conversation on circumcision

Romans 2:25-29

Observe:
The key words of this passage are circumcision and the law. Paul repeats these words, comparing and contrasting them several times. He contrasts circumcision of the flesh to circumcision of the heart, creating a fairly vivid word picture... ouch!!
Paul is obviously addressing Jewish Christians again in this section of his letter.

Interpret:
The main argument Paul makes here is that circumcision of the flesh does not automatically make a person a law-abider. In fact, if someone lives according to God's standard but is not circumcised, God regards them as being circumcised - I believe this is talking about a Gentile who did not have access to God's revelation in the Law and Prophets. Paul is arguing that there is more important things in God's view than the outward markings of belonging to him; specifically he is saying that the true sign of belonging to God is the new life (circumcised heart) brought by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Apply:
First, I see God's justice clearly again. Even though he chose the nation of Israel to be his special, chosen people, he creates a level playing field: righteousness does not come from having the law or meeting the ceremonial requirements such as circumcision. Righteousness comes from God and a person who never has read the Law but is trying to live according to the revelation God has given to her can be regarded just as righteous as the person who has access to the Law (Paul is going to argue in chapter 3 that no one is righteous in God's sight, whether they have the law or not).
Secondly, I am convicted about the outward signs that I place value on: going to church, living a "moral" life (at least outwardly), etc. In effect, I have become just as religious as the Jews - relying on the culture of Christianity rather than on the inward cutting away of sin and selfishness as I surrender the Holy Spirit, submitting to his work in my life.
Finally, I am convicted (again) about the pious, superiour spirituality that I try to impose on people around me. It is more about behaving a certain way than it is about a vital, real relationship with God that transforms me and regenerates me from the heart. Can you imagine what such a person would look like - rather than worrying about conforming to the restrictions of cultural Christianity they were consumed by love for Christ and a desire to please God (conforming to the "restrictions" of God).