The passage describes the righteous judgment of God and leaves man no excuse for disobeying His commandments. But even here, God’s goodness leads to repentance and final judgment is based on the gospel (that is, the good news) of Jesus Christ.

What Does It Say?

1. But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to __________.
2. Those with a hard and unrepentant heart treasure up to themselves ________ against the day of _________.
3. God’s wrath will be given to those who are _____________ and do not obey the truth.
4. As many as have sinned in the law shall be ___________ by the law.
5. Sometimes the Gentiles do by _________ the things contained in the law and are a law unto themselves.

What Does It Mean?

1. Verse 1 warns against judging others. However, 1Corinthians 2:15But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
   See All... states, “But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.” How can you reconcile these two teachings? In other words, how can they both be true? This kind of understanding gives greater wisdom.
2. Romans 2:11For there is no respect of persons with God.
   See All... states, “For there is not respect of persons with God.” What is respect of persons? In what way is God without respect of persons? Consider Exodus 2:25And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them.
   See All... – “And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them.” How can both of these verses be true?
3. Some Bible teachers have seen four laws concerning the judgment of God and how it works in verses 1, 6, 11, and 16. Study these verses. What is the main teaching about the judgment of God in each of them? Use these four verses to give four laws of divine judgment.

What Does It Mean to Me?

1. Verse 4 teaches that “the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance.” What do you think this means? Give examples from situations you have observed. Give examples from your own life.
2. Verse 15 describes the conscience as “bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another.” Describe in your own words how the conscience works. How can our conscience be used for good? (see Acts 23:1And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.
   See All...; Acts 24:16And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void to offence toward God, and toward men.
   See All...) How can our conscience fail us? (see 1 Corinthians 8:7Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.
   See All...; 1 Timothy 4:2Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
   See All...).

Suggested Memory Verses

Romans 2:1Therefore 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.
See All..., Romans 2:4Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
See All..., Romans 2:6Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
See All..., Romans 2:11For there is no respect of persons with God.
See All..., Romans 2:15-16 [15] Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) [16] In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
See All...