THERE ARE WORDS AND PRINCIPLES IN THE BIBLE THAT COULD BE CONFUSING UNLESS STUDIED IN SPIRIT

1. We throw terms and prejudices around, sometimes let the outward appearance confuse our eyes
2. Man by nature looks on the outward appearance- but God looks on the inward heart of man
3. We need to look through the fancy makeup and paint to see ourselves as God sees us.

Man looks at reputation- But God looks for real character - which do you strive to build?

I.- "HE IS A JEW, WHICH I S ONE INWARDLY" 2:29

"God is a Spirit, and they who worship Him must do so in Spirit and Truth" John 4:24  -God seeks such

A.- "CIRCUMCISION IN THE HEART" HE IS A JEW WHO HAS CIRCUMCISION OF HEART

1. God pled with His Israel to be circumcised-not just outwardly- but in heart- Deut 10:16 Jer 4:4 "Heart Surgery"
2. Col 2:11 calls the circumcision of heart- that made without hands
3. Rom 6:6 speaks of the crucifixion of our old nature- Ezek 36:26 -God promised a new heart

B.- "IN THE SPIRIT AND NOT IN THE LETTER" HE IS A TRUE JEW WHOSE HEART LOOKS TO SPIRIT, NOT LETTER

1. There is a great temptation to expect people to live up to the letter of the law - Legalism
2. II Cor 3:6 But we are told that the letter killeth, the spirit gives life
3. 3:3 tells how God works- His Spirit writes in human hearts - Have you had this done?

C.- "WHOSE PRAISE IS NOT OF MEN BUT OF GOD" HE IS A TRUE JEW WHO FEARS GOD AND NEED NOT FEAR ANY MAN

1. Paul did not judge even himself- he served God, and reserved judgement for God- I Cor 4:1-5
2. God is truly able to judge, for He tries hearts, so we don't try to please men- I Thes 2:4
3. The one who pleases God instead of man has a reward and praise of God- Matt 6:4,6

II.-" WHO ARE ISRAELITES?"  WHO ARE THE TRUE ISRAELITES? 9:4

Rom 9:6- "For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: " A True Israelite has:

A.- "TO WHOM PERTAINETH THE ADOPTION" Deut 14:1,2 "Ye are the children of the Lord-chosen

1. I am a Son of God- John 1:12, and Rom 8:15-16 tells me plainly how I am called & can know.

B.- "AND THE GLORY" The Shekinah of Glory of old Israel helped them know that they were Jews.

1. I have a glory in my heart- The presence of God immediately present- Horns of altar in hand!

 C.- "AND THE COVENANTS" The Old- Exo 19:5, and the new- Heb 8:8-10 - & tithing covenant

1. A covenant is an agreement given by God- we made an agreement Feb 8, 1944- And God is still honoring it

D.- "AND THE GIVING OF THE LAW" - This involves the instruction, it was a light to their path.

1. We can have a new law, written in our hearts, and by grace lifted above- fulfilling the law

E.- "AND THE SERVICE OF GOD" This means the Ordinances of God - Was the Temple -Sacrifices

1. We have two- Baptism & Communion. I have both- (McIntire added Prayer, & Bible Reading) - 4 Sacraments

F.- "AND THE PROMISES" Abraham had promise of an earthly land- Israel

1. But I am joint Heir with Christ- an inheritance undefiled- Spiritual wealth now & forever

If an Israelite has these things- then I am one- because Christ has given me them all!

III.- "CHILDREN OF THE FLESH ARE NOT OF GOD" 9:8

Do not allow yourself to be fooled by man's view of what constitutes a Son of God

A.- SOME JEWS ARE NOT ISRAELITES AND SOME CHILDREN OF ABRAHAM ARE NOT EVEN JEWS-9:6

1. Some of Paul's brethren according to the flesh- found Christ as Savior -some had not
2. Some were Pharisees- as mean as their father the devil could make them- & Christ called them
3. Some are today the Arabs- Abraham's seed by flesh cursed and cursing Jew & Christian alike

B.- SOME OF CHRISTENDOM ARE NOT CHRISTIANS, AND SOME DO NOT EVEN ACT THAT WAY

1. Some like Demas of I Tim 4:10- love the world too much, and so walk away from the Lord
2. Some- go out from us because they are not of us- I John 2:19 -Drop-outs never joined in heart
3. Some- Jude 4 says are in the church as Satan's man to do the devil's work- Pike, Blake, others

C.- HOW CAN YOU BE SURE THAT YOU ARE CHILDREN OF THE PROMISE, AND NOT JUST FOOLING YOURSELF?

1. Abraham believed God- and it was counted unto him for righteousness- 4:3 Do you?
2. He walked with God, and showed that he would follow God- slowly, but he made it!
3. Abraham obeyed God- Circumcision, leaving Ur of Chaldees, and God blessed him for it.

Check up on yourself- do you have the evidence of being a child of God?

AT THE FIRST OF A NEW YEAR IS A GOOD TIME TO START OUT DOING THINGS RIGHT-

1. If you lack salvation, adoption, in Jesus Christ- Come and let a counselor introduce you to Christ.
2. If your evidence of a work of Grace in your heart is dim, refresh self in Christ!  Get on the ball - get back to the Lord - declare it!
3. A little practical step of faith- doing what needs to be done will make a big difference

Confess Christ publicly- be Baptized- Be a Church Member!