WHO REALLY ARE GOD'S OWN?
Romans 2:28-29
For you are not a true Jew just because you were born of Jewish parents or because you have gone through the ceremony of circumcision.
No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by the Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people.
This is where many missed it, and many more are missing it today. When John was preaching, the teachers and scribes at that time ascribed their relationship with Abraham by birth, they felt they would be approved by God just by being born into that family, however John replied:
Luke 3:8-9
Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones.
Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.”
When Jesus was calling those who obeyed Him His disciples, the Jews argued that they were children of Abraham, Jesus replied them:
John 8:31-34
Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings.
And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
“But we are descendants of Abraham,” they said. “We have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean, ‘You will be set free’?”
Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin.
Today many claim to be born of God but live in disobedience, it is just as if you are not, for it is believing with the heart and speaking with the mouth. You could deceive man with your mouth but God sees your heart. The evidence of your love for Him is in your obedience.
Remember, man fell because of disobedience!
For those who claim to know the law only talk about it, they yet find it difficult to obey:
Romans 2:20-23
You think you can instruct the ignorant and teach children the ways of God. For you are certain that God’s law gives you complete knowledge and truth.
Well then, if you teach others, why don’t you teach yourself? You tell others not to steal, but do you steal?
You say it is wrong to commit adultery, but do you commit adultery? You condemn idolatry, but do you use items stolen from pagan temples?
You are so proud of knowing the law, but you dishonor God by breaking it.
We should never claim the position of authority if our character is not put in order, that the blind would not lead the blind. Never be the reason why people speak ill of the grace of God. We who believe are described as light, we illuminate we do not darken.
Romans 2:24
No wonder the Scriptures say, “The Gentiles blaspheme the name of God because of you.”
For you could be born into the home of believers, yet you are not one until you become one by obedience, no one can believe on your behalf. You must make your own decision.
Romans 2:25-28
The Jewish ceremony of circumcision has value only if you obey God’s law. But if you don’t obey God’s law, you are no better off than an uncircumcised Gentile.
And if the Gentiles obey God’s law, won’t God declare them to be his own people?
In fact, uncircumcised Gentiles who keep God’s law will condemn you Jews who are circumcised and possess God’s law but don’t obey it.
For you are not a true Jew just because you were born of Jewish parents or because you have gone through the ceremony of circumcision.
Jesus said:
Matthew 11:20-24
Then Jesus began to denounce the towns where he had done so many of his miracles, because they hadn’t repented of their sins and turned to God.
“What sorrow awaits you, Korazin and Bethsaida! For if the miracles I did in you had been done in wicked Tyre and Sidon, their people would have repented of their sins long ago, clothing themselves in burlap and throwing ashes on their heads to show their remorse.
I tell you, Tyre and Sidon will be better off on judgment day than you.
“And you people of Capernaum, will you be honored in heaven? No, you will go down to the place of the dead. For if the miracles I did for you had been done in wicked Sodom, it would still be here today.
I tell you, even Sodom will be better off on judgment day than you.”
For what excuse does this generation have not to be saved. The word of God and His power has been released to all, His word in different forms and translation, simplified for all to understand. What excuse will anyone give?
2 Timothy 2:19
But God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and “All who belong to the Lord must turn away from evil.”
Are you for the Lord?
What a question!
However, the fruit we bear define us. John 15.
He calls us blessed.
Love
@the watcher
For you are not a true Jew just because you were born of Jewish parents or because you have gone through the ceremony of circumcision.
No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by the Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people.
This is where many missed it, and many more are missing it today. When John was preaching, the teachers and scribes at that time ascribed their relationship with Abraham by birth, they felt they would be approved by God just by being born into that family, however John replied:
Luke 3:8-9
Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones.
Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.”
When Jesus was calling those who obeyed Him His disciples, the Jews argued that they were children of Abraham, Jesus replied them:
John 8:31-34
Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings.
And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
“But we are descendants of Abraham,” they said. “We have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean, ‘You will be set free’?”
Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin.
Today many claim to be born of God but live in disobedience, it is just as if you are not, for it is believing with the heart and speaking with the mouth. You could deceive man with your mouth but God sees your heart. The evidence of your love for Him is in your obedience.
Remember, man fell because of disobedience!
For those who claim to know the law only talk about it, they yet find it difficult to obey:
Romans 2:20-23
You think you can instruct the ignorant and teach children the ways of God. For you are certain that God’s law gives you complete knowledge and truth.
Well then, if you teach others, why don’t you teach yourself? You tell others not to steal, but do you steal?
You say it is wrong to commit adultery, but do you commit adultery? You condemn idolatry, but do you use items stolen from pagan temples?
You are so proud of knowing the law, but you dishonor God by breaking it.
We should never claim the position of authority if our character is not put in order, that the blind would not lead the blind. Never be the reason why people speak ill of the grace of God. We who believe are described as light, we illuminate we do not darken.
Romans 2:24
No wonder the Scriptures say, “The Gentiles blaspheme the name of God because of you.”
For you could be born into the home of believers, yet you are not one until you become one by obedience, no one can believe on your behalf. You must make your own decision.
Romans 2:25-28
The Jewish ceremony of circumcision has value only if you obey God’s law. But if you don’t obey God’s law, you are no better off than an uncircumcised Gentile.
And if the Gentiles obey God’s law, won’t God declare them to be his own people?
In fact, uncircumcised Gentiles who keep God’s law will condemn you Jews who are circumcised and possess God’s law but don’t obey it.
For you are not a true Jew just because you were born of Jewish parents or because you have gone through the ceremony of circumcision.
Jesus said:
Matthew 11:20-24
Then Jesus began to denounce the towns where he had done so many of his miracles, because they hadn’t repented of their sins and turned to God.
“What sorrow awaits you, Korazin and Bethsaida! For if the miracles I did in you had been done in wicked Tyre and Sidon, their people would have repented of their sins long ago, clothing themselves in burlap and throwing ashes on their heads to show their remorse.
I tell you, Tyre and Sidon will be better off on judgment day than you.
“And you people of Capernaum, will you be honored in heaven? No, you will go down to the place of the dead. For if the miracles I did for you had been done in wicked Sodom, it would still be here today.
I tell you, even Sodom will be better off on judgment day than you.”
For what excuse does this generation have not to be saved. The word of God and His power has been released to all, His word in different forms and translation, simplified for all to understand. What excuse will anyone give?
2 Timothy 2:19
But God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and “All who belong to the Lord must turn away from evil.”
Are you for the Lord?
What a question!
However, the fruit we bear define us. John 15.
He calls us blessed.
Love
@the watcher
It is not by power or might, but by the spirit. May the Lord make us upright by the directive of the Holy Spirit
ReplyDelete