Romans 4:1-12

KING JAMES:

Rom 4:1  What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath  found? 

Rom 4:2  For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. 

Rom 4:3  For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. 

Rom 4:4  Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 

Rom 4:5  But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. 

Rom 4:6  Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, 

Rom 4:7  Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. 

Rom 4:8  Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. 

Rom 4:9  Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. 

Rom 4:10  How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. 

Rom 4:11  And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: 

Rom 4:12  And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. 

Main Points: Paul extends the case for the spiritual Jew: Noting that Abraham was found acceptable before God because of his faith. This transaction occurred before his circumcision…thus establishing what it is that makes us acceptable to God….faith. This is without regard to nationality or heritage.

1.       How was Abraham justified? God was given the ability to justify, because Abraham believed God, and he believed IN God. Remember, this teaching is supporting what Paul lays down in chapter 2….the Law does not justify. It convicts!

2.       Explain the principle in verses 5-6: We must not ignore verse four’s grace component. We cannot make God owe us a righteous judgment.  As stated, we all just sin too much for that to ever happen. So, it can never be earned. In this section, Paul focuses on belief…..putting our trust in God. THAT is what gives God the path to a righteous judgment for us. Paul will address how works integrate into this system later.

3.       How does David confirm these principles of justification?  Ps32- This Psalm teaches the virtue of confession before God, and opening our lives to His teaching and discipline(s).  “the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in Him”

4.       How does the timing of Abraham’s justification further Paul’s point? This is actually his main point. It is an extension of the statement not all are Jews outwardly only. Abraham was found righteous before God BEFORE the Jewish covenant seal of circumcision. Thus: Showing that justification/righteousness before God is found the more abstract act of belief….not with futile works (of law). This justification is apart from the later development of the Jewish nation. Most specifically, it is separate from a system based on laws.

5.       Who are the children of Abraham?  11,12) Anyone who practices and exhibits faith in God….ANYONE

NOTE: It is very easy to get ahead of Paul and try to make the case for obedience (works). Stop. Don’t do that. He will do it later. I would suggest that if we continually feel the need to qualify the need for works, perhaps we are ourselves stuck in a system of law. Paul at this juncture is looking to emphasize faith. Leave it at that…the rest will fall into place.

Additional:
KJ -JUSTIFIED  Vs 2,5- G1344 From G1342; dikaioō dik-ah-yo'-o to render (that is, show or regard as) just or innocent
KJ RIGHTEOUS(NESS)- 3,5,6,9,11 -G 1343 -dikaiosunē dik-ah-yos-oo'-nay From G1342; equity (of character or act)

Believe/Faith-Used some 6x in this text carries the argument  -

3,5) Believed G4100 pisteuō pist-yoo'-o From G4102; to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), that is, credit; by implication to entrust

5,9,11,12)Faith  G4102 pistis pis'-tis From G3982; persuasion, that is, credence; moral conviction

Belief/faith is the underpinning of being found “justified” – “righteous” by God.

Romans 3:21-31

KING JAMES:

Rom 3:21  But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 

Rom 3:22  Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 

Rom 3:23  For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 

Rom 3:24  Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 

Rom 3:25  Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 

Rom 3:26  To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. 

Rom 3:27  Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. 

Rom 3:28  Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. 

Rom 3:29  Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: 

Rom 3:30  Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. 

Rom 3:31  Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law. 

Main Points: If we are not justified through the law….then WHAT? Faith. Faith is a main point, but more broadly, you don’t need to be a Jew to have faith in God. Thus: Justification is extended to anyone who has this faith.

12. How has the righteousness of God been revealed? What does this mean? (21) Apart from the law, but testified to by the law and prophets. Paul explains that the law and prophets are merely witnesses to something better. They were not THE things by which God would parcel out justice.

13. How has the righteousness of God been revealed? How is a person benefited by this? (22) By/through faith in Jesus Christ. Belief in God (trust) becomes the corner stone to being in a right relationship with God. This type of system is not identified by heritage.

