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Romans Commentary Chapters 9-16  /  Romans 14:10-13 Do Not Judge Your Brother  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 3
The lesson says the coming day of judgment was “a new concept for the pagan Romans” and that they laughed at it (Tertullian); where do you notice modern culture—even church culture—quietly scoffing at final judgment, and what practical differences show up when a person truly expects to “give an account”?
Another way to ask: Where do you see people today—even in the church—quietly acting like final judgment isn’t real? What changes in daily life when someone truly expects to give an account to God?

Direct Answer Based on the transcript, “scoffing” shows up when people treat final judgment as unrealistic or unimportant; in contrast, a person who expects to “give an account” takes God’s evaluation seriously and aims to “serve Him in fear and with all reverence.”

Support from Transcript:

  • The teacher says judgment was “a new concept for the pagan Romans, and most of them scoffed at the idea.”
  • Tertullian is quoted: “We get ourselves laughed at for proclaiming that God will one day judge the world.”
  • David Bercot applies it: “Although the world may laugh, we Christians should take the matter very seriously.”
  • Polycarp’s practical outcome: “We must all appear… and… give an account… Therefore, let us serve Him in fear and with all reverence.”
  • The lesson emphasizes personal accountability: “each one of us will give an account of himself to God.”
Discussion Follow-ups What daily choices would look different if you assumed you really will “receive… according to what [you have] done, whether good or bad”? What practices help keep final judgment real rather than theoretical?

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