Romans 1:18-2:12 Exposition and Discussion Guide

Romans 1:18-2:12
Exposition and Notes

1:18-23 – The reasons for God’s wrath
First, note that God’s wrath is revealed now. The objects of his wrath are the ungodliness and unrighteousness of men. Ungodliness means lack of worship; unrighteousness means lack of obedience. Note also that their disobedience entails unbelief – not that they don’t have enough information or intellectual capacity – but that they refuse to believe because they’re disobedient.

Note also that God’s wrath is against them because they know about God – at least enough to be brought to the point where they know enough to worship him. But they don’t – they rather worship other things. (This is the answer to the question about those who haven’t heard the gospel.)

This wrath that is being revealed against those who don't worship of God and instead worship false gods will be completed on the day of judgment. See Romans 2:5.

1:24-32 – The results of God’s wrath
Note vv. 24, 26, and 28. In each of these God is said to give them up to sinning. In each case we see him giving humanity over to rebellious passions or a debased mind. He let humanity’s mind become controlled by sinfulness.

Note also that in these verses God handed humanity over because they gave worship to gods that are not God. See vv. 23, 25, and 28. The active component reflects the idea that this handing over to further sin is the wrath of God. Note then, that the wrath of God is expressed against lack of worship now in that people sin. (This includes homosexuality.)

2:1-12 – Having revelation from God won’t rescue you from being judged by God for your works

This section begins a lengthy section in which Paul argues with an imaginary Jew, who seems to think that having the Law – being a Jew – being circumcised – puts them in a saving relationship with God. The previous section a Jew would agree with – yes, that’s true of the Gentiles, they’d say. But we have the knowledge of God! Paul argues here that knowledge from God doesn’t save.

And in that context, he argues that you need to be obedient to be declared righteous (justified) – and thus enter into glory.

He first argues, in vv.1-5, that the Jewish opponent with whom he’s arguing thinks everything’s fine – life is good – and eternal life is guaranteed. But Paul argues that he is doing the same things as the Gentiles and doesn’t realize that he’s merely being given time to repent.
Then in vv. 6-10, he essentially says justification is by works. Of course he will argue from this point onward – and finish his argument in 3:9-20, that you can’t be justified that way because you do sin. The point, though, is that God does judge on the basis of works. Again, this raises the need for a righteousness that’s not our own – Remember 1:16 and 17!

And of course the reason for people being judged the same way is that God shows no partiality. Note that v. 11 starts with ‘for.’ Everyone gets judged – all who have sinned apart from the Law and all who have sinned while having it.



Bible Study Suggested Discussion Guide
-Do you remember what we did last time? At this point, you may need to quickly summarize Romans 1:1-18. A good three part summary is that 1) God appointed apostles – and thus the Scriptures – to bring his Kingdom to every nation for his glory. 2) God grows his people through their being together and through the hearing of the gospel. 3) The gospel is good news because God’s righteousness is revealed for all who believe – and it saves us. Ask them if they remember how.
-Have a few people pray. And then have someone have read vv. 18-23
-What sticks out to you? Do you have any questions?
-What do we see about God here?
-What do we see about sin?
-What about people that haven’t heard about Jesus? This question is so that people understand the gist of this passage – God’s wrath is revealed against people not worshiping him – not necessarily against rejection of the gospel.
-What are some things you honor/devote yourself to more than God?
-Have someone read vv. 24-32
-Observations? Questions?
-What do we see God doing?
-Why’s he doing it?
-What are the results?
-Where do you see yourself in here?
-Have someone read 2:1-12
-At this point, you’ll have to explain that Paul is switching perspective to addressing a Jew who says – “Well, yeah – that stuff is true of the Gentiles who don’t have God’s word. But I have God’s word, so it’s not true of me.”
-Observations/Questions?
-What are the mistakes that the imaginary Jew is making?
-How do we make those same mistakes?
-What do we see God doing in this passage?
-You’ll have to explain at this point, if they don’t get it, that God does judge us on the basis of works. Then point out Romans 3:10-12. And then go back to 1:17 and explain that we are given a righteousness not our own by faith in Christ. By the end of this study, your students should understand 1) all of us should worship God, and we don’t. 2) We all stand under God’s wrath, because he judges on the basis of works. 3) Except we put our faith in Christ and are credited his righteousness.
-Enter into prayers of thanksgiving