Romans 2:17-29

May Memory Verse: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 NIV
Read: Romans 2:17-29
One of Paul's main goals in this letter to the church in Rome is to help clarify how the gospel should weigh in on the lives of people. He is building a case that true relationship with God is only through justification before God by faith that is evidenced in a changed life.
The end of verse 29 is key: And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by the Spirit. The ESV Study Bible says,
If we jump ahead (briefly) to chapter 3, we will see that Paul is wanting it to be made clear that NO ONE can obey the law to the point of being right with God. Being made right with God comes through repentance and faith in the gospel, and the point of the law is to reveal our need for God to intervene and save us. It is through the gospel, not our own merit, that we have our hearts changed and can then begin the life long process of repenting of sin and walking with God.
The gospel is the greatest evidence of the mercy of God. We have done absolutely nothing to deserve anything from God, and yet he has provided a way for us to be made right with him by sacrificing himself for us. Praise God for his mercy!
By: Graham Withers
Read: Romans 2:17-29
28 For you are not a true Jew just because you were born of Jewish parents or because you have gone through the ceremony of circumcision. 29 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 the Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people.
One of Paul's main goals in this letter to the church in Rome is to help clarify how the gospel should weigh in on the lives of people. He is building a case that true relationship with God is only through justification before God by faith that is evidenced in a changed life.
The end of verse 29 is key: And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by the Spirit. The ESV Study Bible says,
True Jewishness and true circumcision are matters of the heart. They are the work of the Holy Spirit. The letter/Spirit contrast occurs three times in Paul (see also 7:6; 2 Cor. 3:6) and always compares the old era of redemptive history with the new age inaugurated by Jesus Christ. The law is described as letter because it cannot and does not transform anyone. The reference to the work of the Spirit demonstrates that the obedience described in Rom. 2:26–27 and in vv. 7, 10 is the result of the Spirit’s work. Therefore, it is not the obedience of the unregenerate that is in view here but rather the obedience of those who, by the convicting work of the Holy Spirit, have repented of their hard hearts (v. 5), who have received the Holy Spirit, and who are being enabled by the Spirit to live a new life characterized by obedience to God.
If we jump ahead (briefly) to chapter 3, we will see that Paul is wanting it to be made clear that NO ONE can obey the law to the point of being right with God. Being made right with God comes through repentance and faith in the gospel, and the point of the law is to reveal our need for God to intervene and save us. It is through the gospel, not our own merit, that we have our hearts changed and can then begin the life long process of repenting of sin and walking with God.
The gospel is the greatest evidence of the mercy of God. We have done absolutely nothing to deserve anything from God, and yet he has provided a way for us to be made right with him by sacrificing himself for us. Praise God for his mercy!
By: Graham Withers
6 Comments
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Many years ago I did the Experiencing God bible study. One of the key points I learned from that study is that revival requires repentance. (the three R's) We are so blessed to have an opportunity to confess our sins daily, hourly even, and have a Savior who welcomes us back. Good word today Graham!
So thankful for that!
Did anyone else see a connection between the circumcision described in this passage and baptism today? The Jews were trusting in their circumcision and obedience to the law, and today people trust in their baptism instead of a true relationship with Christ that brings heart change, like Graham talked about! I found it very interesting to think about as I read. What works do I trust in instead of my relationship with Christ?
I also really loved verse 20, where it says the Law is the embodiment of knowledge and truth. I should be rejoicing every day in getting to learn and dive into the Word that is powerful to grow and teach me in every way!
FACTS CL
Good thoughts bro!
FACTS CL
Amen. Right standing before God comes by faith. And that faith gives us the Spirit that transforms the way we think, thus changing our attitudes, then actions