14. What is there no distinction concerning? God does not differentiate between races or ancestory.

15. Explain verse 25. What does it mean that Jesus was put forward as a propitiation? Define propitiation. How is this propitiation received? How did this show God’s righteousness? Propitiation-G2435 hilastērion hil-as-tay'-ree-on Neuter of a derivative of G2433; an expiatory (place or thing), that is, (concretely) an atoning victim. For Propitiation to have any significance, one must also understand Redemption and Remission. Redemption denotes “off/loosen” or not being held accountable for a wrong committed. Strong’s adds the sense of a ransom being paid. REMISSION –in this context it means to overlook, or pass over (judgment of sin(s)).  How do we achieve this? Faith in the blood of the propitiation….the atoning victim, Jesus the Christ

16. Explain verse 26. Within this plan, God is just (innocent/holy) because through the plan mankind has a path to God. Also within this plan, God is the catalyst behind that path. HE is the one who makes it work.

17. How is one justified (27-28)?  By faith, without regard to obedience to the law. Note: This is not necessarily a commentary of the VALUE of law. Nor does it try to explain everything good concerning the law. Paul is focusing on how humans can be found righteous before God.

Additional:
Note: Paul is speaking directly against reliance on the law. His words will be specifically directed towards establishing what Christ’s system IS and that which is foundational to that system. He will also be focusing on what this system can accomplish (compared to what the  law cannot accomplish on its own).

21) Witnessed- G3140 martureō mar-too-reh'-o From G3144; to be a witness, that is, testify

24) Grace - 5485 From G5463; graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; (5463 – full of cheer)

24) redemption – G629 apolutrōsis ap-ol-oo'-tro-sis From a compound of G575 and G3083; (the act) ransom in full, (root words denote “off” – “loosen”)

25) remission – G3929 paresis par'-es-is From G2935; praetermission  - (to overlook or pass over)

31) Establish (the law) – G2476- histēmi his'-tay-mee A prolonged form of a primary word στάω staō (of the same meaning, and used for it in certain tenses); to stand

Romans 3:9-20

Contemporary English Version -

Rom 3:9  What does all this mean? Does it mean that we Jews are better off than the Gentiles? No, it doesn't! Jews, as well as Gentiles, are ruled by sin, just as I have said. 

Rom 3:10  The Scriptures tell us, "No one is acceptable to God! 

Rom 3:11  Not one of them understands or even searches for God. (Ps 53:1-3) (Ps 14:3)

Rom 3:12  They have all turned away and are worthless. There isn't one person who does right. 

Rom 3:13  Their words are like an open pit, and their tongues are good only for telling lies. Each word is as deadly as the fangs of a snake, (Ps 5:9, 140:3)

Rom 3:14  and they say nothing but bitter curses. (Ps 10:7)

Rom 3:15  These people quickly become violent. (Is 59:7) (Prov 1:16)

Rom 3:16  Wherever they go, they leave ruin and destruction. 

Rom 3:17  They don't know how to live in peace. (Is 59:8)

Rom 3:18  They don't even fear God." (Ps 36:1)

Rom 3:19  We know that everything in the Law was written for those who are under its power. The Law says these things to stop anyone from making excuses and to let God show that the whole world is guilty. 

Rom 3:20  God doesn't accept people simply because they obey the Law. No, indeed! All the Law does is to point out our sin. 

Main Points: Paul flips his assertion that there are some advantages to being Jewish. They have God’s words for one thing. However, within the context of the Law, there are no advantages. It was simply not there to do that (create an advantage)….it is there to convict (literally). Verse 9 indicates it is a system  “under sin”…or ruled by sin. He states this to solidify his later arguments for what the Gospel does accomplish that the Law cannot (by design).

6. What question is Paul asking when he asks, “Are we Jews any better off?” He is following up the “advantage” he spoke of earlier. The “question” was likely more of a posturing of “power” within the member ranks.  If the faith was delivered through the Jews, wouldn’t it make more sense to go to the Jews for advice? Problem was, many Jews were trying to bind the old law practices onto the Gentiles. Their argument of dealing with God over thousands of years might have held weight with some. Others may not have been so gullible, seeing that it was the Jews that forced Jesus into crucifixion.

7. Where does Paul quote from? See above text. Why would Paul quote these scriptures? Sometimes….more often than not, a quoted ancient scripture would have a direct parallel to the point being made. That is some of the case here, but Paul is not directing attention to the original speaker or the condition under which these words were stated. It seems as though he is just pulling one convicting verse to another to make a case for his argument. Nobody  should consider themselves good before God. He will make the case for the remedy LATER. For now, he is dismantling any arrogance based on ANYTHING!

