23

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Day 23 - Rom 2:27-29 Because I’m of the true Circumcision, I know God is not calling on my strength

For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. (Romans 2:27-29 KJV)
Many misuse this verse to either say that the Church is Israel, or that we are law keepers. But from Paul’s teaching and from the whole Bible we learn that the spiritual significance of circumcision is the “Cutting off” of the strength of the flesh and its efforts in religious service in particular. This spiritual circumcision signifies the cutting off of one's natural strength and self-righteousness, recognizing that our own efforts to bring to pass what only God can do are futile and that we must rely solely on the grace and power of Christ.
Paul says in Romans 2:29:
Rom 2:29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
Paul emphasizes that genuine circumcision is not merely a physical act, but rather a spiritual transformation that occurs within the heart. This realization is often learned through failure. The true circumcision, as Paul describes, is the one that "glories in his heart towards God and not before man, seeks the glory of God alone and not the glory of men." Paul also mentions circumcision as a spiritual principle in Philippians 3:3, where he says that the true circumcision has "no confidence in the flesh", boasting in Christ, and serving by the Spirit of God. This is associated with being found in Christ, "not having our own righteousness which is out of the law" (Philippians 3:9), and with repudiating and counting as dung all religious attainments and abilities of the death in the pursuit of Christ and gaining Him (Philippians 3:7-14).

Verses

  • For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. (Romans 2:28-29 KJV)
  • And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10 KJV)
  • Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; (2 Corinthians 3:5 KJV)
  • I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Philippians 4:13 KJV)
  • For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV)
  • Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: (Phil 3:1-4)

Prayer/Confession

Lord thank you for this life of rest before You. I thank you that the Christian life is not a matter of commandments and ordinances but dependence on a Person, and I thank you that you are abundantly available to me.
Thank you that you have called me to be of the true circumcision, having no confidence in the flesh and glorying before you inwardly even when men cannot see it. I praise You for the transformation that allows me to live, not through my own strength, but through the power of the Holy Spirit. Thank you that my qualification for life is just Christ Himself. Thank You for the saving grace that makes me complete in Him.
Today, let me be conscious of living before you, and in your presence. When I am tempted to doubt or hang back, remind me of what Christ purchased for me and embolden me to draw near. Help me to boast in Jesus Christ, worship in spirit, and have no confidence in the flesh. Protect me from those who pride themselves on their religious attainments, failing to grasp the true essence of grace and dependency on You.
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