Romans 2:25-27 Watch out!

As you read this passage, you might feel a little out of place, like this passage is not speaking to you. In one sense you are right, in that the Apostle Paul was speaking to a Jewish Roman Christians. Yes the “aliveness” of Scripture is that the words to the 1st century Jewish Christian are able to shape you and me today.

Paul is making an argument in the greater context of Romans that the Law is unable to save. Here look at the foolishness of promoting the outward sign of obedience, circumcision, while not keeping the rest of the Law. The uncircumcised believer who keeps the Law will prove the “wrongness” of the circumcised person who does not keep the Law. Paul is highlighting the emptiness of a religious activity devoid of true faith filled obedience to the Lord.

What is Paul speaking to us today as Christians? Later in verse 28, Paul focuses on the inwardness of true belief. Jews of the Old Testament era were true believers not because of being born in the right nation or having been circumcised but by faith in their God and living obediently to God’s command. All their actions, circumcision included, were of spiritual value only if done in faith. Many Jews relied on religious actions (circumcision) or affiliations (being Jewish) versus true faith in God.

Do Christians ever fall into that trap?

Watch out!

Do we religiously follow traditions or behaviors thinking these will save us?

What does the Book of Romans argue will save us? What does the New Testament tell us how to be in right relationship with God? What did Jesus teach about this? The answer is the same.

Faith.

Any activity worth anything for the Christian must flow out of faith or it is useless! Watch for this as you read this passage.

- Doug Drainville