OUR HEART NEEDS TO BE CIRCUMCISED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT

PROCLAMATION

“For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly, neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh;  But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in The Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.”  Romans 2:28-29 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

The Apostle Paul wrote these words under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  He begins this chapter 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 they 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.  To those who consistently do good will be glory, honor, immortality, and eternal life.  To those who contentious, reject the truth, and follow evil will be God’s anger and wrath. (Romans 2:6-10)  Then Paul speaks out against those who teach or preach against a sin and then they commit the sin 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 birthright 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. Romans 2:25-29)

 

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 God’s people.