Pearls from the Bible 70

In Genesis chapter 16, God made a covenant with Abram and his generation (Isaac, who was not born then) through circumcision. Then, he changed his name to Abraham and his wife's name to Sarah. In his old age, Abraham obeyed God and submitted himself to Him.

The cutting of the flesh is called circumcision, setting apart God's people as holy in the Old Testament. After receiving salvation from Jesus Christ, God expects us to have a circumcision of the heart, setting it apart for God from its sinful nature. Cutting the flesh here means shedding our sinful nature to become a new creation, children of God or God's own people – the spiritual Jews. "But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from people, but from God," says Romans 2:29.

God has given us the power to resist sin. The Bible says, "Resist (fight against) the devil, and he will flee from you" (James 4:7). Be strong and believe that God has equipped you with His words, a sword that can slay any enemy. Do not be afraid but cut off the flesh and walk in the victory that Christ has earned for you.

Dear God, may you find our hearts circumcised and ready to submit to Your will. May we live a life set apart for You. May we cut off the flesh and be renewed in our minds. We ask this all in the powerful name of Jesus Christ. Amen.