Romans 2:12-29

Romans 2:12-29Adult Pastor Brad FergusonEverybody believes in something. In this portion of his letter, Paul addresses the church in Rome with two things that he knew that they were struggling with - knowledge and works. It is no different for us today.
Paul is explaining that both Jews and Gentiles are accountable before God. Having the Law (the Jews) or not having it (the Gentiles) does not excuse anyone—what matters is obedience from the heart.
Gentiles who sin without the Law will perish apart from it, and Jews who sin under the Law will be judged by it. "Judged" and "perished" are equal terms that both mean eternal separation from God. Just hearing the Law does not make a person righteous; only those who obey it (perfectly) will be justified. No one can do that.
Even Gentiles, who do not have the written Law, sometimes follow their conscience and demonstrate that the Law is written on their hearts (caring for the sick, honesty, etc.). God will ultimately judge all people through Jesus Christ, the One who came on our behalf to take the punishment that we deserve (Isaiah 53).
Paul then addresses the Jews specifically, pointing out that although they boast in having the Law and their covenant identity of circumcision, they often fail to live by it, which leads to hypocrisy and causes God’s name to be dishonored.
Finally, he explains that true circumcision is not outward or physical but inward, which he describes as circumcision of the heart. This is brought about by the Spirit rather than just following the letter of the Law. True righteousness and identity before God are not based on external rituals or heritage but on inward obedience and transformation by the Spirit. Only His work of grace in our lives will lead to righteousness. He does the work as we submit to Him.
What keeps people from Christ:

1. I've sinned too much - your sins are no match for the love of God
2. I have unanswered questions - everyone does, but you don't have to wait. With the Holy Spirit, you can grow in your understanding of who Jesus is
3. I just can't surrender - no pursuit in life is truly fulfilling except for the pursuit of Jesus. He is the way, the Truth, and the life
4. I've seen too many bad examples - Everyone falls short, and we can not put our hope in a person, but rather we must look to our perfect Father
5. There's too much evil in the world - Due to God's love of us and His design of our free will, the world will always be fallen. But God is here in His creation of beauty, music, joy. laughter, hope, etc..

Questions to Consider:

1. Why is it important that God is just (fair) with everyone?
2. How do you feel knowing that God sees and knows your heart?
3. How can our actions affect how others see God? Why does that matter?
4. Is your faith more "outward" (what people see) or "inward" (your heart before God)? Why?

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