November 21, 2010 - Notes for Class

Hello!  I trust all of you are having a great week IN THE LORD.

Here are some questions getting ready for this Sunday's Lesson:

Please read Romans 2 in it's entirety.

Please read Romans 2:12-16.

The principle of impartiality has to face a problem as soon as the two groups, Jews and Gentiles, are considered together.  God has not dealt with them in a similar fashion.  To the Jew He has given special revelation of Himself in scripture that has been denied to the Gentile.  But in this section Paul shows that the Gentile does have a law, and this suffices for a basis for judgement.  Before discussing this law, however, Paul sees in it no power to save.

v 12 - Who is Paul speaking to in this verse?  Why was that important to the Roman church?

v 13 - What is the difference between hearing and obeying the law?  Where do you see this happening?  What is the difference in the person that hears and obeys (inside of the person)?  Does motivation have anything to do with this or is this included here?

v 14-15 - Does this mean that the Gentiles have a more intimate law than the Jews that had it spoken to them?  Who is the judge here?  Where is the battle between what is good or not go on?

v 15 - The word conscience is used although not a great translation as it was not used in the OT.  This is particular to the Greek influence on Paul.  What is written on their hearts?  Is that not written on the Jews hearts?  What does that mean today for those that have seen and heard the bible vs those that have not?  Is there any timeless truth here?

v 16 - What ultimately will happen?  What judgement will be made?  What will be judged?  Is there anything else besides there will be (a time), a judgement (an account), of internal things (secrets and motives)?

v 16 - How does 'through Jesus Christ' make any difference to this verse?  What does that mean for those that are saved and those that are not?  Paul ultimately says that the gospel he preaches includes the prospect of judgment and that it will be conducted through the mediation of Christ.  What does that do for/against those that are not saved?

Are you saved?  Do you know that you know that you know???

See you Sunday!