Readings: Romans 2:17-29
Theme: The Sins of Pride and Formalism or Ceremonialism
Notes: Romans 2:17-24 are about law Romans 2:25-29 are about circumcision. Also, salvation relates to the past, the present and the future.
- Through Jesus we can be forgiven for the sins of the past (1 John 1:9)
- Through Jesus we can enjoy abundant life in the present (John 10:10)
- Through Jesus we will be saved from hell in the future and will live forever joyfully in the presence of God (1 John 5:11-12)
Questions and Comments
- Read again v 17-24 and without looking ahead on this sheet write a list of 10 things of which a Jew was proud. Now check with the list given and add the appropriate verse references.
- Being a Jew – verse __________________
- Reliance on the law – verse __________________
- Boasting in his relationship to God – verse __________________
- Knowing the will of God – verse __________________
- Being taught in the law – verse __________________
- His liking for excellent things – verse __________________
- Being a leader of the blind – verse __________________
- Being a light to those in darkness – verse __________________
- Being a corrector of the foolish – verse __________________
- Being a teacher of children – verse __________________
- Read 1 Samuel 16:7 and note how God looks on the heart.
- Read Matthew 5:17-48 and note how God sees the intention as well as the act.
- Read Luke 18:9-14. What is surprising about Jesus’ teaching in this parable?
- Read again Romans 2:25-29. The Jew is proud of his circumcision. Will his circumcision save him? How do the very privileges on which he relies for his' salvation become his condemnation? Why?
