1. III. The Law: Faith vs. Works, Spirit vs. Letter (2:17-5:11)
    1. B. By the Spirit, Not the Letter (2:28-2:29)
Thematic Relation: The unity offered in Christianity supercedes mere physical signs. It is the unity of abiding by the spirit of the Law, and in the will of God.

Some Key Words (6/17/00)

Outwardly (en [1722]):
in, resting in a place or thing, remaining in; by, with; fixed position in time or place or state
(ho [3588]):
this, that, these; the, one, he, she, it
(phaneros [5318]):
apparent, manifest, plain, public, open, seeming, appearance or outward show; evident, known, plainly recognized; apparent, public, external
Inwardly (en [1722]):
in, resting in a place or thing, remaining in; by, with; fixed position in time or place or state
(ho [3588]):
this, that, these; the, one, he, she, it
(kruptos [2927]):
hidden, concealed, secret; private
Spirit (pneuma [4151]):
wind, breath, the spirit - invisible, immaterial, and powerful, the organ of perception, reflection, feeling and desire, purpose, aim, character, moral quality, the inward man; wind, breath, spirit, the rational spirit, the soul, the essence - without physical body, yet knowing, desiring, and acting, a human soul, an angel or demon, the Spirit of Christ, the Spirit of God; a vital principle, mental disposition
Letter (gramma [1121]):
that which is written, a letter or book, a character of writing, the thing written, the literal and outward meaning of the law; any writing, a document, letters, learning; a note, letter, book, plural learning
Praise (epainos [1868]):
commendation; a commendable thing, praise
 

Paraphrase: (6/17/00)

28 It is not physical heritage that defines the Jew. The circumcision that matters is not in the skin. 29 Rather, one's spiritual state declares him either Jew or Gentile. It is the heart that obeys the Spirit that is circumcised, not the one who carefully defines and follows the letter of the Law only. The truly circumcised will have their praise from God, for man's praise is empty.

Key Verse: (6/17/00)

2:29 - It is our true spiritual estate that draws the true praise that comes from God. Our physical estate may lie. It may draw praise, but that praise is from physical men, who may judge inaccurately, so the praise is rather empty.

Thematic Relevance:
(6/17/00)

 Once we realize that it is the spiritual estate that defines the man, we are all in the same place. Whether we have studied, and carefully checked the wording of every phrase of Scripture, or not - whether we wear on our bodies outward signs of our declared belief or not - these things in themselves do not qualify us for the kingdom. Only in our spiritual obedience can we lay claim to a godly heritage.

Doctrinal Relevance:
(6/17/00)

 Circumcision is a work. Legalism is a work. Neither commends a man to God. Spiritual obedience comes of the Spirit, and alone qualifies us as God's own.

Moral Relevance:
(6/17/00)

 As easy as it is for us to try and set attainable standards that look good, sound good, are certainly within the bounds of Scripture, we need to be careful that we don't consider those standards our standards. Our standard is to be God's, and we ought to strive for nothing less. When we judge by our own standard, we try to establish ourselves by our own efforts. When we judge by His standard, we will see the futility of our own weak efforts, and learn to lean on the strength of Christ Jesus to enable us.

People Mentioned: (6/18/00)

N/A

Some Parallel Verses (6/18/00)

2:28
Jn 8:39 - Abraham's true children do as Abraham did. Ro 9:6 - Not all of Israel's descendants were declared part of Israel. Gal 6:15 - Circumcision and its lack are equally meaningless in the face of new creation.
2:29
Php 3:3 - The true circumcision is in those who worship in the Spirit, glorify Christ, and discount the flesh. Col 2:11 - For the true circumcision was done by Christ's removal of the bondage of our flesh - a spiritual act. Dt 30:6 - God will circumcise the heart, so that we can love Him with all that we are. Ro 7:6 - Having died to sin, we are released from the Law's penalty; entering into the spirit of the Law, rather than tied to the letter of it. 2Co 3:6 - We are under the covenant of the Spirit which gives life, rather than the lethal letter. Jn 5:44 - The true believer cannot be satisfied with the praises of men, but seeks the praises of God. Jn 12:43 - This was the error of the Pharisees, that they came to seek men's praises more than God's. 1Co 4:5 - We are to defer judgement of others (for good or ill) until Christ comes to reveal the depths of their hearts, then each will receive their due praise (or condemnation) from He who knows perfectly. 2Co 10:18 - We cannot approve ourselves by our back-patting, only God can commend us.
 

New Thoughts (6/18/00)

All of this serves as a timely reminder as I look to expand this study to others. Careful mining of God's Word will not alone be of any use. Unless our studying is allowed to have its proper impact on us, unless we are lead into a deeper obedience to the guidance of God's Holy Spirit, we have become as futile as the scribes and Pharisees before us. It is a dead religion that knows without being changed. I have to ask You, Lord, to reveal to me also, whether - in pursuing this path - I am seeking to bring praise to myself in some way. You know my pride, and You have had to remind me of it on occasions too numerous to keep track of. Is this just another piece of the old problem? To be sure, there is something of pride in saying "look how I've done this! See how hard I've dug?" But, I do believe there's more to it than that. I long to have the balancing of my brothers' input, to have the check of their viewpoint to guard my own. Lord, help me to accept the way that those I share with are seeking You, even when it seems so strange to me. Help me, as we are told, to withhold judgement, to accept that - barring unequivocal evidence - the heart I see in another is their true heart. Help me to look at what the heart and spirit are striving after in my brothers and sisters, and not be turned off by any apparent lack of thought. Help me not to think too highly of myself, or of the power of the human mind. Rather, let me be ever cognizant that it is only by Your leading that any of us can understand at all.