Word@Work Romans21 - Romans 2:25-27
Published: Wed, 09/14/11
Word@Work from BeaconLight
WHO CAN KEEP THE FAMILY PROMISE?
Romans 2:25-27 Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, you have become as though you had not been circumcised. If those who are not circumcised keep the law's requirements, will they not be regarded as though they were circumcised? The one who is not circumcised physically and yet obeys the law will condemn you who, even though you have the written code and circumcision, are a law-breaker. (NIV)
Circumcision was very important for the Jews. It was the sign of God's family promise. Originally given to Abraham (Genesis 17:1-14), it was a constant reminder to every Jewish man and his wife that God would love and protect His people if they were loyal to Him. So the blessing was conditional upon obedience.
But could they keep their side of the covenant? No! Only Jesus could completely fulfil all of the law. So salvation could never come through circumcision. However when Jews became believers in Jesus they claimed to have a closer relationship with God than the Gentiles. But really they were no better than the Gentile believers. Paul was saying that it is useless to rely on a sign of being obedient, if their hearts and actions were disobedient. He was further proving the point that all have sinned and need a Saviour.
The same sort of thing can happen in our time, in the church. Some people assume that God will give them preferential treatment because they can see signs of godliness around them: a strong Christian family; grandparents or parents who served the Lord; going to church; baptism; attending communion; wearing a cross; fasting; working 'for the church'; giving money; helping the poor. All these might indicate a commitment to Christ Jesus, but can just be rites, rituals or routine thoughts or actions. Salvation does not come through any of them, but only by faith in Jesus Christ. They forget that while man looks at the outward appearance, the Lord looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father. Thank You for promising to be with Your people. However I am sorry when I have failed to love You with all of my heart and mind and soul and strength. Thank You for Jesus Christ, who was the perfect sacrifice for my sins, and for giving me the faith to trust in Him alone for my salvation. But I am sorry when I slip back and rely on the signs of Your presence and power rather than repenting of my sin and trusting in You alone. Please help me to place my confidence in Jesus as I go through this day. In His Name. Amen.
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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
Circumcision was very important for the Jews. It was the sign of God's family promise. Originally given to Abraham (Genesis 17:1-14), it was a constant reminder to every Jewish man and his wife that God would love and protect His people if they were loyal to Him. So the blessing was conditional upon obedience.
But could they keep their side of the covenant? No! Only Jesus could completely fulfil all of the law. So salvation could never come through circumcision. However when Jews became believers in Jesus they claimed to have a closer relationship with God than the Gentiles. But really they were no better than the Gentile believers. Paul was saying that it is useless to rely on a sign of being obedient, if their hearts and actions were disobedient. He was further proving the point that all have sinned and need a Saviour.
The same sort of thing can happen in our time, in the church. Some people assume that God will give them preferential treatment because they can see signs of godliness around them: a strong Christian family; grandparents or parents who served the Lord; going to church; baptism; attending communion; wearing a cross; fasting; working 'for the church'; giving money; helping the poor. All these might indicate a commitment to Christ Jesus, but can just be rites, rituals or routine thoughts or actions. Salvation does not come through any of them, but only by faith in Jesus Christ. They forget that while man looks at the outward appearance, the Lord looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father. Thank You for promising to be with Your people. However I am sorry when I have failed to love You with all of my heart and mind and soul and strength. Thank You for Jesus Christ, who was the perfect sacrifice for my sins, and for giving me the faith to trust in Him alone for my salvation. But I am sorry when I slip back and rely on the signs of Your presence and power rather than repenting of my sin and trusting in You alone. Please help me to place my confidence in Jesus as I go through this day. In His Name. Amen.
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