Read. Pray. Grow.
DAILY
manna
Daily devotions for reading through the Bible
Dear Daily Manna readers,
In the second quarter of 2022, we focus on soteriology (the doctrine of salvation). The salvation of souls is stated repeatedly and consistently throughout Holy Scripture as monergistic, meaning that it is the work of God alone. We are blessed recipients of God’s saving grace through the atoning work of our Lord Jesus Christ. It was Charles Spurgeon who said that we could not add a single stitch to the robe of righteousness that God would give us. So, we rejoice in and live out that work of grace. I would ask you to pray for the writers of Daily Manna as we write. Let me also encourage you to write in with your comments as to how we may improve Daily Manna (email: english@calvarybpc.com). Parents, we want to remind you that DM Junior is also available for your children. A note to new Daily Manna readers In this book, you’ll find a reading plan that will guide you through reading the Bible in two years. You will also find a simple exposition based on the reading of the day. From the day’s Bible passages, Daily Manna highlights Biblical principles which may be applied in the Christian’s daily living. We pray that the Daily Manna readings will make your reading through the Bible a more meaningful experience.
A step-by-step approach: 1. Read the day’s Bible chapters assigned in Daily Manna .
2. Review the Bible chapters to get an overview of what you’ve just read. 3. Read the accompanying devotions in Daily Manna and reflect on the lessons learnt. 4. Pray and ask God to help you apply His Word to your life.
Yours in Christ, Pastor Isaac Ong Calvary B-P Church
O ne of the most common excuses that unbelievers put forth in rejecting the Gospel is – “What about the heathen living in some dark part of the jungle who has never heard the good news? How can it be fair that he is condemned for not believing someone whom he has never heard of ?” Another objection is that the heathen has not been given the law. The argument goes – how can one be guilty of a law of which he is not informed. The Jews lived under the Law. The Gentiles, on the other hand, lived apart from the Law. Paul’s answer is that although the Gentiles do not have the Law, they “do by nature the things contained in the law”. This is what some theologians call the “law of nature” or the “moral law”. Just as creation – natural revelation – is sufficient to condemn sinners for failing to worship the Creator God, so the sinner is justifiably condemned for failing to obey the moral law. The heathen may not have been given the Law of God, but they have a “law unto themselves” which is enough to condemn them. This is the moral argument for the existence of God. If such a moral code did not exist, there would be no need for such objections. Society in general recognizes that there are behaviours which are acceptable and those which are not. When an unbeliever accuses another unbeliever of wrongdoing, he is appealing to some standard of right and wrong that is expected of every person in that society. The accused on the other hand tries to justify his deed by some excuse that grants him exemption from that standard. There would be no need for excuses if there is no universal moral code. The point is that both the accuser and the accused agree they have a “law unto themselves.” God is a God of order not just in creation but also in our morality. The person who rejects the Law of God is enslaved to sin.
LESSON
For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves.
THOUGHT
T he law of nature is often taken to refer to the laws that govern physical nature, such as the law of gravity or Newton’s laws of thermodynamics. When Paul says Gentiles “do by nature the things contained in the law”, he was referring to the “law of human nature”. Just as the law of physical nature governs the operations of the natural world around us, the law of human nature governs the moral operations of man. There is, however, one difference. A person cannot choose to defy the physical laws of nature without immediate repercussions. He cannot reject the law of gravity, walk off the top of a tall building and not expect to fall to his death. But a man can choose to defy the law of human nature. What about the insane person? The fact some people are classified as insane means there is a standard of behaviour that is recognized as sane. And while we excuse the insane person who has committed a crime, we do not excuse the sane. The rest of society, who are sane, are expected to adhere to a particular moral standard. What about the people who live in a different culture – the old Indian custom of suttee in which a wife immolates herself on the funeral pyre of her dead husband, or cannibalism that was the practice of some early tribes? It must be pointed out that these and other inhumane acts are the more blatant examples of human depravity, recognized almost universally as dastardly and wrong. The point still is that there is a law of human nature universally recognized by the world at large.
LESSON
For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves.
But for the grace of God and the restraint of the Holy Spirit [2 Thessalonians 2:7], there is no telling the depth to which human depravity will drive us.
