Law, Conscience & Accountability

Read the text

Romans 2:12–3:20

Read the primary passage aloud twice. On the first reading, listen for the burden of the text. On the second, mark repeated words, contrasts, commands, promises, causes, and conclusions.

• Exodus 20:1–17
• Galatians 3:19–25
• James 2:8–13

Language desk

Words that clarify—not words that perform.

Confirm each gloss by its use in this context. A lexicon offers possibilities; the sentence, paragraph, author, and canon determine what a word is doing here.

Form the doctrine

The theological claim

The law reveals God’s character, restrains evil, and exposes guilt; it does not justify.

Defense drill

Say it under pressure.

Answer a law-keeping gospel from Paul’s continuous argument rather than isolated verses.

• State the opposing claim in a form its adherent could recognize.
• Open the controlling passage and establish the immediate context.
• Make one clear argument before adding supporting texts.
• Ask a diagnostic question, listen to the answer, and return to Christ and the gospel.

Wednesday assignment

Carry the truth into the week.

State three uses of the moral law and one abuse of it.