Morning Manna - Jan 29, 2025 - Circumcised In The Heart

In this episode of Morning Manna, Rick and Doc focus on Romans 2:23–29. They emphasize that having the law (or any religious ritual) does not make one righteous. Instead, true righteousness comes through inward transformation, genuine faith, and obedience to God. Paul’s point is that outward signs (like circumcision) or heritage (being a Jew) are useless if the heart is not surrendered to God.

Topics Covered

Reliance on Religious Rituals vs. Heart Obedience
Circumcision and other outward signs do not produce righteousness. It is the inward submission to God and faith in Christ that matters.

Hypocrisy and the Honor of God
Hypocritical behavior from those who claim to follow God causes unbelievers to blaspheme His name.

Being a ‘True Jew’ Inwardly
Paul teaches that a person is considered a Jew (God’s covenant people) not by external rituals but by a transformed heart.

Accountability with Greater Revelation
Just as the Jews were accountable for possessing the law, Christians have even greater accountability because we have the full revelation of Jesus Christ.

Scripture References

Romans 2:22 – “Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery?”
Romans 2:23 – “Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God”
Romans 2:24 – “For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you”
Romans 2:25 – “For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law”
Romans 2:26 – “Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law”
Romans 2:27 – “...judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?”
Romans 2:28 – “For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly”
Romans 2:29 – “But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly”
Matthew 23:1–3 – “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat… but do not ye after their works”
James 2:10 – “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point…”
Luke 12:47–48 – “And that servant, which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself…”
Matthew 5:16 – “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works…”
Isaiah 49:6 – “I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles…”
Deuteronomy 4:6–8 – “Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding…”
Isaiah 52:5 – “…my name continually every day is blasphemed.”
Matthew 12:41–42 – “The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation…”
Deuteronomy 10:16 – “Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart…”
Genesis 17:10 – “This is my covenant… Every man and child among you shall be circumcised.”
1 Samuel 15:22 – “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice…”
Amos 9:7 – “Are ye not as children of the Ethiopians unto me…”
Acts 10:1–2 – “There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius… a devout man, and one that feared God…”