THOUGHT
T he law of nature is quite different from “conscience”. The law of nature points to an objective standard recognized by all; whereas “conscience” is a person’s moral sense of right and wrong, which serves as a guide to one’s moral behaviour and choices. Conscience used in a legal context can refer to witnesses who share the same testimony; it can also denote an inner consciousness that has moral implications – the judgment of one’s mind with regards to right and wrong. In today’s verse, Paul uses the word “conscience” in the former context, as an independent witness within an individual, which examines and passes judgment on his/her own conduct. Paul’s point here is that a man’s conscience bears witness to his deeds. If his deeds do not violate his conscience, he is at peace; if they do, he will be in a state of internal turmoil. This means every man approves or condemns his own acts, and thus pronounces judgment on his own moral character. This exercise of moral self-judgment implies that man has a knowledge of God’s law. While it is true the believer’s conscience is guided and enlightened by the Holy Spirit [Romans 9:1], it is also true that because of sin, man’s conscience is warped, defiled [1 Corinthians 8:7; Titus 1:15], wounded [1 Corinthians 8:12] and seared [1 Timothy 4:2]. It means that our mistaken conscience can excuse our misdeeds when we should be condemned, or torment us mercilessly when such is uncalled for. Thus, in the day of reckoning when we come before the all-seeing God, our best hope is not to rely on our conscience. The best and only hope is our total reliance on the atoning work of our Lord Jesus.
LESSON
Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another.
You should not believe your conscience and your feelings more than the Word which the Lord who receives sinners preaches to you. – Martin Luther
THOUGHT
T he law that is written in the heart denotes a sense of right and wrong that is inherent in every person. Albert Barnes writes that the law imprinted on our hearts is the means by which we “distinguish between what is just and unjust, between what is honest and dishonest.” The heart- imprinted law does not mean we will definitely seek and diligently pursue the law of God; it simply means that we cannot ignore the law. And man has this knowledge of the moral law well before it was formally written on tables of stone. This Law was first written in the heart of Adam. It was obscured but not obliterated by his fall. That is why when God confronted Cain for the murder of his brother Abel [Genesis 4:10], Cain knew himself he had committed a dastardly crime even though the Ten Commandments was not yet given. The reason – the law was written in his heart. While the Gentiles did not have this Law given to them as had the Jews; nevertheless, they possessed knowledge of the law by the light of nature; that knowledge was deeply impressed on their minds which in turn was reflected in their conduct. The moral law would later be written on tables of stone [see Exodus 24:12; 31:18; 34:1; etc.]. But that did nothing to draw the people close to the Giver of the Law. On the contrary, the law exposed their sin and waywardness, and drove them away from the holy God. It is only in regeneration that the law which exposes man’s sinfulness is reinscribed on the hearts of God’s people and works for our sanctification. And while we are not saved by the keeping of it, we are bound to order our lives by it for our good and for God’s glory. Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. – 2 Corinthians 3:3.
LESSON
Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another.
THOUGHT
G od gave to the Jews through Moses, the law inscribed on tables of stone. The Jews were privileged in that “unto them were committed the oracles of God” [Romans 3:2]. The Psalmist also made this distinction. God “sheweth His word unto Jacob, His statutes and His judgments unto Israel. He hath not dealt so with any nation (i.e. Gentiles): And as for His judgments, they have not known them” [Psalm 147:19-20]. While Gentiles were not given the inscribed law to govern their lives, they nevertheless, “shew the work of the law” – meaning they demonstrated in their daily lives and interactions that they were morally conscious. They were governed by a moral code. This moral code under which the Gentiles lived might not be the same in letter to the law of Moses, but it was not contrary to the Mosaic law. It was this moral code imprinted on their hearts which would be the grounds for the Gentiles to accuse or excuse one another. The fact that in the absence of an inscribed law, we can still pass moral judgments on the actions of another person in accusing him or vindicating him points to the innate and indestructible moral nature – the work of the law of God in our hearts. God, in His mercy, has not made us indifferent to morality and ethics, right and wrong, truth and falsehood. That is the common grace that He gives His creatures so that we, being evil, “know how to give good gifts unto (our) children” [Luke 11:13]. But to believers, our heavenly Father has further given us the Holy Spirit to direct our lives so that we need not walk in the dimness of our own conscience but in the light of His Spirit [Galatians 5:16, 25].
LESSON
Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another.
THOUGHT
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. – Galatians 5:25
G od is omniscient; that meansHe is all-knowing. This incommunicable attribute of God is both a warning as well as an encouragement to us. It is a warning in that nothing can be hidden from Him. There is nothing that is “not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do” [Hebrews 4:13]. Our Lord Jesus said that sinners “loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil” [John 3:19], like the proverbial ostrich that buries its head in the sand. To think God does not know what we do behind closed doors is utter foolishness because “the darkness and the light are both alike to (God)” [Psalm 139:12]. But God’s omniscience is also an encouragement because we do not go through life alone. The Emmanuel knows our mind’s thoughts and our heart’s desires. When you think you are left alone to deal with the hardships of life, God is with you. When you think that you have no more strength to press on, He is with you. When your heart is willing, but your flesh weak, God knows, and He is with you. In his hymn, Frank E. Graeff asked, “Does Jesus care when my heart is pained too deeply for mirth or song; as the burdens press, and the cares distress, and the way grows weary and long?” His answer was emphatic – “O yes, He cares – I know He cares! His heart is touched with my grief; when the days are weary, the long nights dreary, I know my Savior cares.” Our Lord Jesus took on the seed of Abraham, took on human flesh with all its infirmities so that “He is able to succour them that are tempted” [Hebrews 2:18]. What a blessing!