8. Explain verse 19. By this time, Paul has a split context created in the letter. To the Jew….the Mosaical Law which he has made the main context in this section. However we must not ignore the fact that he has unequivocally included the Gentiles as being under a system of law as well. By extension, whatever he hands down to the Jews here, the Gentiles will eventually need to apply to themselves….thus making THE WORLD guilty.
That is: All law has left mankind without any excuses. We are all guilty before God.
Note: The words “to show”..indicating the purpose of the law. Everyone was at one time living UNDER this system, SUBJECT to its provisions, and all it did was justify God, and condemn mankind.

9. (20) Define the works of the law. For help, look back at Romans 2:25-29 and Galatians 2:1-21. WORKS: G2041 ergon er'-gon From ἔργω ergō (a primary but obsolete word; to work); toil – LAW: G3551 νόμος nomos nom'-os From a primary word νέμω nemō (to parcel out, especially food or grazing to animals); law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), generally (regulation)
Rom2:25-29 Circumcision/obedience
Gal 2:1-21 (21) If we can be acceptable to God by obeying the Law, it was useless for Christ to die.
Works  of the law were to include ALL the prescribed sacrifices and festivals. It required the one practicing them to know them. 

10. With this definition, explain verse 20. Even with a strictest adherence to the precepts of the law it was always a reaction to or because of sin. Obedience TO THE LAW…not necessarily an alignment with God.

11. What does come through the law? What is the purpose of the law? Conviction only in the sense of BEING convicted (of transgression). See Question 8 – This is what the law satisfies, (revealing mankind’s sin). True, this was its primary purpose. As Paul will explain later, its more important purpose is to drive mankind to a different  system that promises greater results.

NOTE: The Roman dedication to gods was typically one out of compulsion and not “love” in the adoration sense. Roman gods were to be placated publically as a matter of duty. This would play negatively later in the persecutions against the Christians.
What Paul is doing HERE is accusing the law of becoming that same sort of religion. And, in a sense he is correct. It became more of a thing to placate an angry God.  It was about sin….not God. It simply COULD NOT become more valuable.

Romans 3:1-8

Contemporary English Version -

Rom 3:1  What good is it to be a Jew? What good is it to be circumcised? 

Rom 3:2  It is good in a lot of ways! First of all, God's messages were spoken to the Jews. 

Rom 3:3  It is true that some of them did not believe the message. But does this mean that God cannot be trusted, just because they did not have faith? 

Rom 3:4  No, indeed! God tells the truth, even if everyone else is a liar. The Scriptures say about God, "Your words will be proven true, and in court you will win your case." 

Rom 3:5  If our evil deeds show how right God is, then what can we say? Is it wrong for God to become angry and punish us? What a foolish thing to ask. 

Rom 3:6  But the answer is, "No." Otherwise, how could God judge the world? 

Rom 3:7  Since your lies bring great honor to God by showing how truthful he is, you may ask why God still says you are a sinner. 

Rom 3:8  You might as well say, "Let's do something evil, so that something good will come of it!" Some people even claim that we are saying this. But God is fair and will judge them as well. 

Main Points: Paul just left off with a summary explanation of the spiritual reality of who a Jew is. He knew this would raise some push back. Also, he is thwarting any misjudgment against God.  Sin is an action that will be judged by God. The revealing of God’s goodness in spite of mankind’s foolish sin is not a case to continue in sin. (More specifically, a system that revolves around sin.) Nor does it give anyone a case against God’s judgment against sin.

1.       What was the advantage to the Jews? God entrusted His word to the Israelites.  One must dispel the thought of commonality when it comes to the word spoken by God. John opens his letter with the importance of Jesus personifying the Word. This was no small matter. Being entrusted of the word of the creator was a big deal.

2.       Did the unfaithfulness of the nation of Israel ruin the plans of God?  “No Indeed.”

3.       Explain the faithfulness of God. 4) God is  TRUE:  G227 alēthēs al-ay-thace' From G1 (as a negative particle) and G2990; true (as not concealing) – With Jehovah, there is nothing hidden. The reference to Psalms 51:4 is David’s lament to God for his own sin. He states that God is just, and that is the main point here. Regardless of how people postulate arguments against God. This would extend outward against the argument that God had a covenant with the Jews and now it is extending to everyone. Remember the history. God has been seemingly dealing with a single nation for hundreds of years. That perception has brought an air of entitlement for those of that nation. Paul’s task is to bring an understanding how God has reached out to the world through the Jews. That history is intact, but God’s desire is for all His children…not just them.

