…but god Romans 2: 25-29
Transcript
“For indeed circumcision is of value if you practice the Law; but if you are a violator of the Law, your circumcision has turned into uncircumcision. So if the uncircumcised man keeps the requirements of the Law, will his uncircumcision not be regarded as circumcision? 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 violator of the Law? For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh. But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from people, but from God.”
Romans 2:25-29 NASB2020
The apostle Paul is writing about outward appearances and he is using the outward appearance of circumcision as an example. Thus he is saying just because you say you are a Jew and you are circumcised does not mean you are a Jew. It’s more than outward appearance it’s also about actions.
So many people say they are Christians, they go to church, they pray the prayers, and they say all the right things but there is no substance to their faith. They do this because it’s a cultural thing. We see a lot of this in Texas and the rest of the south.
This type of “faith” reminds me of a facade at movie studios. The outside of the house or business looks grand and special, but when you go through the front door all there is, are two by fours and plywood holding the set up.
Our faith cannot be like that. Jesus called Pharisees out for that type of faith. He called them “white washed tombs.”
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside they are full of robbery and self-indulgence. You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the dish, so that the outside of it may also become clean. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.”
Matthew 23:25-27 NASB2020
Jesus also spoke of this type of “faith” in the parable of the sower.
“The one sown with seed on the rocky places, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no firm root in himself, but is only temporary, and when affliction or persecution occurs because of the word, immediately he falls away.”
Matthew 13:20-21 NASB2020
We must be firm in our faith and the only way we can do so is to be in the word of God, to be in communion with God through prayer and supplication.
We have an obligation as followers of Christ to love others in all circumstances just like Jesus.
“I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples: if you have love for one another.”
John 13:34-35 NASB2020
We can’t let the rocks of life steal our joy. We must be firm in our faith through love and action. Therefore, let us commit to being more like Christ, seeking Him and His Holy word through the power of the Holy Spirit. So the gospel can be promoted and disciples are made! In Jesus name!
Amen, amen and amen! Shalom, shalom blessings! Press in and press on!
Have a fantastic weekend!
by Chad McBeam