LESSON
In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. – Jeremiah 29:11
THOUGHT
D avid confessed: “OLORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, Thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether” [Psalm 139:1–4]. When David caught sight of Bathsheba bathing herself and called for her, whatever they did in his private chambers, he thought no one knew. But he had forgotten the words of Moses that when we sin against the LORD, “be sure your sin will find you out” [Numbers 32:23]. Likewise, what we have done in secret will come to light one day. The LORD not only knows what we have done, He also knows our thoughts in the deepest recesses of our hearts (read Hebrews 4:12). Our secret sins therefore are not limited to what we do, but what we think. Our Lord Jesus says that “whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart” [Matthew 5:27–28]. Our hidden motivations are also known to Him. Our Lord Jesus said of the Pharisees that they draw nigh to God with their mouth and honour Him with their lips, but their act of worship is vain because “their heart is far from (Him)” [Matthew 15:8–9]. So as we worship and serve God, let us come with our hearts opened, our desires known, with total transparency for He knows all things.
LESSON
In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
THOUGHT
Apart from the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, no man can stand aright under God’s perfect and penetrating knowledge.
I n the Garden of Eden, after Adam and Eve had disobeyed God and ate of the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, “the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons” [Genesis 3:7]. Before they ate the forbidden fruit, Adam and Eve were naked, but they were not ashamed because they were completely open and transparent in the presence of God and before each other. They communed freely with God and with each other because they had nothing to hide and nothing to be ashamed of. After they sinned, they became conscious of their nakedness and were ashamed. Their physical nakedness was simply an extension of the exposure of their act of disobedience against God. Sin drove them away from God and caused them to hide from Him. Sin also exposed their betrayal of each other as they later did when Adam tried to shift the blame to Eve and to God, and Eve to the serpent. Sin exposed their deceit so they could no longer be open with each other. That is what sin does to us as well. We lie. We put on a façade. We pretend to be what we are not. We behave one way for six days of the week, and put on a totally different front in church on the Lord’s Day. We live a duplicitous life in order to project a sense of respectability. These attempts may fool some people some of the time, but they certainly do not fool God because we are naked before Him. God sees us for what we really are, not what we project ourselves to be.
LESSON
In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
THOUGHT
Honesty is not only the best policy, but it is also the easiest way to live.
T he “day” in verse 16 is inextricably linked to “the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God” in verse 5. The Bible is clear that we face an impending judgment. The writer of Hebrews states that “it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” [Hebrews 9:27]. This is the inescapable reality. Our deeds will come to light. The Lord “will bring to light the hidden things of darkness” [1 Corinthians 4:5]. We will give an account of every word that comes forth from our lips [see Matthew 12:36]. Our secret motivations will be made known as God will make manifest the counsels of our hearts. The Judge on that day will be our Lord Jesus Christ [2 Timothy 4:1]. Paul reminds us “we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad” [2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:10; Revelation 2:23]. Paul reminds us the Lord Jesus Christ “will judge the world in righteousness” [Acts 17:31]. We cannot plead ignorance. We cannot defend ourselves on the grounds that sin is part of human nature, and everybody is doing it. Our day in heaven’s court is certain, and if we were to appear in the rags of our own righteousness, the outcome will be dreadful. The only hope for sinners to settle the matter is not to plead our case in heaven’s court but to bow at Calvary’s cross, for there our sins were paid in full, and we are clothed in the righteousness of the Judge.