4.       Explain verses 5-6.  “how could God judge the world?” 6) Judge:  G2919 krinō kree'-no Properly to distinguish, that is, decide (mentally or judicially); by implication to try, condemn, punish – Paul’s answer is that God is the judge and he will judge….period. No amount of double talk or accusation against Him will stand.  I we are sinful, God will judge. If we are good, God will judge that. He does not need our sin to show his righteousness….it stands on its own…even if we were all liars, His righteousness stands.

5.       What justification is Paul defeating among the Jews? 8) Were there some making a case for sinful practices? That the sin of man reveals the goodness of God. Thus: If the goodness of God is revealed, we should sing even more? This is a ludicrous statement to the studied Christian, but this appears to be the argument. More pointedly, Paul is setting the stage to dismantle any argument in favor of upholding the idea of achieving righteousness via a system of law…which revolves around sin.

Additional:
2) …KJ -  committed the oracles  - -- Committed: G4100 pisteuō pist-yoo'-o From G4102; to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), that is, credit; by implication to entrust  -----Oracles : G3051 logion log'-ee-on Neuter of G3052; an utterance (of God)

This text is somewhat confusing in that Paul does not state what he is addressing until he is in the middle of addressing it, and it shifts to cover more than one thought or argument.
What is even more perplexing is what appears to be a sense of entitlement on the part of the Jewish Christians. Has God become more of a component of daily living much like the Roman gods? Remember the Roman gods were to be worshiped out of a sense of compulsion for anticipated gain. How much of that concept has seeped into the “belief” system that still remained for Jehovah? Rome is a far cry from Jerusalem…..and Jerusalem has its own problems with understanding Him.

Romans 2:12-29

CEV-

Rom 2:12  Those people who don't know about God's Law will still be punished for what they do wrong. And the Law will be used to judge everyone who knows what it says. 

Rom 2:13  God accepts those who obey his Law, but not those who simply hear it. 

Rom 2:14  Some people naturally obey the Law's commands, even though they don't have the Law. 

Rom 2:15  This proves that the conscience is like a law written in the human heart. And it will show whether we are forgiven or condemned, 

Rom 2:16  when God appoints Jesus Christ to judge everyone's secret thoughts, just as my message says. 

Rom 2:17  Some of you call yourselves Jews. You trust in the Law and take pride in God. 

Rom 2:18  By reading the Scriptures you learn how God wants you to behave, and you discover what is right. 

Rom 2:19  You are sure that you are a guide for the blind and a light for all who are in the dark. 

Rom 2:20  And since there is knowledge and truth in God's Law, you think you can instruct fools and teach young people. 

Rom 2:21  But how can you teach others when you refuse to learn? You preach that it is wrong to steal. But do you steal? 

Rom 2:22  You say people should be faithful in marriage. But are you faithful? You hate idols, yet you rob their temples. 

Rom 2:23  You take pride in the Law, but you disobey the Law and bring shame to God. 

Rom 2:24  It is just as the Scriptures tell us, "You have made foreigners say insulting things about God." 

Rom 2:25  Being circumcised is worthwhile, if you obey the Law. But if you don't obey the Law, you are no better off than people who are not circumcised. 

Rom 2:26  In fact, if they obey the Law, they are as good as anyone who is circumcised. 

Rom 2:27  So everyone who obeys the Law, but has never been circumcised, will condemn you. Even though you are circumcised and have the Law, you still don't obey its teachings. 

Rom 2:28  Just because you live like a Jew and are circumcised doesn't make you a real Jew. 

Rom 2:29  To be a real Jew you must obey the Law. True circumcision is something that happens deep in your heart, not something done to your body. And besides, you should want praise from God and not from humans. 

Main Point: Paul flips the script of the boast of having a covenant of law with God by birth (race). His main focus is on obedience (good works) and living a moral life as having much more value than depending on a law while embracing sinful practices.

