Reflections in Romans, 3:1-8

Romans 3:1-8

I. What's the point? (1-2)
II. What about my faithfulness? (3-4)
III. What about my unrighteousness? (5-8)

Summary/Insight:
In the previous passage, the Jews were all about their religious beliefs and Paul was correcting their thinking that it should be about the circumcision of the heart. So then, what's the point of being a Jew or physically circumcised? Is there any advantage or value to it? Yes - it is the very words of God. Just because we don't understand the purpose behind God's commands doesn't mean there's no value to be found in them.

All is not based on our faithfulness (Praise God because I am so inconsistent!), but rather on His faithfulness. Because we know His character and that we can trust His word, that He is constant and unchanging, we know He is faithful and we can trust Him because that who He is and it's not contingent on our behavior. *QUIT STRIVING* None of us are worthy. Jesus died for each one of our sins. Don't compare what you see of others with how you live your life. You don't know what goes on in their hearts or thoughts. Only God knows those places of each one of us, but we all need Him and His saving grace.

No matter how I try, I don't know that I can ever be completely honest, not even with myself. There is always something or someone to protect. BUT GOD IS TRUTH.

We deserve his wrath. If anything, we should be lead to repentance and to confess to God all the places we see how messed up we are and thank Him for not destroying us!

Application Questions:
I. What commands do I need to re-evaluate that God has given me? What areas of my heart need to be softened and circumcised?

II. What ways do I need to recognized God's faithfulness and my lack of faithfulness? How does this lead me to prayer and thanksgiving?

III. What areas of sin patterns and unrighteousness do I need to identify in my own life? How do these allow me to see the punishment I truly deserve? How does this lead me to worship and praise?

Reflections in Romans, 2:1-16

Romans 2:1-16

I. Who is the Judge? (1-4)

II. (After) Life Sentence (5-11)

III. Law Clarified (12-16)

Summary/Insight:

Those who judge are condemned because they do the same things as those they are judging. Because of stubbornness, unrepentant hearts - storing up God's wrath and his righteous judgment will be revealed. God will give according to what they have done. People who are persistent in doing good, seeking honor, glory, immortality will be given eternal life. Those who reject the truth and are self-seeking face God's wrath and anger. First the Jew, then the Gentile. God is impartial, no favoritism. Those who hear the law are seen by God as righteous but those that obey the law are DECLARED righteous. God will one day judge the secrets of the heart through Jesus Christ.

Application Questions:

(I think there are more questions on this one because I was feeling some conviction as I read)

I. Who am I judging? What accusations have I made against them? How am I guilty of similar/same things? Where has God been patient, kind and tolerant in my life and/or situation, in the midst of my judgment of others?

II. Where am I being stubborn and refuse to repent? Where do I deserve God's righteous judgement and wrath? (I know in all areas I deserve it, but this is to make myself aware of specific areas rather than put out a blanket statement.) Where am I rejecting truth? How am I being persistent? Where do I need to be persistent?

III. Am I being obedient to what I've heard? Where do I need to seek God's help and guidance to obey what I've heard? What does my life reflect is on my heart?