Circumcision of the Heart by the Spirit – Surrendering My Heart

Hello friends and welcome back to The Book of Romans Series. Today we are exploring chapter two. Yesterday we talked about God’s judgement on sinful humanity. Today we will learn that God’s judgement on us is just, but that doesn’t mean it is just for us to do so. I’ll let Paul explain:

You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgement on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgement do the same things. (Verse 1)

We are equally sinners. There is no top tier, bottom tier, or even middle tier sinner. A sin is a sin. There is no way to measure or weigh it.

“Let anyone who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”

John 8:7

“First take the plank out of you own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from our brother’s eye.”

Matthew 7:5

Now that we know that God’s judgement against those who do such things is based on truth. So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgement will be revealed. (Verses 2-5)

Ouch, that hurt, but the messages that hurt are the most powerful.

To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. (Verses 7-8) But glory, honor, and peace for everyone who does good: first to the Jew, then for the gentile. For God does not show favoritism. (Verses 10-11)

I’m so glad that God does not show favoritism. If we had to compete for His love through our good works, I couldn’t compete. But we all fall short, so we all are on the same playing field (earth) – playing the same game (this temporary life). We are all in the same uniform (flesh/skin). Thus, we cannot judge each other because none of us is the coach (God). Instead, let’s cheer for the ones who are up to bat; even if they swing and miss.

Paul goes on to talk about the law and how all who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from it, and all who sin under the law will be judged by it. For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous, but those who obey it. (Verses 12 & 13)

If you know his will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law; if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of little children, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth – you then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal?

You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? (Verses 18-23)

The last thing that Paul writes about in this chapter is circumcision. He writes it as a parable of sorts:

Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, you have become as though you had not been circumcised. So then, 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 lawbreaker. (Verses 25-27)

A person is not a Jew, who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly: and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God. (Verses 28 & 29)

I think Paul is saying that it’s not what’s on the outside that makes us a believer, whether it be acting the part or physical circumcision, but it is internal. What is in our heart. Is He in our heart? Do we really know Him or are we just acting the part? So, I will continue to surrender my heart to Jesus, just as I did on that blessed day I was saved.

Walking the narrow way isn’t easy and Jesus himself even said it wouldn't be. We are lawbreakers, sinners, we fall short and God knows this. That is where grace through faith comes in. That will pop up in the next chapter. So, my friends, smile about that today. You are forgiven.