Amos 1-2, Romans 2: 17-29, Romans 3: 1-8, Psalm 109: 1-20
Romans 2: 25 (ESV)
“For circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law,
but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision.”
Paul, in verse 25 from Romans 2, uses the example of circumcision
to talk about how our faith must be demonstrated in our actions and not just by
our rituals and external symbols. As part of the covenant with Abraham, Father-God
required the physical sign of circumcision for the Jewish people. This act symbolized
not only a commitment to the Father-God’s covenant, but also to his commandments
and laws. However, Paul emphasizes that circumcision was only an outward sign
of obedience. When you do not have commitment and inner obedience and you break
the laws and commandments, then you lose the value of the circumcision. You cannot
rely only on physical signs and performing rituals to show your commitment to
Father-God. Your faith must be reflected in your actions and obedience to
Father-God. To put it simply, if you really loved Father-God that much wouldn’t
want to do everything to please him and follow the things he wants you to do.
And the things the Lord wants you to do is to follow the laws and commandments set
forth in the Bible. Jesus Christ simplified following the laws and commandments
in the Bible when he said, “’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and
with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest
commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All
the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 26: 37)
This year, I lived the example of verse 25 from Romans 2 when I realized
I was praising myself for being devoted simply because I attended church four
times a week. I went to the Sunday and midweek services, and I participated
in two prayer groups that met at church. I was happy for awhile in my rituals,
but then I started to feel a sense of unhappiness. One day during prayer, I felt
the Holy Spirit convicting me that I had hatred in my heart for people who are doing
wrong in the world. Holy Spirit guided me to repent to Father-God for my hatred
and ask him to change my hatred to disagreement. I can disagree with the
actions of people who do wrong things, but I cannot hate them. I also needed to
pray for Father-God to send the Holy Spirit into the lives of these people so
they can come to know and love Jesus Christ. I now have inner and outward signs
of my faith in life.
If you enjoyed reading my thoughts on this Bible verse and
you want to experience what faith in Jesus Christ can bring to your life,
please pray this prayer out loud:
If you prayed that prayer, welcome to the family of God! Do
yourself a favor and find and join a Holy Spirit filled, full Gospel,
Bible-based church where you can hear the words of Father-God preached and experience signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.
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