Passage
Romans 2:17-29 (ESV)
Joseph Redeems His Brothers
Genesis 45:1-28
Key Verse: 45:7-8
A Matter of the Heart
Date: Feb. 26, 2015
Daily Bread
Key Verse: 2:29a
First, foolish boasting (17-24). No doubt, there were Jews among the believers in Rome who still put their confidence in their traditions. Paul stingingly rebukes them, saying: "Now you, if you call yourself a Jew..." God blessed the Jews by giving them the Law and establishing His covenant with them. By all means, the Law is the embodiment of knowledge and truth. But having the Law is very different from obeying the Law! Their pride and sense of self-righteousness swelled as they presumed to be guides and teachers for others. But did they follow their own teaching themselves? No! Their boasting in the law was a chronic case of self-deception. Instead of pleasing God, they dishonored Him.
Second, the true Jew (25-29). Circumcision was given to the Jews as a sign of their covenant with God. But because of their disobedience, they had become as though they were never circumcised. Others who had kept the Law would be regarded as circumcised and even pass condemnation upon the Jews. External signs such as circumcision mean nothing. What matters is having a heart that has been circumcised by the Holy Spirit. Instead of dishonoring God, such a person is praised by God.
Prayer: Lord, give us a heart to obey you completely.
One Word: Honor God with genuine obedience
