Foundations of Faith
Foundations of Faith | Romans 2:1-16 | Phil Christian | March 1, 2026
In Romans 2:1–16, Paul teaches that no one is in a position to judge others because all people are accountable to God’s righteous and impartial judgment. He warns that judging others while practicing the same sins only condemns the judge and shows a misunderstanding of God’s kindness, which is meant to lead to repentance. Paul emphasizes that God will judge every person according to their deeds—rewarding those who persist in doing good and bringing wrath on those who reject the truth. Mere knowledge of the law is not enough; true righteousness is shown through obedience. Ultimately, both Jews and Gentiles are accountable before God, who sees even the secrets of the heart and will judge all people through Jesus Christ.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. Where did the Holy Spirit speak or challenge you through God’s Word? Were there any “ah-ah” moments?
2. Heart Check: Read—Romans 2:1-16.
o Where in your life are you tempted to judge others for struggles that you also battle privately? Have you ever done that? Judge someone’s anger, fear, etc.? How about get angry at their anger?
o How is God inviting you to respond with humility instead? What is a helpful reminder when these temptations come?
3. The DIAGNOSIS:
o Paul says God’s kindness is meant to lead us to repentance. In what ways have you experienced God’s patience with you through the years? Recently?
o How should that shape the way you treat others this week?
o Are there areas where you have grown spiritually stubborn or resistant to God’s correction? What would those closest to you say? What would genuine repentance look like in that specific area?
4. The ACTION ORIENTATION:
o Your conscience is described as bearing witness to what is right and wrong. When was the last time you sensed conviction from the Holy Spirit, and how did you respond?
o Paul emphasizes that hearing the law is not enough—obedience matters. Where might you be settling for knowing God’s Word without actually living it out?
5. Read Romans 2:5-11: Who is Paul speaking to? Believers or Unbelievers?
o Verse 6 reminds us that God repays each person according to what they have done…which can be scary if we interpret incorrectly. Who is God judging for their evil actions—believers or unbelievers? Keep this in light of the cross.
o What daily habits in your life currently reflect a pursuit of God’s glory, honor, and immortality—and what could/should/might need to change? List them and pray for help.
Foundations of Faith
Foundations of Faith | Romans 1:18-32 | Chris Meade | February 22, 2026
Just as a good doctor must honestly diagnose illness in order to bring healing, God’s Word—through the Holy Spirit—lovingly exposes the deep spiritual brokenness in every human heart. In Romans 1, Paul explains that humanity’s core problem is not merely sinful behaviors but the rejection and suppression of God Himself, which leads to many visible symptoms of brokenness in our lives and world. Rather than reacting with denial or anger, believers are called to receive and stand for God’s truth with humility, recognizing that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the only cure that washes, restores, and gives a new identity rooted, not in our sin or struggle, but in Christ.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. Where did the Holy Spirit speak or challenge you through God’s Word? Were there any “ah-ah” moments?
2. Heart Check: Read—Hebrews 4:12 and 2 Timothy 3:16—focusing on what the Word of God is for and does.
o When someone exposes something broken in your life, what is your typical response—defensiveness, denial, anger, or humble openness—and why?
o What is your response when God’s Word exposes something that is broken? What is your typical response—defensiveness, denial, anger, or humble openness—and why? p> o In what areas of your life might you be treating symptoms (behaviors) while avoiding the deeper heart issue God wants to heal?
3. The DIAGNOSIS: Read Romans 1:18-25
o Paul says people often suppress truth. Where might you be tempted to ignore or downplay truth that the Holy Spirit is bringing to your attention?
o What “created things” (success, comfort, relationships, identity, etc.) most compete for the place of worship that belongs to God alone in your life?
4. The SYMPTOMS: Read Romans 26-32
o When you see brokenness in the world or in those who are unsaved, do you respond more with 1) judgment/anger, 2) avoidance/fear, or 3) with compassion that points people to the gospel? Are there some sins (symptoms) that you struggle with more than others?
o Which is easier to focus on—the cultural war you see…or the spiritual war you don’t?
o What about those who are saved and claim to be followers of Jesus? Is your response different?
5. Read 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. In Christ you are not defined by your past or vice:
o How does remembering that your identity is in Jesus—not your past or your struggles—change the way you view your own brokenness?
o This week, what is one specific step of faith or obedience the Holy Spirit is prompting you to take in response to God’s loving diagnosis and His offer of healing through Jesus?