LESSON
In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to the cross I cling; Naked, come to thee for dress; helpless, look to thee for grace; foul, I to the fountain fly; wash me, Savior, or I die. – Augustus Toplady
THOUGHT
S in is universal, and an equal opportunity contagion. The wise preacher tells us: “For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not” [Ecclesiastes 7:20]. The apostle writes: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” [Romans 3:23]. In the preceding chapter, Paul tells us about the condition that affects all regardless of gender, socio-economic status, education. There is no man-made vaccine against or cure for sin. Man is “without excuse” [Romans 1:20], not even the Gentile who has not been given the inscribed law of God. “For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law” [v. 12]. In today’s verse, the Jew steps forward and claims a special immunity against sin because of his race. The Jews are the chosen people of God [Deuteronomy 7:6]. To be sure, they were privileged. They were God’s covenant people. They were given the mark of circumcision. To them was committed the oracles of God [Romans 3:1-2]. Paul, himself a Jew, deflated their puffed-up thinking. These advantages counted for nothing if a Jew did not have a personal relationship with God. The proud Jew can be a picture of one who grew up in a Christian home. He could be one who uses a particular Bible translation or a Fundamentalist who holds ardently to a theological persuasion and condemns others who do not share his convictions. And while he proudly wears those labels like the Jew who boasts of his circumcision, he has no personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. All he can claim is: “I am born into a Christian home. I go to this particular church. I am called a Christian.” It is utterly foolish to base our eternal destiny on labels we put on ourselves. The LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. – 1 Samuel 16:7b
LESSON
Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God.
THOUGHT
I n verses 17 to 19, Paul lists the advantages that a Jew claims would give him special privileges. First, he is “called a Jew”, meaning he is a child of Abraham and claims racial privilege. This is akin to a person calling himself a Christian simply because he was born and raised in a Christian home. Second, a so-called Jew “restest in the law”, believing that the mere possession of the law assures his salvation. This is like the church-goer who thinks carrying the right Bible translation to church means he is saved. Paul reminded us in verse 13 that “not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified”. As the cliché goes, if we talk the talk, we must walk the walk, or else we deceive ourselves [James 1:22]. Third, a so-called Jew “makest thy boast of God”, bragging of his being God’s favorite, the true people of God, just as a church-goer who boasts of his association with a particular preacher or church. Fourth, a so-called Jew claims he is “instructed out of the law” and boasts that he “knowest (God’s) will, and approvest the things that are more excellent”. The word “instructed” is the word from which we get “catechize”. It is good and commendable that believers have the desire to be instructed in God’s Word. But Paul also warns of “knowledge (that) puffeth up” [1 Corinthians 8:1]. Our study and understanding of Holy Scripture should make us more discerning, able to distinguish between essentials and non-essentials and focus on the things that really matter. Sound doctrine – as Paul says – should teach us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to “live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” [Titus 2:12].
LESSON
Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God, and knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law.
Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. – 1 Corinthians 8:1b
THOUGHT
F rom the advantages which a Jewwas given [v. 17- 18], he claims a superiority in knowledge above all others. He was “confident” of himself, meaning he was persuaded of and promoted himself as “a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes” [v. 19-20]. This self-confidence hoisted him to a pedestal from which he looked down on the rest with condescension and contempt. Paul describes the Jew (religious person) as a “guide of the blind”. Just as physical blindness prevents a man from seeing the world around him and he needs help to move around, so a spiritually blind person needs a guide to lead him along the path of righteousness. However, the guide must be reliable. Moses gives this warning: “Cursed be he that maketh the blind to wander out of the way” [Deuteronomy 27:18]. Paul’s point is that one who is so confident of his spiritual capability must first assess whether he is a reliable guide. If the guide is just as blind as the one he is leading, “both shall fall into the ditch” [Matthew 15:14]. Paul further describes the religious Jew as “a light of them which are in darkness”. The LORD had set the Jews – the people of the covenant – to be “a light of the Gentiles” [Isaiah 42:6]. The Jews understood that role and responsibility especially after the captivity (in Babylon), when they held up the worship of the true and living God against pagan polytheism in their midst. That said, light is best when it shines brightly. Our Lord Jesus warns: “If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness” [Matthew 6:23]. A dim and flickering light is of hardly any good to those who are seeking truth.
LESSON
And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness.
In a world of darkness, light is most essential to making your way through life. Be a light that shines brightly for our Lord Jesus Christ [Matthew 5:16].
THOUGHT
P aul describes the self-confident Jew as one who claims to be “an instructor of the foolish (and) a teacher of babes”. The word “instructor” ( paideutēs ) has the connotation of one who possesses great knowledge. The Jews, to whom had been “committed the oracles of God” [Romans 3:2], had the idea they alone possessed true knowledge. The rest – Gentiles – were fools. The “fool” as described in Holy Scripture denotes one who is devoid of understanding or one who is defiantly wicked. The Jews deemed themselves qualified to instruct those not having such knowledge. The Jews also saw themselves as “a teacher of babes”. The two descriptions – instructor and teacher – have a similar idea. The nuance is that whereas the “instructor” deals with the “foolish”, the teacher ( didaskalos ) deals with “babes” – proselytes who possess some truth but have not come to full maturity. It is clear from Paul’s description that the Jews arrogate to themselves the position of superior knowledge, claiming their qualification as guides, instructors and teachers. But we must not miss his sarcasm. He is saying to them, “Before you claim superior wisdom and ability, should you not begin by examining yourselves if you have the truth, and are living out that truth?” This was the failure of the Pharisees upon whom our Lord pronounced judgment, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves” [Matthew 23:15]. James gives a similar warning to us who are teachers, “My brethren, be not many masters ( didaskalos ), knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation” [James 3:1]. “For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments” [Ezra 7:10]. You must study and live the word before you teach it.
