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My thoughts on each verse
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Discussion questions
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Romans 2:1-4
Hypocrisy makes no sense, though it weaves its way into every age, race, sex, etc. One can make excuses and feel ok about their own sins, but show no mercy for the sins of others. Because God's judgments are based on the Truth, there is no favoritism. No amount of justifying will dissuade the truth of the sinfulness of sin. Using God's grace as a license to sin is showing contempt for His kindness, tolerance and patience - things that should lead us further into repentance and not farther from it.
Romans 2:5
A cold shoulder towards God's kindness is the natural response of a stubborn person with an unrepentant heart. There is fair warning, though, that turning from the kindness of God will secure not independence or pleasure, but judgment and wrath.
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Romans 2:4
- Is there an area of your life where you are showing contempt towards the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and grace?
God's Response to Hypocrisy: Kindness and Judgment
[Piper 2:1-5] 
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Romans 2:6-8
The reward Christians receive reflects how we live our lives. Judgment and wrath come to those who reject the truth; eternal life is given to those who accept the Truth. Persistence in doing good and seeking glory, honor, and immortality are qualities of people who have accepted the Truth.
Romans 2:9-10
This makes perfect sense. People get what is their due. These two verses are almost anti climatic. Just imagine that the glory, honor and peace will be worth every ounce of effort to obtain. The glory, honor and peace will be worth giving up every temporary pleasure or deceitful means of getting ahead.
Romans 2:11
I am very happy God is equal in both His wrath and reward. It should be a model for us.
Romans 2:12-13
These two verses answer an important question raised by verse 11. That is how can you say "God does not show favoritism" when He judges mans actions by a law which instructs how man should act, yet He gives this law to only one tribe in the Middle East. A main takeaway from this passage is that every human has the law of God written on their hearts.
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Romans 2:7-11
- How have you, in your life, sought to remind yourself of this fact?
- What can we do in the future to help us seek to do good?
The Final Divide: Eternal Life or Eternal Wrath, Part 1
[Piper 2:6-10]
The Final Divide: Eternal Life or Eternal Wrath, Part 2
[Piper 2:6-10]
The Final Divide: Eternal Life or Eternal Wrath, Part 3
[Piper 2:6-10]
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Romans 2:14-15
The human conscience accuses the heart when it does wrong and defends it when it does right. When people without the law obey the law, their conscience confirms it and that sort of behavior becomes their law.
Romans 2:16
We will know God's ultimate judgment on the day of judgment. Remember that your secrets will be judged, do not fool yourself.
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Romans 2:15
- If our conscience bears witness to God’s laws, what penalty is held for those that numb the conscience of others?
- How can you guard your conscience so that it continues to bear witness to God’s laws?
There Is No Partiality With God, Part 1
[Piper 2:11-16]
There Is No Partiality With God, Part 2
[Piper 2:11-16]
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Romans 2:17-23
This is a direct attack against hypocrites. It is pointed at people who teach the law, but don't follow the law. James 3:1 instructs that teachers are judged more strictly. How easy it is for power and influence to crowd God out of our lives, even if our lives are spent in a Christian vocation.
Romans 2:24
The sins of the individual go far beyond hurting his own life. The hypocrite attacks the glory of God.
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Romans 2:17-24
- How would these verses translate into our lives?
- If Romans was written to you, what would the admonition be?
- What things are we holding on to that lead to death, contribute to the enemies plans, numb the conscience, cause people to blaspheme God?
The Effect of Hypocrisy, Part 1
[Piper 2:17-24]
The Effect of Hypocrisy, Part 2
[Piper 2:17-24]
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Romans 2:25
We are seeing the disconnect from the outward display of the law, to the inward condition of the heart. Both are valuable, but the condition of the heart trumps the outward display of obedience.
Romans 2:26-27
There again, inside obedience is more important than outside obedience. People who don't have the outward sign are regarded as if they did have that sign when they obey the law in the way they live their lives. Those whose hearts are obedient will condemn hypocrites.
Romans 2:28-29
So this is the summary. You cannot be in the family of God by appearance only. Being in the family of God is something done on the inside. And we look to God for the reward and praise.
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Romans 2:25-29
- Does God have your whole heart?
- Are you the same person alone as you are at church?
- What can you do to change your secret self into the image of God?
Who is a True Jew? Part 1
[Piper 2:25-29]
Who is a True Jew? Part 2
[Piper 2:25-29]
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