Scripture to Read: Romans 2:26–29
As we saw yesterday, circumcision was something the Jews had placed their hope in, not in Christ as Lord. God continued, through Paul, to challenge the Jews about their circumcision. So, God led Paul to ask the Jews two questions concerning the Gentiles, who were called “the uncircumcised” by the Jews. In Romans 2:26–27, here are the two questions asked, So if the uncircumcised man keeps the requirements of the Law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? 27 And he who is physically uncircumcised, if he keeps the Law, will he not judge you who though having the letter of the Law and circumcision are a transgressor of the Law? God clearly states that obedience to His commands is what He requires (Matthew 7:24–29, Luke 11:28, John 13:17, James 1:25). So, God’s Word says, the one who “keeps” His Law is the one who is regarded as circumcised. Keeping, obeying, observing, whatever word we choose to use, God tells us that we must obey Him if we’re going to be called followers of Him. Through Paul, God goes on in Romans 2:28–29 and says, For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh. 29 But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God. God tells the Jews that their outward circumcision is nothing if they’re not walking in obedience to Him.
Challenge & Application
· Besides circumcision, what are some other things people falsely hope in while never walking in obedience to our Lord?
· How are you guarding your heart from putting your hope in anyone other than Christ alone?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!