Paul develops a critical theme in Romans … seeking God’s praise rather than man’s. For instance, he cites circumcision of the heart rather than of the flesh as being the essential criteria for pleasing God.

If we live our lives according to the teachings of Jesus as in the Sermon on the Mount, we are taking steps toward receiving God’s praise rather than man’s. We are Jews inwardly rather than outwardly. God sees the heart. Man looks at the exterior.

PRAYER: Father, forgive us for being so carnal and temporal so as to seek man’s approval rather than Yours.

READ: Romans 1-3