Connect Philippians 3:3 with Romans 2:29 on spiritual circumcision and heart transformation.

Setting the Stage

• Physical circumcision marked Israel as God’s covenant people.

• Paul picks up that symbol and says its true meaning points to an inner work of God.

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Philippians 3:3 in Focus

• “For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God, glory in Christ…”

• Three identifiers:

– Worship empowered by the Spirit, not ceremonies.

– Boast only in Jesus, not ancestry or deeds.

– “No confidence in the flesh” — no trust in human performance.

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Romans 2:29: Paul’s Parallel

• “…a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is of the heart, by the Spirit…”

• Same trio of ideas: inner change, Spirit’s work, God-centered approval.

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Old Testament Foundations

• Deuteronomy 10:16 — “Circumcise your hearts…” God called for inward surrender.

• Deuteronomy 30:6 — “The LORD your God will circumcise your heart…” Promise of divine action.

• Jeremiah 4:4 and Ezekiel 36:26 echo this heart surgery theme.

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How Heart Circumcision Happens

1. Regeneration: the Spirit gives a new heart (Ezekiel 36:26; John 3:5-6).

2. Union with Christ: “In Him you were also circumcised… by putting off the body of flesh” (Colossians 2:11).

3. Ongoing sanctification: the Spirit cuts away old patterns (Galatians 5:16-17).

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Evidence of a Circumcised Heart

• Spirit-led worship (John 4:23-24).

• Christ-centered confidence (Galatians 6:14).

• Obedient living that flows from love (John 14:15).

• Fruit of the Spirit replacing works of the flesh (Galatians 5:22-23).

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Living Out Our New Identity

• Reject rule-keeping as a badge; cling to Christ as righteousness (Philippians 3:8-9).

• Feed the inner life with Scripture and prayer; the Spirit wields the Word as His scalpel (Hebrews 4:12).

• Celebrate grace: what physical circumcision pointed to, Christ has fulfilled in you.