Romans 2:17-29  Paul writes of what the Jewish teachers were trusting in and boasting of.. 

They relied on the Law.. they claimed to know God's will.  They approved "the things that are essential." They were confident that they were a "guide to the blind..a light in darkness."  They corrected the foolish. They taught the immature... " a teacher .. having in the Law the embodiment of knowledge and truth." (v17-20)

But.. they did not live what they taught.  "You who preach that one should not steal, do you steal? You who say that one should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery?" Their sin was worse.. "You who boast in the Law, through your breaking the Law, do you dishonor God?"  In fact, Paul says, their transgression of the Law that they taught would make their circumcision to become "uncircumcision." What they boasted of.. would become worthless because of their failure to live up to their own teaching. 

On the other hand, Paul writes, the man who is uncircumcised yet keeps the Law.. would be considered "circumcised".  It would be a "circumcision.. which is of the heart, by the Spirit not by the letter; and his praise not from men, but from God."  Not an outward sign in the flesh declaring one's religion.. but an inward change in the heart.. revealing a life set apart for the Lord. 

Over and over Jesus pointed out to the Jews of His time that they were only living an outward show of honoring God.. "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness."  Their hearts were full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. 

Father, help us to live fully surrendered.. full of Your Spirit.. doing Your will.. persevering in faith by the power of Your love and grace. We do not want to be hypocrites.. blind and dark in our own understanding. Shine Your light into our hearts and help us Father, to be covered by the righteousness that is in Christ our Savior.. living for You through every circumstance.  We ask this in His wonderful Name. Amen.