Study Guide
Romans Part 3: Rendered Hearts
Have you ever been bothered by what someone does but, upon further reflection, realize it's something you do, too? Whether identical or similiar struggles, there are times when our focus on other's shortcomings keep us from seeing our own. Listen in as Pastor Jared Johnson, from our Scripps Ranch campus, helps us have a much needed heart check.
In this message you will be challenged and encouraged to:
- Turn our gaze inward in how God wants to challenge you, personally
- Let God do the necessary work on our hearts
Newbreak’s Sermon Study Guide is an in-house resource that serves sermon-based Life Groups and/or individuals who want to reflect further on how the message contributes to their spiritual formation.
Icebreakers for Life Groups
- If you could instantly become an expert in something, what would it be and why?
- What is one thing that you want God to do in your life this season in Life Groups?
Read Romans 2:1-16 (CSB)
God is the Judge; we are not.
Romans 2:1-16 presents a powerful message about God's role as the ultimate judge and humanity's inability to judge others righteously. Paul warns the readers to avoid the judgement of others because it only highlights our own hypocrisy. When we judge others, we condemn ourselves because we practice the same sins we condemn others for practicing (2:1).
The passage also emphasizes several important points to Paul’s argument in Romans: God’s judgement is based on the truth of God (2:2) and the works of man (2:5-8).
This is not to say we can’t name and discern sin (Paul surely did so in Romans 1:18–32). But it is important that we don’t become the Judge who decides someone's final destiny.
God's judgment applies equally to all people, regardless of their background or religious knowledge (2:12-16). Both Jews and Gentiles will be judged fairly, based on their actions and the truth written on their hearts.
In conclusion, this passage encourages us to walk in humility, self examination, and recognition of our own need for God's mercy and grace.
Discussion Questions
- Paul warns against judging others while practicing the same sins ourselves. In what areas of our lives do we find ourselves being critical of others’ behavior while still struggling with similar issues? How can we cultivate more self-awareness and humility in this area?
- According to verse 4-5, Paul states that it’s the kindness of God that leads to repentance. Reflect on a time when you experienced God’s kindness in your life. How did it impact your relationship with Him and your attitude towards sin?
- Paul shares that the works of the law are written on the human heart: i.e. the conscience or “oughtness” of man (2:15). How have you seen this at work in your life? Or in the lives of others?
Read Romans 2:17-29 (CSB)
Allow God’s Spirit to transform our hearts
In verses 17-29, Paul turns his attention to the Jewish community and exposes their false security in the law and hypocrisy that was rampant within their community. Just having the law (i.e. growing up learning and studying the Torah), did not guarantee their right standing with God. Many of them not only knew the law they taught the law without being obedient to the law (19-24). In doing so this blasphemed the name of God with the Gentiles. Paul wanted them to see that just knowing about God through the law was not enough to save them from their sins. Righteousness also didn’t come through the external acts of things like circumcision (25-29). Although circumcision was the mark of the covenant with God in the Old Testament (Genesis 17:10- 14), this act alone did not transform the heart or make one righteous before God. Paul desperately wanted the readers to realize that they needed an internal transformation or the circumcision of the heart by the power of the Holy Spirit (vs.29).
Discussion Questions
- Paul points out the hypocrisy of those who teach others but don't follow their own teachings (verses 21-23). In what areas of your life do you find yourself giving advice or instruction to others that you struggle to follow yourself? (i.e. Parenting, work ethic, words spoken, addiction, patience, etc.)
- Paul warned against basing our relationship with God on external practices of religion, rather than experiencing the inner work of God’s transformation. How do you keep yourself from making your faith a series of religious rituals (i.e. going to church, reading the Bible, meal time prayer, etc.)?
- In the last year, how have you seen the Holy Spirit transform your heart (inner life)? What do you desire the Holy Spirit to transform in you this year? How can you remain open to the Spirit’s work in your life?
When in Romans
In the middle of the first century, in the heart of the Roman empire was a group of house churches that believed that Jesus of Nazareth, crucified and risen from the dead, was the true Lord of the world! The Romans had to be some of the bravest, most tested Christ-followers as they were heavily persecuted by the rulers of the day. Therefore, Paul writes a letter to them, expressing what he wishes he could say in person to them. The contents of this letter are so revolutionary that for 2,000 years churches all around the globe read it, reflect on it, and apply these truths to their lives. Join us as we venture through Romans and see how the gospel's message gives us a new identity and a new way to live!