The questions for this week’s study were written by Dee Graves.
- Take a moment to pray. Praise God for His Word and ask Him to teach you its truth, just as the psalmist prayed in Psalm 119:12-16, “Praise be to You, O Lord; teach me Your decrees. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from Your mouth. I rejoice in following Your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on Your precepts and consider Your ways. I delight in Your decrees; I will not neglect Your Word.”
- Read Romans 2:25-29
- In Genesis 17:9-14 circumcision was given to Abraham as a sign of his special covenant with his people. However, Paul indicates that this outward sign was meaningless without obedience to the law. Paul notes that circumcision need to be inward, a circumcision of the heart. What does a “circumcision of the heart” mean?
- What outward acts do we as Christians today perform to demonstrate our Christianity? Attending Church or becoming a member of a church? Being Baptized or confirmed? Doing good or even great things in the name of Christ? In Matthew 7:21-23 Jesus says, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from Me, you evildoers!’” If performing miracles in the name of Christ is not sufficient, what is?
- What is the motivation for our actions according to Romans 2:29? Do we seek praise from others or praise from God? When praise is given, to whom do we give the credit? (See 2 Cor 10:18)
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