This week we continued our new study called ABC: The Basics of Faith… a study of the book of Romans. This week we’re working through Romans 2:1-11, 13, 29 where we are challenged to look in the mirror and see ourselves for what we really are spiritually. We learned that though there is a very real and coming judgment ahead, that just like in court cases there are positive and negative judgments made. Much of it has to do with our choices and how they line up with God’s law. If we are following God’s way we can look forward to judgment. We were also reminded that until we are dead we still have the ability to make choices that lead us toward that good judgment. These adjustments that God wants us to make are not external ones… they are adjustments of our hearts. That is where we see our true selves… who we really are. Here are some thought-provoking questions to get your mind working on this passage:
1. What things get in the way of us seeing ourselves accurately (in terms of how God sees us)?
2. Why do you think God’s default toward us is kindness, patience and tolerance with regard to our sin?
3. Generally speaking, why do people fail to realize God’s kindness, patience and tolerance?
4. Why does God have to judge sin?
5. What is the potential good news at the end of v. 6?
6. What can make it good news?
7. Why do you think God chooses to judge people proportionately? Do you think this is fair?
8. What’s the end game of looking in the mirror? What is it that we’re supposed to be looking for?
9. What is the difference between knowing and doing? Between doing and being?
10. What does it mean to have a heart that is “right with God”?
11. How is one’s heart changed? What does this look like?
For some deeper insights follow the link to this commentary… Romans 2.
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