Read Romans Chapter 2: Not by Heritage, Not by Rite
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Words to Ponder:
- Judgement: An opinion or conclusion. A decision of a court or judge; an obligation created by the decree of a court. A divine sentence or decision [by God]
- Law: A binding custom or practice; a rule of conduct or action prescribed and formally recognized as binding, enforced by a controlling authority. The revelation of the will of God set forth in Scripture.
- Conscience: The moral goodness or blameworthiness of one’s own conduct, intentions, or character together with a feeling of obligation to do right or be good. Conformity to what one considers to be correct, right, or morally good. Sensitive regard for fairness or justice.
- Heritage: Property that descends to an heir. Something transmitted by or acquired from a predecessor: legacy, inheritance. Something possessed as a result of one’s natural situation or birth: birthright.
- Ritual: Of or relating to rites or a ritual: ceremonial, religious law, social custom. A prescribed form or manner governing the words or actions for a ceremony.
Discussion and Reflection:
- What is the standard principle of justice between God and humanity?
- Does God as Judge treat people differently because their background?
- What is it that one day God will judge through Jesus Christ?
- Some say, because the Gentiles do not know what was expected of them they couldn’t be held accountable for their actions. Sounds good, but Paul says they are accountable. Why ?
- Is keeping the law or being physically circumcised more important ?
Memory Verse:
“But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous.” Matthew 5:44-45