LESSON
An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.
THOUGHT
T hus far, we see Paul establishing the culpability of both Gentile and Jews in the matter of guilt before God. Now he takes a step further to address the presumptuousness of the Jews who possessed a superiority complex because they had been given the Law of Moses. They regarded themselves to be teachers to those they deemed ignorant and inferior in standing before Jehovah. God through Moses had commanded that man should not steal [Exodus 20:15]. Every Jew worth his salt knew this in their head. But knowing and doing are not the same thing. The interactions between the Lord Jesus and the Pharisees made this abundantly clear. By their cunning and disingenuous rationalization, they masked their dishonest practice and insincerity with a veneer of outward piety. They preyed upon the widows and downtrodden with their merciless and sharp practices. They took advantage of the poor and desperate, profiting through usury and greed [Matthew 23:14]. They neglected caring for the needy and avoided the costs of Temple sacrifices with clever words and reasoning [Mark 7:11]. In short, they were guilty of breaking the very law Moses commanded and what they preached. This is pertinent to us who are Jesus’ disciples to hold His Inspired Word as our rule of faith and life. Often, we are careless and selective in applying God’s Word. It is not the big things our Lord looks at, but every little act and motivation. We do not rob banks, but do we keep the wrong change? Let us not presume upon our knowledge and possession of His Word but realize that while we abide in mortal corrupted bodies, we need the Spirit’s help to guard against sin, so as to keep God’s Word and glorify Him.
LESSON
Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself ? thou that preachest a man
should not steal, dost thou steal?
It is not what we say but what we do. May our practice match our profession.
THOUGHT
S in is a heart matter - our own hearts. We cannot blame our circumstances or our conditioning. We cannot blame the other person or society, and we cannot blame God. Our genes did not cause us to be predisposed to some of the most egregious sins as we often hear claimed today. The act of adultery was as common in the days of Paul as it is in ours. The influence of pagan culture and practice, and the liberal interpretation and distortion of the Hebrew Scriptures had made room for adultery to proliferate among the Jews [Matthew 19:8-9]. The Lord Jesus, who knew man’s heart, confronted this head-on and shone His searchlight into its dark recesses. “But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart” [Matthew 5:28]. The lust of the eyes and the lust of the flesh has been the downfall of presidents and pastors. We are to guard our hearts because it is deceitful and desperately wicked [Jeremiah 17:9]. James warns “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death” [James 1:14-15]. What does this warn against? Never presume we are so strong we will not fall. Never think because our wicked deeds cannot be seen, it is alright doing as we please. Our hearts are vulnerable, and Satan attacks it constantly and unrelentingly. Let God’s Word guard our hearts and minds. Resort always to the Spirit’s help. He is God in us, a very present help in trouble, our refuge and strength in the day of temptation [Psalm 46:1].
LESSON
Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery?
THOUGHT
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. – Proverbs 4:23
T he first commandment of the Decalogue was the touchstone of every Jew. Encapsulated in the Shema [Deuteronomy 6:4-9], it became the Jewish confession of faith recited twice daily by the devout and affirmed by the Lord Jesus Christ as the first and greatest commandment [Matthew 22:36-38]. Banished from the promised land by the Assyrians and Babylonians for their departure from God in idolatry, they were cured of this problem after their return from Babylonian captivity, or at least ostensibly so. The Jews abhorred the idols of pagan worship; what then was this indictment by Paul? They did not bow to idols outwardly, but inwardly their hearts were cold and indifferent toward God – His Son, His name, holiness, Word, His messengers. The Jews treated with disdain God’s sanctity and profaned (made common) His sacred things. Worship had become a formality and ritualism. They took advantage of the Temple worship system to enrich themselves. We also are prone to this charge. We rob God of His due. We supplant His place in our heart with the trophies of society, and the pursuit and affection of earthly things. We profess faith in Him but profane His Name and character by trusting in material riches and possessions, and withholding fromHim what is due – our wholehearted devotion and love. Beware lest we are so enamoured to the spirit of the world that we long for its approval and acceptance. Doing so is spiritual idolatry.
LESSON
Thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?
