Defining Christians

Philippians 3.3 “For we are the real circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh—“


In Romans 2.28-29, Paul talks about circumcision being a matter of the heart. Real circumcision is an outward expression that flows out of an inward change. An understandable parallel for us would be baptism. What do you call getting baptized without an inward change marked by repentance and belief in Jesus?


A bath. That is all it would be good for.


Paul is teaching here that the Gospel is always taking things deeper—to their roots. This is why Jesus says that lusting after a woman is the same as committing adultery. The root of the problem is not found in our wrong actions—it is found in our wicked hearts and minds. This is where our rebellion is birthed.


Logically, if the problem begins at the root, the solution must go as deep. The redemption of Jesus must go all the way to our impure thoughts and motives, changing us from the inside out. This is what defines a true Christian. Behavior modification without a change of heart is a lie.


This inward change may be a little intimidating at first, but luckily God has given us a helper called the Holy Spirit. He comes to live inside of us who trust in Christ, to change us and make us new. The Spirit teaches us to put our trust in Him and not in ourselves, to glory in Jesus and nothing else.


--Are you brave enough to allow the Spirit to teach you and change you?


May we all have the courage to listen carefully as Jesus points out the ugly places in our hearts where our sinful actions come from. These dark places run deep, but the good news is that the grace and power of Jesus reaches down and rescues from any depth.