I can learn all the Christian lingo, dress in modesty, carry the literature, and go to all the Christian places to go, and still I would not be a Christian. I can show up to church, pay tithes, teach Sunday school, and sing in the choir, and still I would not be a Christian. I can read the Bible, attend Bible studies, and hold people accountable, and still I would not be a Christian. I saw a make-up commercial in which an actress said, "It's not what you look like on the inside; it's what you look like on the outside." What a blatant attack and misrepresentation on the inner self. No wonder young girls face an identity crisis.
The Jews had a similar identity crisis. Part of Paul's concern was how some Jews taught one thing and lived another. It angered him as it angers God. His focus may have been on how a few Jewish Christians were teaching Gentiles Christians how to be more Jewish. Paul's concern was not about keeping the law but with following the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man's praise is not from men, but from God. Romans 2:29 (NIV)Paul says that one's heart must be circumcised. In other words, a Christian (Jewish or Gentile) must be committed to God's way of life. A circumcised heart is a heart that has made the commitment to follow Jesus as the risen Lord and Savior of the world. Our sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's guidance comes from learning to do the right things with persistence (Having a Conscience for God). Only through this Way (you remember that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life), can we be worthy of God's praise. Only this Way can fulfill the requirements of the law.
I think the seriousness of this passage is seen in verse 24:
As it is written: "God's name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you." Romans 2:24 (NIV)This passage has a lot to do with the church of today. Many who leave the church, or refuse to come to church, argue that hypocrites and the lack of real love keep them from attending a worship service. Many churches have created a stigma because of the way Christians conduct themselves out of the sight of the church building (as if the building had magical powers to keep people ethical). Paul said circumcised hearts, hearts that listen to the Holy Spirit, are what show if we are truly walking in the Way.
Too many Christians are living opposite to what Jesus has shown us. As verse 16 says, "God will judge men's secrets." The scary part of American Christianity is how Christians here are not very secret about their sinful practices. I am not talking about people who are striving hard to live a holy life and mess up. I mess up all the time. I am talking about so-called Christians who teach one way of living and live in absolute sin just because they can "pray tomorrow" for their sin today. Kind of sounds like Wimpy telling Popeye, "I'll pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today." Repentance doesn't work that way.
The American church as well as the church around the world needs a revival of discipleship. My hope is that people will take a stronger stand on convictions and on absolute truths. My hope is that as people read this they will pray earnestly for God's intervention. It is time for us to live for God from the inside out.
- How does your faith show (from the outside in or the inside out)?
- How can you help change the stigma people have about the church or the body of Christ?
- In what ways are you committed to God's way of life?
- Which verse from this passage challenges you today?
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