Bailey Methodist Church
9/7/2025
  • Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
  • Immortal, Invisible
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  • King Of My Heart
  • Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow!
  • Romans 2:25–29 ESV
    25 For circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision. 26 So, if a man who is uncircumcised keeps the precepts of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? 27 Then he who is physically uncircumcised but keeps the law will condemn you who have the written code and circumcision but break the law. 28 For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. 29 But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.
    Introduction
    The apostle Paul writes to the Romans with a profound insight: it is possible to appear religious on the outside while being unconverted on the inside. The Jews of his time placed their trust in circumcision as a guarantee of their covenant status. However, Paul reminds them that this outward sign means nothing if their hearts are disobedient.
    In the 18th century, John Wesley observed a similar issue in England. Many filled the churches, participated in the sacraments, and went through the motions of religious practice, yet their hearts remained distant from God. Wesley vehemently opposed this superficial formalism, insisting that true Christianity is not about outward appearances but rather an inward transformation. His sermon "The Circumcision of the Heart" resonates with Paul’s message: only a heart transformed by the Spirit is pleasing to God.
    This morning, we will explore Paul’s teachings and Wesley’s vision of heart religion through three key points:
    1. Outward signs without inward change are meaningless.
    2. True identity is not defined by the flesh but by the Spirit.
    3. The praise that truly matters comes from God.
    Point 1: Outward Signs Without Inward Change Are Empty
    Paul makes a bold claim: “Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, you have become as though you had not been circumcised” (v. 25). The outward sign of the covenant is meaningless if the inward reality of obedience is lacking.
    Circumcision “has value only if the law is perfectly obeyed.” While many Jews believed that observing the law required sincere effort, Paul insists that flawless obedience is necessary—something no one can achieve. In the old covenant, sacrifices covered failures, but with the coming of Christ, that system no longer suffices. Therefore, neither circumcision nor law-keeping can secure salvation, as no one can perfectly keep the law. Salvation comes solely through faith in Christ.
    Paul expresses a similar sentiment in Galatians 6:15: “For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.” Outward signs—whether present or absent—cannot bring salvation. What truly matters is whether God has transformed your heart.
    To illustrate, imagine receiving a beautifully wrapped gift—sparkling paper and a perfect ribbon—only to find it empty when you open it. It may appear impressive on the outside, but it is worthless inside. This analogy reflects the nature of outward religion without inward transformation.
    Wesley understood this danger. As a young man at Oxford, he prayed, fasted, served the poor, and led the “Holy Club.” Outwardly, he appeared to be a model Christian. However, he later admitted that he did not honestly know God. It was only when his heart was “strangely warmed” at Aldersgate that he experienced the inward change Paul describes.
    In Church History, Augustine once lived with the outward appearance of religion, but later confessed that his heart was unconverted. It was not until God's Word spoke to him, “Put on the Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 13:14), that he was transformed.
    In application, outward signs are not inherently wrong, but without inward renewal, they are empty of meaning. Much like Wesley before Aldersgate, Augustine before his conversion, or the Galatians who were tempted to trust in circumcision, we can appear religious yet lack the new birth. The question remains: Has God’s Spirit made you new?
    Point 2: True Identity Is Not About the Flesh but the Spirit
    Paul redefines covenant identity by emphasizing that being part of God’s people is not about rituals or lineage; it revolves around the inward work of the Spirit. True identity is characterized not by external symbols but by internal transformation.
    There is a significant shift in verse 26. If Jews who break the law are considered as Gentiles, then Gentiles who observe God’s commands are regarded as Jews. This is not about salvation through works; rather, it signifies a declaration of equality: both Jew and Gentile stand on the same ground before God. The advantages of the old covenant, such as circumcision and the possession of the law, no longer guaranteed favor with God. Now, both groups are guilty of sin and equally in need of Christ. At the final judgment, believing Gentiles who live by the Spirit will even serve as witnesses against unbelieving Jews, just as Jesus mentioned that the Ninevites and the Queen of Sheba would rise in judgment against those who rejected Him (Matthew 12:41-42).
    Wesley articulated this concept in his sermons, describing the circumcision of the heart as encompassing humility, faith, hope, and love—qualities produced by the Spirit. These graces, rather than outward signs, are what truly identify us as God’s people.
    Paul illustrates this internal struggle in Galatians 5:17: “For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh.” The true mark of belonging to God’s people is not ritualistic observance, but whether the Spirit governs over the flesh in everyday life.
    Reflecting on Wesley’s ministry, he often preached to miners and laborers who the church establishment had marginalized. These individuals were baptized yet lived without any apparent inward grace. However, when they encountered the gospel, many were moved to tears, which carved streaks through the coal dust on their faces. This exemplified the true circumcision of the heart—the Spirit working to remove sin and fill them with new life.
    In church history, Martin Luther almost destroyed himself through external works—such as fasting, pilgrimages, and penance—yet he found no peace. It was only when the Spirit opened his eyes to the concept of justification by faith that he was able to rest in Christ’s righteousness rather than his own.
    In application: What defines you? Is it your background, denomination, or religious habits? Or is it the transforming work of the Spirit in your life? True identity lies not in your church attendance on Sundays but in whether the Spirit has renewed your heart each day.
    Point 3: The Praise That Matters Comes from God
    Paul concludes, “Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God” (v. 29b). Outward religion seeks human applause, while inward religion seeks divine approval.
    Paul contrasts the professing Jew with the true Jew. The professing Jew relies on external markers—such as the law and circumcision—while the true Jew is one whose heart has been circumcised by the Spirit. Paul establishes several contrasts: outward versus inward, physical versus spiritual, written code versus Spirit, and human praise versus God’s praise. The old covenant focused on external realities, but the new covenant is centered on Christ and the Spirit. What matters is not recognition from others, but commendation from God. This approval is already granted in Christ and will be fully realized at the final judgment.
    An illustration from Scripture is found in Matthew 6:33, where Jesus states, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” When God’s kingdom is our priority, His approval takes precedence over human opinions. True circumcision of the heart involves seeking His righteousness above all else, resting in His eternal “Well done.”
    An illustration from Wesley’s life shows that he faced ridicule, violence, and rejection by church leaders. Despite this, he persevered and wrote in his journal about being “strangely content” because his conscience rested in God’s commendation, not in the opinions of people.
    In church history, Francis of Assisi could have pursued wealth and worldly honor, but instead chose a path of poverty and service. Many mocked him, yet God's approval mattered more to him than the world’s scorn.
    Application: Reflect on whose praise you are seeking. Is it the admiration of others, or is it the approval of God? The applause of men will eventually fade, but God’s “Well done, good and faithful servant” will resonate for eternity.
    Conclusion
    The circumcision of the heart is God’s gracious work of transformation. Outward forms have value only when they reflect inward reality. True identity is found in the Spirit’s renewing power, not in human rituals. And the only praise worth living for is God’s.
    Paul declared it. Wesley preached it. Church history confirms it: true Christianity is not skin-deep—it is Spirit-deep.
    So let us pray for hearts marked by humility, faith, hope, and love. Let us not be empty gift boxes—beautiful outside, hollow within—but people made new creations by the Spirit of Christ. And may we live for the only commendation that matters: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

      • Romans 2:25–29ESV

      • Galatians 6:15ESV

      • Galatians 5:17ESV

      • Matthew 6:33ESV

  • Open The Eyes Of My Heart
Bailey Methodist Church
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