1. God's name blasphemed among Gentiles (17-24)

One who knows the Bible--Jew or nominal Christian--must seek to obey it, and not live a double life. Just knowing the Bible does not save anyone--we must humbly obey God's word. When we teach, we must teach ourselves first. Bible teachers who do not teach themselves are a hindrance to the proclamation of the gospel to the world. In these verses Paul shows that religious people are the worst sinners of all.

2. Circumcise the heart (25-29)

Circumcision was a ritual performed on male Jewish babies which confirmed them as God's covenant people. But through the years, it had become just a ritual. Moses and Jeremiah both were aware of this problem; they both talked about circumcision of the heart. Circumcision of the heart is repentance; it is loving God (Dt 30:6; Jer 4:4). When we repent, the Holy Spirit circumcises our hearts. Then we can live before God, not before men.

Application: Lord, circumcise my heart that I may love you and live by your word.
One Word: Practice what you preach