Philippians - Circumcision (Lesson 5 - Post 2)

We are studying Philippians 3: 1 - 11.  Today focus your attention on 3:3 - 6.

Circumcision was a sacred practice for the Jewish people.  God established that covenant sign in Genesis 17 with Abraham.  It was physical.  It marked the males as belonging to the people of God.  It was to be the physical evidence that marked a people surrendered to the will of God - committed to fulfilling His purposes for them.  It was never meant to be a sign devoid of its meaning.  And yet it became just that. 

Even in the Old Testament, God clarified the real purpose ...

Deuteronomy 10: 14 - 16  "To the Lord your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it.  Yet the Lord set his affection on your forefathers and loved them, and he chose you, their descendants, above all the nations, as it is today.  Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer."

Jeremiah 4: 3 - 4:  "This is what the Lord says to the men of Judah and to Jerusalem: 'Break up your unplowed ground and do not sow among thorns.  Circumcise yourselves to the Lord, circumcise your hearts, you men of Judah and people of Jerusalem, or my wrath will break out and burn like fire because of the evil you have done ...'"

And then Paul, a Hebrew of Hebrews, nationally as pure as the driven snow, gets it.  He understands the meaning and intent behind circumcision.  He explains it in Romans 2: 28 - 29  "A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical.  No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, but the Spirit, not by the written code.  Such a man's praise is not from men, but from God." 

Many Jews believed that the outward sign was all that was needed.  That sign placed them in the family of God.  One did not have to deal with the heart - Lordship - submission. 

Old Testament prophets, New Testament apostles - all warn us about that false thinking.  We can succumb to the same temptation when we place any physical thing, even good and necessary things, in the place of heart submission to God.  We can place a particular church membership, regular attendance, Lord's Supper every week, even baptism in the place of a circumcised heart.  And when we do ... we model after these Jews rather than after our Lord. 

So my question for us today ... Have you been circumcised?  Yes, ladies, I am even talking to you!  Circumcise your heart. 

Paul does not leave us in the dark ... he reveals some evidence so that we can know. 

Those of the true circumcision ...

• worship by the Spirit of God ... worship is a way of life, not an event
• glorify Jesus above all else ... relying on Him for our place in the family of God
• put NO confidence in the flesh ... no confidence in human effort.  NOTHING we do places God in our debt.  We are forever in His debt. 

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ

Romans 5:1

Thanks be to God - through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Romans 7:25