ROMANS Study Guide

(1) This Jew had developed a rational or excuse for his violations of the law. (2) Here is a person who teaches one way and lives another

2) Paul points out how such a Jew “dishonors” God in front of

the Gentiles who see his hypocrisy in not keeping the law.

(vs.23)

a) The Gentiles blaspheme the name of God because of

the inconsistency they see in the life of this type of believer in

regards to what he or she teaches about God. Vs.24

b) We are unsure of the source of Paul’s quote in this verse but

there are quotes to be found in the Old Testament dealing

with this issue. (Isa.52:5; Ezk.36:22-23)

3) To this Jew his circumcision was the sign of one being in covenant

with God… it was the outward indication of being one of the people

of God. Vss. 25-29

a) Paul attacks this outward sign of circumcision as

meaningless if there is no true obedience to the

Mosaic Law. The only value of circumcision is if we

live out its true meaning. If we do not obey God’s

word then Paul bluntly says we are in fact

living as the uncircumcised. Vs.25

b) Paul suggests a shocking thing… if the Gentile does

the law from the leading of his heart consistently…

even though he is uncircumcised … his obedience is

making him circumcised before God. Vs.26

4) Paul ends this Chapter by simply pointing out that not all

natural Jews are true spiritual Jews and not all physical