“Be Transformed” A Study from the Book of Romans Lesson 3

“The Judgment of God”

“But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God's wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed. God "will give (render) to each person according to what he has done.”

Romans 2:5-6 (NIV)

God never condemns without just cause. His judgment on the unbelieving world is brought for suppressing His truth, ignoring His revelation, and perverting His Deity. The deeply irrational nature of sin is seen in the fact that even hardened sinners still know in their hearts that their actions are deserving of death. Yet they still would judge others while despising the mercies of God. There is a day coming when God will judge all men and render to each according to their works. Until that day, God’s mercy and patience have allowed time for those who recognize His goodness to repent.

Prepare your heart with Prayer: Ask the Lord to show you what He wants you to see in this passage. Ask Him to open your heart to understand and receive His Word. Read through Romans 2:1-16

1. As you read, record what the Spirit brings to your attention.

*List any words or phrases that stand out to you. Define them as needed. *Write down any questions that come to mind. *Note any verses, phrases or ideas that you find challenging or intriguing. As you continue this lesson, seek answers to your questions, and make note of anything the Spirit reveals to you.

Romans 2:1-4 1. The word "therefore" at the beginning of verse 1 indicates a connection with the previous passage. What is this connection? How does God's judgment demonstrate His righteousness? What are the implications? Why is there no excuse?

*What does it mean to "judge" another? Vs. 1, James 4:11-12

We are called to not judge others, but we are called to be discerning. Explain the difference.

2. What should we do when we are tempted to criticize and point the finger at the faults in someone else? Matthew 7:1-5

3. How does the Lord want us, as His people, to respond to the sin of others? See Ephesians 4:25-29, I Thessalonians 5:14-22. Feel free to add Scripture. 4. In your own words explain what Paul is saying in verse 4. What do you learn about God's character and repentance? Personal Reflection: *Examine your own attitude. Have you pointed your finger at anyone? What will you do about it?

*Have you experienced God’s mercies? Take time to thank and praise Him for His goodness.

Romans 2:5-16 5. Paul teaches that it is possible to store up wrath for one's self. Vs. 5 *What conditions can cause this to happen? Why is this important for us to remember? 6. Verse 6 says, "God will render to every man according to his deeds". What does this mean? Define the verb, 'to render'. 7. Describe what will be rendered, and to whom? Vs. 7 & 10 Vs. 8-9

Paul uses the phrases, “doing good”, and “works or does what is good” (Vs. 7 & 10) to describe those with whom God is pleased. Explain how God determines whether one's works are 'good' or not. What is His criteria or standard of measurement? Support with scripture. 8. What is the meaning of the phrase “to the Jew first and also to the Greek”? Vs. 9-10 See also Romans 1:16.

9. Paul states, “There is no partiality with God”. How does he illustrate this? Vs.11-15 In verse 13, Paul introduces a key Biblical principle upon which he will continue to expound. Examine this. Discuss these things together at your table. *Explain why the doers of the law will be justified before God, but not the hearers. Do any other scriptures come to mind? If so, include these to help you answer. *In your own words, what is the key principle?

Examine and Apply:

*What attitudes or beliefs might distract people from hearing or obeying God's word? *What about you? What distracts you? Why is that?

*What will you do about it? Talk to God about these things. 10. How will God judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ? Vs. 16 Describe what this means. Provide scriptures to support your answer. Write a brief summary statement of your findings. Takeaway:

*If you had questions at the start of the lesson, did they get answered?

*What has the Holy Spirit revealed to you---your main takeaway?

Record this on your “Takeaway Sheet”.