A Circumcised Heart!

Welcome to THE LIVING BREAD.

We pray that today's message ignites something within you, empowering you to manifest the kingdom life and fulfill the extraordinary purpose God has for you.

Let's now dive into today's message titled: A CIRCUMCISED HEART.

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Scripture Text: "For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh. But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter." - Romans 2:28-29 (KJV)W

We discovered from the account of scriptures, that the Jews placed great emphasis on the physical act of circumcision as a sign of their covenant with God.

However, the Lord was seeking a deeper, spiritual reality - a circumcised heart.

But in the scripture text (Romans 2:28-29), Apostle Paul makes it clear that being a true Jew is not just about outward rituals, but about having a heart that is circumcised by the Spirit.

Now the question is;

How does a person with a circumcised heart live differently from the Jews who have received the circumcision of the foreskin of their flesh?

What is this deeper spiritual reality all about?

According to the Bible, which is the creator's manual for a profitable life, a person with a truly circumcised heart lives life differently in the following ways:

1. Expressing Faith Through Love

A circumcised heart is characterized by faith that works through love.

The Bible in Galatians 5:6 says, - "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love."

This means that our actions are motivated by love for God and others, rather than just following rules or rituals.

2. Purity Of Heart

Jesus said, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God" (Matthew 5:8).

A truly circumcised heart is pure, untainted by the impurities of sin and selfishness.

It seeks to reflect God's character and live a life that honors Him.

3. Loves God With All Their Heart And Soul

Also, a truly circumcised heart loves God with all its being, Deuteronomy 30:6 says - "The Lord your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live."

This is to say, that your love for God is not just superficial, but deep and sincere, influencing every aspect of your life.

4. Experiences Inner Transformation

This is the experience of the new birth, and it signifies that a truly circumcised heart is one that has undergone inner transformation by the Spirit.

"But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter." -(Romans 2:29 KJV).

It entails that we are not just going through the motions of religious rituals, but our very nature has been changed, and we are living a life that is pleasing to God.

In conclusion, a circumcised heart is one that is pure, loving, and surrendered to God.

It is a heart that has been transformed by the Spirit, enabling us to live in accordance with God's will and purpose.

Consequently, as we yield to God's transforming power, we experience a deeper level of obedience, faith, and love.

It was A.W. Tozer who said;

"A true state of heart is not measured by outward appearances, but by the condition of the inner man. The heart is the citadel of character, and its condition determines the course of life."

POINTS OF REFLECTION

1. What areas of your life need to be circumcised - freed from the impurities of sin and selfishness?

2. How can you cultivate a heart that is pure and loving, reflecting God's character?

3. In what ways can you demonstrate faith expressing itself through love in your daily life?

PRAYER KEY POINTS

Father, IJN: I thank You for the gift of a circumcised heart,

Father, IJN: Help me to live a life that reflects Your character, motivated by love and faith.

Father, IJN: Let my heart be made pure and untainted by sin, and to love You with all my heart and soul.

COMMIT TO MEMORY

"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." - (Ezekiel 36:26 KJV)

ASSIGNMENT

Today, take time to reflect on your heart's condition.

Ask the Lord to circumcise any areas that need transformation, and seek to live a life that is pleasing to Him.