These Jews have a form of godliness but without power. Is 2 Timothy 3:5 a description of your condition?
THOUGHT
T he law was a badge of pride worn by the Jews. They boasted of it as being given by God to His chosen people. Indeed, they had many reasons to feel so. Their lineage from Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Jehovah’s exclusive covenants with their forefathers, their miraculous exodus from Egypt and return to their promised land, all pertained to them alone. But their eyes were blinkered, and their hearts hardened by presumption, faithlessness and worldliness. The form of their faith became more important to them than its substance. The letter of the Law supplanted the spirit of it. Their traditions took the place of obedience and “made the commandment of God of none effect” [Matthew 15:6]. This is not just a problem with the Jews. We who are born again in Christ and profess Him as Lord and Saviour are people of immeasurable privilege. We were known, chosen and redeemed by holy blood to everlasting life. We belong to an eternal kingdom as God’s children, delivered from sin’s condemnation and peril. We are a totally different people from the world’s citizens. Yet often we live our lives as though none of these things matter. We are not thankful or trusting. We take God’s Word and our profession lightly. We treat our Lord’s name with indifference. Our lives honour God as little as the Jews’ who in treating the Law the way they did, dishonoured our very same God. The remedy for us is to return again, seeking Him earnestly with humble and contrite hearts. Draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to us [James 4:8]. That is His only desire for His people. When our hearts are right with God everything else falls into place. “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water” [Hebrews 10:22].
LESSON
Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?
THOUGHT
B lasphemy may well be expected of Gentiles, heathens and unbelievers. But it is a damning accusation when those who claim the special privileges and favour of God are guilty of it. The Jews of Paul’s day by their hypocrisy and deceitfulness in their practice were blaspheming Jehovah’s name among their Gentile neighbours. They caused that name so sacred to them as to be unutterable, to be mocked by unbelievers. How is our Lord God blasphemed? When His people take His name in vain by unholy living, being untruthful in their words, dishonest in their dealings, by disobedience to His commandments and distrust in His promises and power; when Christians compromise God’s Word to please others; when His people profane His name, His character, His Word, His church by bringing it down to the base levels of the world and treat it as something common and ordinary if not with disdain; when reverence and fear of offending Him are replaced by casual indifference and presumptuousness. Our Lord is grieved and offended when His name is brought to shame by those who profess to represent Him. When unbelievers look at the Christian and the church, and see little difference between themselves and the Christian, we are in grave danger of what Paul was telling the Jews here. Our calling is to live in such a manner our Lord Jesus Christ is honoured, and to conduct ourselves to be blameless and without reproach in God’s eyes in the midst of a crooked and perverse world. That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world. – Philippians 2:15
LESSON
For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.
THOUGHT
T he law Paul was referring to is recorded in Genesis 17:10-11. God commanded every Hebrew male to be circumcised as a sign of His special covenant with them. However, during Paul’s time, the Jews had twisted this sacrament of circumcision into a confirmation of their salvation and the qualification for heaven. Paul stressed that being a Jew (being circumcised) did not qualify them as a member of God’s kingdom if they did not obey God’s laws in their heart. The Jews in Paul’s day argued against Paul’s gospel by claiming they ‘possessed’ the law. Paul asserted that possessing the law meant nothing and circumcision had zero value if they did not have a changed heart. The Jews had the misconception they could continue to do all the wicked things but would not be judged by God because they were circumcised. Some people today may believe they are saved because they perform perfunctory Christian duties such as attending church or undergoing baptism. However, the mere act of being baptised without sincere repentance of sins will not lead to salvation. If one chooses not to accept God’s grace and walk in the Lord’s way, no sacred rite or religious ceremony or any other sacrament will render effective the grace of eternal salvation. God has chosen us to be saved by grace through our faith in the Lord. He has called us to be consecrated and keep His law. God requires the obedience of our hearts, not merely our outward trappings.
LESSON
For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of
the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Read 1 Corinthians 6:9-10.
THOUGHT
I n verse 25, Paul condemned the Jewish people, who continued in their sins, declaring that their circumcision counted for nothing in God’s eyes. In today’s verse, Paul went a step further to shock the Jews, stating that those who were uncircumcised (meaning Gentiles) but who kept the law, would be approved and accepted by God. The sign of physical circumcision had been replaced by a faithful and consistent obedience to God’s law. The Jews prided themselves on being God’s chosen, but Paul called them hypocrites for knowing God’s law, yet wilfully living in sin and wickedness. He stated that an uncircumcised Gentile who obeyed God was more favoured in His eyes than a circumcised Jew who broke the law. Paul is warning Christians today that we should not rely purely on sacramental participation, such as undergoing baptism and partaking the Lord’s Supper, to be our claim on eternal salvation if we persist in sinful living. There is value and significance in observing these sacraments, but we need to ensure we are doing it with God-pleasing motives. We must not just read the Bible but must apply its principles. We need to meditate on God’s Word daily, internalize and practise what God teaches, in our daily living. Let us always consider our ways [Haggai 1:7], examine our conduct, and strive to be sanctified. Paul will show in the next chapter that none of us can keep the law. We are saved not by our deeds but by repenting and trusting the Lord Jesus Christ. We please God when our lives conform to His will for us.