5. Who are those “without the law” (12)? Who are those “under the law?” Why must “the Law” refer to the Law of Moses? Gentiles. Jews. This statement is directed to the Jews who likely considered themselves either superior, or at an advantage over the Gentile by virtue of the Mosaical Law. They were after all chosen by God to represent Him. Paul dispels the arrogance by pointing out that God is looking for moral people who live their lives in line with obedience to God….with, or without law.

6. Define “justified”. Who will be justified (13)?  Just: G1342 dikaios dik'-ah-yos From G1349; equitable (in character or act); by implication innocent – justified: G1344 dikaioō dik-ah-yo'-o From G1342; to render (that is, show or regard as) just or innocent:
In this context, it is the “doers of the law.” But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Paul is NOT saying that we will be saved because of our obedience. He will make that clear in later chapters. Paul’s argument here is to logically point out that ANYONE who exhibits faith through obedience will be found “just” and even then that soul will require Jesus (16).

7. Explain verse 14: Gentiles who live the moral life as described in the scriptures are themselves abiding lawfully before God. This statement is there to deflate the boasting and reliance on a system of law. He is not saying the Gentiles save themselves by being obedient. Later, Paul will develop the argument of faith having precedence over all else, and obedience is a manifestation of that faith.

8. Explain verse 15. How is “the work of the law written on their hearts?” How does “their conscience also bear witness?”  EXAMPLE: The person who lives just with his family and neighbors and practices love to all he deals with. We all know people we can trust. People who are honest and kind. These are practices that reveal the heart and intent. Someone who has a good report and settles up disputes. These are the outward signs of a moral compass, even if that person has never heard of God, they still have this capacity.

9. Write down and explain what the people of Israel were supposed to be for the Lord (vs.17-21) Know His will, learning from the Law. Guide the “blind.”  Be a light to those in darkness. Instruct the foolish. Instruct children. Embody knowledge and truth. Preach against stealing. Teach against adultery. Abhor idolatry. Lift up the Law.

10. What is the condemnation against the people of Israel? Do you not teach yourselves?  Do you steal? Do you commit adultery?  Do you rob temples?  Break the law?

11. How were they dishonoring God? Because they were breakers of the Law, the Gentiles were given opportunity to blaspheme Jehovah.
G987 - blasphēmeō blas-fay-meh'-o From G989; to vilify; specifically to speak impiously: - (speak) blaspheme (-er, -mously, -my), defame, rail on, revile, speak evil.
The applications of his concept transcends time. Our actions speak volumes to anyone who knows we are believers.

12. When does circumcision have value? If you obey the law. Circumcision is the sign of their covenant with God. His point here is to flip the reliance of law on its head. Once you sin under this system, your circumcision means nothing. The covenant is broken.

13. Explain verse 26. What becomes of the uncircumcised who obey the law? A concluding thought from 25 -Anyone who keeps the law carries the mark of circumcision….even if a Gentile. This is an abstract thought (spiritual) as would be viewed by God. This is not according to man’s understanding.

14. Explain the condemnation in verse 27. This is finishing the opening statements 12-15. Gentiles who practice moral living, rejecting sin and injustice stand before God more justified than anyone who relies on the law and sins (willfully).

15. Who is not a Jew? How is Paul defining “Jew?”  Again, Paul flips the narrative of physical compliance (based on race) to law and makes the SIGN of compliance a spiritual matter. The sign of the covenant is found in the “heart.” The concept of a persons’ actions revealing  their status with God, not race, or compliance to a system of law. If you live sinfully, you are not a Jew, regardless of your birth status. “Jew” simply means “one who belongs to God” in this context…or one who is aligned, or has a covenant with God. Paul has moved the reader away from boasting in their Jewish heritage as having any advantage.

16. Who is a Jew? The one who obeys from the heart, and not from compulsion (law). The one who gives their heart to God is a Jew. Paul will later add faith to the equation.

17. What does the phrase, “by the Spirit, not by the letter” mean (29)? Again, “by the  letter” would denote a compulsory action. I have to do something because I will be in trouble if I do it another way. I don’t want to make God angry. If I could sin and get away with it, I would.
“By the spirit” simply means our actions reveal who we are. Our motive is to BE more like God, more like Jesus.

Additional:

Note the conjunctions and personal pronouns in this text. He makes arguments against the system of written law with “but” conjunctions.  For every boast, there is a “but”….leading the reader to understand that the Law is a secondary matter to being just before God.

