Theme: THE CHURCH
Lesson: THE CHURCH, THE TRULY CIRCUMCISED PEOPLE
Scripture Reference:
Phil. 3:3
ESSAY:
The circumcision illustrated in the preparatory message of the Old Testament had the truth or reality version in the spiritual circumcision not done with human hands but by Christ Himself. It was done on the body and by the body then. Howbeit, now, it is done by the Spirit (Christ) in the heart – cf. Col. 2:11
The shadowy circumcision of the Old Covenant was a mark of identity separating all others not circumcised from the Commonwealth of the old Israel. In the same vein, the circumcision of the Christians’ hearts due to faith in Christ by Christ has qualified them to share in the inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and God. (See Eph. 5:5; Col. 1:12,13)
By the Abrahamic circumcision, the foreskin of the penis was cut off as an illustration of the cutting off of sinful nature in people today which inhibited the expression of the divine (spirit) nature of God effected by Christ through His word. Actually, the truly circumcised people are circumcised by Christ which enables them see and think heavenward who do not brag about material possessions and achievements comparing themselves one with another as
carnal people do. (cf. 2Cor.10:12)
In other words, their circumcised hearts have been renewed to know better how important and imperative to their lives the will of God in Christ has been. Such is what bothers them first and foremost and the topmost priority in life. They have it as a goal to live and grow in the grace and knowledge of the Son of God to such height (2Pet.3:18) or they are not believing correctly. It is not ordinary to detect this faulty status without God’s revelation.
Finally, a circumcision was a mark to a biological Israelite. So, also is a life lived in the spirit a mark of identity on Christians – the new Israel. (Gal. 6:16)
EVALUATION:
1. Physical circumcision was a mark identifying a biological Israelite. What similarly is the mark identifying a Christian?
2. Where and where are both the physical and spiritual circumcisions done and by who?
3. What is the pride in both the physical and spiritual circumcisions for those circumcised?
4. Where the physical circumcision associated people with the Israel of this world, where equally does the spiritual circumcision unite those involved?
Conclusion:
As the truly circumcised people of God, may we live lives that reflect our identity in Christ. May our hearts be fixed on heavenly things, and may our actions be guided by the Spirit. May we be a people who prioritize God’s will and live for His glory.
Benediction:
May the Lord bless you and keep you, may He make His face shine upon you, and may He give you peace. May you walk in the Spirit, and may your life be a reflection of Christ’s love to the world. Amen.
Answers to Evaluation Questions:
1. A life lived in the spirit is the mark identifying a Christian.
2. Physical circumcision was done on the body by human hands, while spiritual circumcision is done in the heart by Christ Himself through the Spirit.
3. The pride in physical circumcision was being part of the biological Israel, while the pride in spiritual circumcision is being part of the new Israel, the Church, and having a renewed heart that prioritizes God’s will.
4. While physical circumcision associated people with the Israel of this world, spiritual circumcision unites those involved with the heavenly Jerusalem, the Church, and the inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and God.
