:23–24, 2 Samuel 12:14; Titus 2:7–8).

3. What lesson can we learn from Paul’s challenge to Jewish believers here? (Romans 2:21–22, Luke 6:41–42; Galatians 6:1.

Section 3: True Circumcision (Romans 2:25–29)

Key Points:

• Physical circumcision has value only if one obeys the Law (Romans 2:25).

• Obedience to God’s commands is more important than outward signs (Romans 2:26–27).

• True Jewish identity is inward, defined by a circumcised heart through the Spirit (Romans 2:28–29).

Discussion Questions:

1. Why is outward religion meaningless without inward transformation? (Romans 2:25–26, Deuteronomy 10:16; Micah 6:6–8).

2. How does Paul define true Jewish identity? (Romans 2:28–29, Jeremiah 4:4; Philippians 3:3).

3. Who ultimately gives praise to the truly obedient person? (Romans 2:29, John 5:44; 1 Corinthians 4:5).