OUR HEART NEEDS TO BE CIRCUMCISED BY THE SPIRIT

PROCLAMATION

“A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical.  No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by The Spirit, not by the written code.  Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God.”  Romans 2:28-29 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

The Apostle Paul wrote these words under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  He begins by stating that is unacceptable and inexcusable for those who do the things which they condemn others for doing.  Those who pass judgment on others for doing something and yet do the same thing, will not escape the judgment of God. (Romans 2:1-3)  The Lord God will repay each person according to what they have done. (Romans 2:6-10)  Then Paul speaks out against those who teach or preach against a sin then they commit it themselves. (Romans 2:21-24)  After this he goes on to describe who is a Jew.  He clearly states that being a Jew is not a birth right but a behavior.  One can be a Jew outwardly or physically, but if they do not obey the law of God then they are not a Jew inwardly or in their heart.  And, conversely, one who is not a Jew by birth but who keeps the law of God, he then is a Jew by his behavior, and he will receive God’s praise.

 

APPLICATION

Some people will say, “Do as I say do, not as I do” but that is not Christ-like.  Our actions speak much louder about us than do our words.  It is our behavior which defines us and not our words.  When Judgment Day comes, we will all be judged on our actions, (Revelation 20:12) our words, (Matthew 12:36) and our thoughts (Hebrews 4:12) by The Lord God who sees and knows our hearts. (Proverbs 21:2)  Let us pray that The Holy Spirit of God will make us real Christians, not just outwardly appearing to be one, but inwardly, in our heart and spirit.  We want to truly be one of God’s people.