LESSON
Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?
O Lord my God, I pray I will not be blinded by pride. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquities and cleanse me of my sins. Amen.
PRAYER
T here are two sacraments which Christians today observe: baptism and the Lord’s Supper. These are outward signs of an inward grace. Baptism is a public profession of our faith in the Lord before the church, and the Lord’s Supper is a remembrance of God’s grace and love through the finished work of our Lord Jesus Christ on the cross. In the Old Testament, we see two corresponding signs that were shadows of these two sacraments. Circumcision points towards baptism, and the Passover meal points towards the Lord’s Supper. Circumcision is a sign showing that a person belongs to God’s covenantal people, the same way baptism is a sign signifying a person being joined to the body of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Passover meal remembers God’s mercy in preserving those whose homes were covered by the blood of the lamb, whereas the Lord’s Supper remembers how the body and blood of the Lamb of God cover God’s children from His wrath. All these outward signs, however, are secondary to the work of God in our hearts. This is made especially clear with the institution of the two sacraments by our Lord in the New Testament. Thus, it is of utmost importance for a person who professes faith to know what he believes. Baptism is an outward sign of an inward regeneration. If one is baptised and continues in his wicked ways, then he ought to examine the genuineness of his profession. The same goes for the Lord’s Supper. The Bible tells us, “for he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body” [1 Corinthians 11:29]. One needs to examine oneself in observing the sacraments. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. – 2 Corinthians 7:10
LESSON
Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?
THOUGHT
B e it circumcision and the Passover meal in the Old Testament, or baptism and the Lord’s Supper in the New Testament, both are outwards signs of an inward grace. Without the grace of God working faith in us, we are but miserable and perishing sinners deceiving ourselves and others. Beneath the religious façade is an unregenerated soul seeking comfort in rituals that serve only to appease his conscience. Yet one may ask; if the heart is the only thing that matters when we observe the sacraments, why is there a need for us to go through these “religious rituals”? He may ask, “As long as I know I have truly believed, why is there a need for me to profess my faith publicly? As long as I remember the Lord Jesus Christ every day, why is there a need for me to partake of the Lord’s Supper?” The answer is that the sacraments are commanded by God, and they are also means of grace provided by God for our benefit. When we make a decision to be baptized, we take an important step in our lives, telling others, and more importantly ourselves, to live a life worthy of God’s calling. We are also baptized into a local church, and thus the church formally welcomes us into its community. In witnessing our baptism, the church members are also reminded of their faith and first love for the Lord Jesus Christ and His people. The same goes for the Lord’s Supper. When we partake it together as a church, God uses the assembling of the saints to cause one to examine oneself, to remind us of our identity and unity with the body of believers, to build one another up in the most holy faith, in proclaiming the Lord’s death until He returns.
LESSON
Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?
And of His fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. – John 1:16
THOUGHT
F ollowing the reasoning stated in verses 25 and 26, the apostle Paul made clear the significance and true value of circumcision over uncircumcision. God had instituted circumcision as a mark of His covenant with Abraham and his descendants [Genesis 17:10-12]. It is a reminder to the Jews of their covenant relationship with God. This, however, does not mean they are automatically saved. Circumcision is of value only if they practice the Law of God to the very letter and obey it perfectly. Here is where the Jews failed. They were slack in keeping the letter of the Law even though they had the external privileges of circumcision to remind them of obedience. So in today’s verse, what Paul says is this – “Shall not the uncircumcision (i.e non-Jew/pagan, Gentile) who does not have the external privileges of the Jews, but who keeps the law, not condemn you Jews for breaking the Law of God?” Obviously so. To be sure, no one, Jew or Gentile can keep the Law of God perfectly. The purpose of the letter of the Law is to convict us of sin so we may resort to the Lord Jesus Christ who not only kept God’s Law perfectly but also became the perfect sacrifice for our sins so we might be reconciled to God. Galatians 3:24 – “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.” We thank God that while the Law condemns us, in the Lord Jesus our Sin-Bearer, we are born again to walk in newness of life.
LESSON
And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?
