Following in the Footsteps of Faith

March 13, 2018

Following in the Footsteps of Faith

Romans 4:9–12

Taylor Dodgen

Central Truth

God gave the people of Israel an outward symbol (circumcision) to demonstrate their devotion to Him. However, this physical change was always meant to be just a sign of the real deal: righteousness by faith.

9 Is this blessing then only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? For we say that faith was counted to Abraham as righteousness. 10 How then was it counted to him? Was it before or after he had been circumcised? It was not after, but before he was circumcised. 11 He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well, 12 and to make him the father of the circumcised who are not merely circumcised but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.

My wife, Kristin, and I met in middle school when she moved to Texas from the land of blueberries, Wolverines, and “much better ice cream”—Michigan. Through the years, we have given each other a lot of tokens of our affection, from ridiculous mums in high school (seriously, what's with the mums?) to beautiful rings on our wedding day. We have now been man and wife for nine years, and the smooth pieces of metal we wear on our fingers have not magically kept us married. We’re committed. We’re all in. Our rings communicate this devotion to others, but they’re just an outward symbol. They sure don’t change diapers or plan date nights!

God gave the people of Israel an outward symbol (circumcision) to represent their inward commitment and belief (faith), and Paul wanted to make sure that his readers got this right. Circumcision didn't make them righteous before God; faith did. It always does. In fact, nothing we do on our own can ever make us right with God. We can’t try hard enough, follow the rules well enough, or be impressive enough to earn the forgiveness we need. And boy, do we all need forgiveness.

Notice that circumcision is also called a “seal.” Imagine, for a moment, a wax seal placed on an important document. By the time you imprint the wax seal on the envelope, the letter has already been written and carefully placed inside. You seal it after the work is done. Again, Paul wants this point to be crystal clear: outward expressions like circumcision (or baptism for Christians today) are not the things that save us. Circumcision for Abraham and baptism for us today take place after we have committed ourselves to God. They’re like the wedding ring after the “I do.”

Our rituals and sacrifices can never be a substitute for faith in God and His rescue plan! That plan actually led Jesus to change His outward appearance for us: taking nail scars on His hands and feet. Lord, fill us with gratitude today.

This month's memory verse

10 as it is written:

“None is righteous, no, not one;
11 no one understands;
no one seeks for God.

– Romans 3:10–11

1. Are you counting on any outward works to earn God’s approval and good will? Think through the most “spiritual” things you have ever done or currently do. Consider carefully your heart’s motivations. "For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7b)

2. Matthew Henry writes, “Abraham was pardoned and accepted in uncircumcision, a circumstance which, as it might silence the fears of the poor uncircumcised Gentiles, so it might lower the pride and conceitedness of the Jews.” Do you consider your best accomplishments worth anything in comparison to “the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:8)? Are you basing your identity and value on anything but "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27)?

3. Baptism is one important, outward sign of God’s forgiveness and favor in our lives. If you’re a Christian, have you obeyed Christ by following through with this public expression of your inward commitment? If you have, look for an opportunity to serve at the next Baptism Sunday at Watermark. Go facilitate this experience for others!

4. Pray that you would “walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had" (Romans 4:12) by devoting yourself to Jesus today. Lord, may Your mission take priority today, Your desires become ours, and Your sacrifice be our meditation. Give us this day our daily bread.