From verse 17 forward Paul directs his words straight to the Jews. Accusatory and relentless in his arguments, he is looking to dismantle arrogance. Dismantling a reliance on the old system of Law is first on his list.

Notice a key verse, God will judge according to the Gospel of Jesus. This idea tears down any reliance on law.

LAW 12a (2x) G460 -anomōs an-om'-oce Adverb from G459; lawlessly, that is, (specifically) not amenable to (the Jewish) law: - without law.

LAW (12b-27) G3551 - nom'-os From a primary word νέμω nemō (to parcel out, especially food or grazing to animals); law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), generally (regulation), specifically (of Moses [including the volume]; also of the Gospel), or figuratively (a principle): - law.

Romans 2:1-11

Rom 2:1  Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. 

Rom 2:2  But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. 

Rom 2:3  And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? 

Rom 2:4  Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? 

Rom 2:5  But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; 

Rom 2:6  Who will render to every man according to his deeds: 

Rom 2:7  To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: 

Rom 2:8  But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, 

Rom 2:9  Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; 

Rom 2:10  But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: 

Rom 2:11  For there is no respect of persons with God. 

Main Point: Coming off the heels of condemnation of the immorality practiced by the Gentiles (historically), Paul concludes with a pivot that will entrap the Hebrew in his own web of arrogance. Judging others while practicing sin will bring God’s judgment down on you. He is the only righteous judge, and shows no partiality.

1.    What is the condemnation in verse 1? What lessons do we learn from this? There were apparently factions within the church that felt superior to others within the church. Likely, this section is addressing the Hebrews, who relied on their historical relationship with God. But as Paul indicates, God shows no partiality. Paul is dismantling the reliance on all history that supported any notion of innocence by ignorance OR superiority by a race chosen by God to bring the messiah. The phrase “shows no partiality” is the platform by which he will insist on unity.

2.    What is the purpose of God’s kindness? Did God’s kindness have the intended result? 4) the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance – G3341 – metanoia met-an'-oy-ah From G3340; (subjectively) compunction (for guilt, including reformation); by implication reversal (of [another’s] decision): - repentance.
Root words mean to have a change of mind.
Apparently repentance is not being practiced not in this context. What is interesting is that although the Jews did assimilate into the culture, they still maintained that Jehovah was the only living God. It is unlikely that they practiced some of the more nefarious idolatry, but Paul is heading into a direction that will expose sin within their ranks  nonetheless.

3.    What principles are taught in 6-8? What do we learn from this? This depicts the final judgment. When a soul answers to God. The answers of the soul for this judgment are not words, but a review of his/her works. Well doing, seeking glory, honor will result in eternal life. Of course Paul will eventually cover how the messiah is necessary for this to work. Self-seeking, disobedient, unrighteous, will result in wrath….fury!
We cannot separate faith from works!

4.    What is Paul’s point in verses 9-11? What phrase is repeated and why?
Extending the previous verses: Do evil, expect tribulation and distress. Do good, expect glory, honor, peace.  Paul repeats the phrase to the Jew first, then to the Gentile (Greek). Paul is setting in order the dispensation by God’s action. God dealt thought the nation o the Hebrews, and so it stands to reason that they would be first fruits of the Gospel and God’s judgment. His trajectory is not to set an hierarchy, but rather to reveal that ultimately, both are subject to God….and later…both will (have) fail(ed) on their own. God shows no partiality.
The root word for glory here is rooted in the concept to “think”. God finds value in us through our good works.

Additional:

1,1,1,3) Judge, Judges, Judgement: G2919 krinō kree'-no Properly to distinguish, that is, decide (mentally or judicially); by implication to try, condemn, punish:

2,3) Judgment (of God) G2917 – krima kree'-mah From G2919; a decision (the function or the effect, for or against [“crime”])

5) Judgment (of God) dikaiokrisia dik-ah-yok-ris-ee'-ah - From G1342 and G2920; a just sentence: - righteous judgment

4) despise- G2706 kataphroneō kat-af-ron-eh'-o From G2596 and G5426; to think against

10) Glory – G1391 doxa dox'-ah From the base of G1380; glory (as very apparent),

      Honor- G5092 timē tee-may' From G5099; a value