Off the Shelf Sunday School--Romans

Do not Judge Others (2:1-11)

You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you toward repentance? 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 to each person according to what he has done.” To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For God does not show favoritism.?????

1.????It is easier to see the faults of others than our own. Sometimes pointing out the sins of others makes us feel better about ourselves. Paul warns against this because it can give a false sense of being better than others. Paul says that everyone sins in many common ways. For example, even if you have not murdered or committed adultery, the Bible teaches that being angry or lusting in the mind are sins. (Mt 5:21-22; 27-28)?

2.????God is the only one who clearly knows what is sinful. Therefore, he alone is able to judge. God judges us according to the truths in the Bible. Therefore, it is important to know what the Bible says. How often do you study the Bible? It is important to meditate and memorize parts of the Bible. (Ps 119:9-11; 105; 133)

3.????God is patient with us and does not immediately punish us for our sins. His desire is that people will repent of their sins. (Rom 9:22-24; 1 Tim 1:15-16; 2 Pet 3:9) What does it mean to repent of sins?

4.????God judges everyone as guilty of sin and worthy of eternal punishment in hell. The only exception is for those who accept Jesus as Savior and Lord through faith. This faith is a gift from God given to those whom he chooses. (Eph 2:1-9) The first good work that humans can do is to believe in Jesus (Jn 6:28-29) Subsequent good works come from the transforming work of the Holy Spirit within each born-again Christian. (1 Cor 3:11-16; Eph 2:10)

5.????Born-again Christians desire to do good works under the guidance and influence of the Holy Spirit. They persist in doing what God defines as good because they have faith in his promises of future glory and rewards. (Jn 14:1-3; Rom 12:1-3; 1 Jn 3:1-3) The good works of those who are not born-again Christians do not merit salvation from God’s wrath. Good works without a foundation of faith in Jesus and the indwelling Holy Spirit are like filthy rags in God’s sight that are tainted by sinful human motives. (Is 64:6)??

6.????There is no favoritism with God when it comes to judging sin and rewarding good works. However, we are created different from each other with different talents and opportunities. God chooses those who will be saved. Does this show favoritism? (Rom 9:14-21)?