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Make That Change
Richard WaialealeActs 16:3 (NLT)
3 so Paul wanted him to join them on their journey. In deference to the Jews of the area, he arranged for Timothy to be circumcised before they left, for everyone knew that his father was a Greek.
Paul seems to contradict himself by circumcising Timothy after recently arguing that it was not necessary to be circumcised for a believer. The situations, however, were different. In Galatians (2) the issue was the method of justification; here it was a question of not giving offense. The Jerusalem Council, had determined circumcision was not necessary for salvation (Acts 15:10-11, 19). In Acts 16 Paul acted as he did for the sake of the ministry; it was a wise move.
There will be times for the sake of ministry, or maybe to not cause someone to stumble, a simple sacrifice must be made.
There will be times in ministry that losing my selfish pride, or giving up a little, and sacrificing something of myself will help advance the Gospel of Jesus. Whether it be eating of certain types of food, or something kind of clothing, or the way preach my message, or even making a change from Manoa (Multi-Site Pastor) to Sand Island (Small Groups leader). Like Paul, just a little sacrifice and adjustment can make a huge difference in saving lives and winning souls to Jesus. Humble myself and make the change.
Lord I pray that You help me to see beyond my self and recognize the lives that can be won to Jesus. If there’s anything I can do within reason to advance the Gospel, then I want to serve You in the best way, in any capacity to win souls to Jesus. Amen.