The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul … more to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. – Psalm 19:7a, 10
THOUGHT
W hile every Jew is circumcised, bearing the mark of God’s Covenant with Abraham, but not every one of them is a true son of Abraham spiritually speaking. Not every Jew in the flesh is automatically a true believer in the heart of the God of Abraham. Jehovah is the One true living God who gave us His eternal Son, Jesus Christ to save sinners through His sacrifice on Calvary’s cross. The Lord Jesus came to save sinners, both Jews and Gentiles, who turn to Him by faith in repentance for their sins. But sadly, the Jews rejected the Messiah even though they had Him in human flesh in fulfilment of the prophecies of their Scriptures. For that, a Jew is not a true Jew even though outwardly he is one. He is not a true believer in his heart even though he is circumcised. A Jew may have done many wonderful works as in Matthew 7:22-23, but the Lord said, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” [Matthew 7:21]. Here is a stark reminder that not every professing Christian is a true believer. One may look like, sound like, even serve in the church, but only he and God knows the heart. May we examine ourselves with God’s Word. Where we have strayed, let us repent and return to the Lord with humility and contrition. The Lord will forgive as He says in 1 John 1:9.
LESSON
For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly;
neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh.
Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: but he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. – 1 John 2:23
THOUGHT
T his verse examines the positives of the question – who is a true Jew? He is one who inwardly believes in his heart. We noted that a Jew (outwardly by birth) is endowed with the external privileges of circumcision and the law of God. However, following the letter of the law and even circumcision cannot save him. With unbelieving hearts, the Jews meticulously observed the act of circumcision and performed their spiritual rites looking for man’s praise and expecting God’s approval. “Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men” [Isaiah 29:13]. Who then is a Jew inwardly? He may be a circumcised Jew or an uncircumcised Gentile who is circumcised in his heart which is the working within us of the Holy Spirit. We thank God even though we are not Jews by lineage, we are in a sense “spiritual” Jews by reason of the circumcision of our hearts in submission to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Romans 10:12- 13 tells us “For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved”. Saved by grace, we praise God for giving us these holy privileges and blessings of the faithful remnant to worship Him and do His will, proclaiming the saving Gospel to the world. InChrist, Paul says, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise” [Galatians 3:28- 29].
LESSON
But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
THOUGHT
I n Romans 2:28, Paul states that a man is not a Jew who is one outwardly. In God’s sight, a Jew is one who inwardly has faith in the Promised Messiah. It is not the knowledge or possession of the Law, not the rite of circumcision; it is not the claim to a special relationship with God on account of one’s race or ancestry. The only thing that makes a man a Jew is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Being a Jew and a member of the chosen people of God, the heritage of being born of the seed of Abraham, with the legacy of the law and the sign of circumcision; these things bring no salvation. All these counts for nothing unless there is a change in the heart. The fact that Jews have the law and are even circumcised, will not keep them from answering to God for their personal sin. The Jews had a greater opportunity to know and obey God than anyone else. They had been given the privilege of knowing and receiving so much from God, but if they refuse to make it personal in their hearts, there is no benefit in Jewishness. They had the advantage, but failed to make use of it, and therefore it does them no good at all. The light they were given had no illumination for them. They have no spiritual security unless their relationship with God is personalized. They were no better off than if they had never known the Law. Righteousness is not achieved through external factors like race and religious rituals. God at work in us is what matters most – a changed heart.
LESSON
What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?
Religious sacraments, labels, and other forms of good works are not what will save us.
THOUGHT
M any religions are centred on man, focusing on man’s attempts to appease, find approval, gain a right standing, or reach a god by his own efforts. Christianity does not focus on man’s effort but rather it is God making a way for people to have a relationship with Him. The essence of the Christian life is to live one’s life in the presence of God, under the authority of God, to the honour and glory of God. Our Gospel relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, by grace alone, through faith alone, is the foundation for our faith. This sets the Gospel apart. It sets Christianity apart from other religions because it is the good news of God’s saving grace toward man. As Christians, we have eternal life; we have peace and joy that is beyond anything the world can offer. In the Lord Jesus Christ, we have hope, and we have the strength to face whatever comes our way. Our lives are put into proper perspective. Our priorities, problems, and our outlook totally change when we discover God’s purpose for our lives. We view people, ourselves, life and its circumstances differently, and the things that bother us and consume our thoughts diminish. Christians accept God’s gift of salvation and put their faith in the Lord Jesus; accepting His death on the cross as payment for their sins and His resurrection as proof of His power over death [Ephesians 2:8-9]. A Christian is indeed a child of God, part of God’s family, and one who has been given new life in our Lord Jesus Christ.
LESSON
What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?
In the visible church, true Christians are invisible.
THOUGHT
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