Romans 2:1-16 Sunday School Outline & Questions

Romans 2:1-16 “No Partiality”

Introduction: The Universal Judgment of God
Context: Romans 1 ended with a description of God’s wrath against unrighteousness. Everything up to this point leads us to understand that God’s patience is not limitless. In chapter 2, Paul turns to those who might think they can escape judgment, especially Jews or moral Gentiles. The main point is clear: God shows no partiality in His righteous judgment.
Purpose: To demonstrate that everyone, Jew and Gentile alike, is subject to God's impartial judgment. Moralism or ethnic pride will not save anyone.
Insight: Romans 1:20 & Romans 2:15 = mediate and immediate general (natural) revelation

I. The Self-Righteousness of Man (v. 1-3)
A.    The Danger of Hypocritical Judgment (v. 1)
Lesson: Paul turns from condemning obvious wickedness (ch. 1) to the self-righteous moralist who judges others but fails to recognize his own sin.

B.    The Certainty of God’s Judgment (v. 2-3)
Lesson: God’s judgment is according to truth, based on reality, not appearances or favoritism. No one escapes His scrutiny.

II. The Kindness of God Leads to Repentance (v. 4-5)
A.    Misunderstanding God’s Patience (v. 4)
Lesson: God’s mercy and patience should not be mistaken for approval of sin. Rather, His forbearance is an opportunity to repent.

B.    Storing Up Wrath (v. 5)
Lesson: Refusing to repent only stores up more wrath for the Day of Judgment.

III. The Impartiality of God's Judgment (v. 6-11)
A.    Judgment Based on Works (v. 6-10)
Lesson vv6-7: Paul is not advocating salvation by works but demonstrating that a person’s deeds are the evidence of their heart and faith.
Lesson vv8-9: The self-seeking and rejectors of truth will face God’s impartial judgment.

B.    No Partiality with God (v. 11)
Lesson: Paul explicitly states that God does not favor one group over another. Jewish privilege (the Law) or Gentile ignorance of the Law does not exempt anyone from judgment.

IV. Judgment According to the Law (v. 12-16)
A.    The Accountability of All People (v. 12-13)
Lesson: Both those who have the Law (Jews) and those without the Law (Gentiles) will be judged. Hearing the Law is not enough; obedience is required.

B.    The Law Written on the Heart (v. 14-16)
Lesson: Even Gentiles who do not have the Mosaic Law are still held accountable because the moral law is written on their hearts (natural law). Their consciences bear witness to this, and God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus.

Questions:

1. What is Paul trying to do in these verses? 
2. What are the five principles of divine justice in these verses (vv1, 2, 3-5, 6-11, 12)?