<p>2:28&nbsp;<i>For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, neither is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh</i><i>- </i>This&nbsp;was a radical, hard hitting statement. And coming from a Hebrew of the Hebrews like Saul of Tarsus, it really was stinging. Self-identity in the Mediterranean world of the first century was all tied up with who one was externally. The new identity in Christ challenges our self-perceptions to the absolute core. <br />Rom. 2:28 explicitly states the principle of our real spiritual self being hidden, by saying that the true believer will &quot;inwardly&quot; (same word translated &quot;hidden&quot; in 1 Pet. 3:4) circumcise his heart. The works of the flesh are &quot;manifest&quot;, but by inference those of the Spirit are hidden (Gal. 5:18,19). Mt. 6:4,6,18 gives triple emphasis to the fact that God sees in secret. He alone truly and fully appreciates our spiritual self. This is sure comfort on the many occasions where our spirituality is misunderstood, both in the world and in the ecclesia. Yet it also provides an endless challenge; moment by moment, our true spiritual being is known by the Almighty, &quot;Thou whose eyes in darkness see, and try the heart of man&quot;. The spiritual man which God now knows (&quot;sees&quot;) and relates to, will be what He sees at the day of judgment. God dwells in &quot;secret&quot;, i.e. in the hidden place, as well as seeing in &quot;secret&quot;. God is a God who hides Himself (Is. 57:17) due to human sinfulness. If we fail to see the spiritual man in our brethren, this must be due to a lack of real spiritual vision in us. It is human sin which is somehow getting in the way.</p>