21you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal?
22You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?
23You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law?
24As it is written: "God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you."
- P38
28A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical.
29No, 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.
- P39
Paul addresses those who call themselves Jews and rely on the Law. Thoughthey teach others, they break the Law themselves, which leads to Gentilesblaspheming God‘s name. What really matters is not being a Jew outwardlyor circumcision as an outward sign but the circumcision of the heart by theSpirit. A person circumcised in heart will receive praise from God. - P39
Some of God’s people take pride in knowing His Law and boast about their special relationship with Him, but they dishonor Him with their hypocrisy. They teach and preach about the Law, but they break the Law themselves. We may know Scripture very well. We may even be able to preach or teach it. - P40
However, if we do not obey God’s Word, then we are blaspheming His name. We are not representing Christ. Let us remember what Jesus accomplished for us on the cross and not only know what God commands but also obey it. - P40
May we seek to both know God’s will and follow it so that we q1might bring honor and glory to Him. - P40
For the Jews, the ritual of circumcision demonstrates that they are God‘schosen people. However, as many Gentiles become Christians, they donot show their dedication through circumcision; they demonstrate theirfaithfulness to God by obeying His commands. Those who faithfully obeyGod become better representatives of His people than those who may becircumcised physically and know the Law but fail to obey it. - P40
Sometimes, weare overly concerned with outward appearances, acting out of spiritual prideso that we might receive the praises of people. However, the true follower ofGod is one who has accepted the circumcision of the heart by committingthemselves entirely to Him. Instead of following religious traditions with asense of pride, we can humbly dedicate our lives to God. - P40
Heavenly Father, I confess that I sometimes care too much about the praises of other people when all I really need is You. Keep my heart from becoming prideful. Make me humble, and remind me of how desperately I need You. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen - P41
The people were very proud oftheir spiritual heritage as nearly everyone considered themselves a memberof the state-sponsored church. They knew about Jesus, but they did notwant to hear about sin or their need for forgiveness; they felt that they weremorally good enough.
We can easily build such walls ourselves if we are not careful. Spiritual prideis a dangerous form of sin because it can so easily take root in a devotedcheart and grow like a cancer, twisting and deforming our perspective, re-orienting our confidence away from Jesus and toward ourselves. Instead ofrecognizing our need for Christ, we begin to place our confidence in thegood deeds we do or the religious traditions we follow - P41
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