Acts 16
In Acts 16, we learn that Timothy’s mom was a Jewish believer and his dad was a Greek. Timothy is circumcised before he goes with Paul. I wondered about that, since the previous chapter was pretty clear on those requirements. My study Bible and BibleRef state that Paul believed Timothy would play a major role in the early church. Timothy being circumcised wasn’t for his salvation. It was a tactical decision. Legalistic Jewish Christians wouldn’t find fault with him. It wouldn’t be a stumbling block or a distraction to witnessing to Jews. This makes me think about our strategy and tactics, and how they should align with God’s.
Strategy is defined as “a careful plan or method for achieving a particular goal usually over a long period of time”.
God’s strategy, the careful, perfect plan for each of us, Romans 8:29: “For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son…”
Tactic is defined as “a device for accomplishing an end.”
God uses all sorts of tactics to help us become more like Jesus. People, places, things, trials, and joys all play their part. We also have to be mindful of the tactics we use. Our tactics should include prayer, Bible study, church attendance, and small-group involvement. Christ said we needed to be shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves. The enemy is always lurking, and his plan is our destruction.
‘Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. ‘
We need to continually pray for discernment, wisdom, and the Holy Spirit’s expert guidance. God is the Potter, we are the clay, and if we submit to the Lordship of Christ, he will mold us; this is his internal strategy for our eternal life.