Scripture
No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather it is a change of heart produced by God’s Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God not from people.
Observation
You cannot be a teacher of God’s law and break it yourself. To tell people they must not steal, commit adultery or worship idols, but then do these things yourself is hypocrisy.
Some of the Jewish leaders were so proud of owning God’s law, but they failed to obey it. By doing this, they caused the Gentiles to blaspheme the name of the Lord.
Circumcision is only of value to those who obey God’s law. An uncircumcised Gentile who obeys God is better off than a Jew who disobeys the law.
To be a true Jew is more than parentage and ceremonies. It is about seeking God’s will.
Application
What Paul says here about Jews is also true of christians. It is not about adherence to a lifestyle, following religious rituals or being brought up in a christian family. To be a christian means that we are allowing God’s Spirit to change our heart.
Before I was saved, I didn’t care what God thought about me. I didn’t even care if God existed.
That night when God confronted me, and I said “Yes” to Jesus, my attitude started to change. Now I knew that God was real, and that He loves me. Suddenly I found that I wanted to please Him and to obey Him.
This is a life long process. I didn’t wake up one morning finding that I was perfect in every way. I still struggle with sin and the old nature. But the point is that I struggle. I am not content to let sin reign over me.
The heart that pleases God is one that is open to being changed by Him.
Prayer
Today, Lord, I seek you and your righteousness. Thank you that you are continuing to change me as I surrender to you. Amen.
