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“"Compelled to Comply?"”

Thoughts for Today:

In Acts 16:3, a similar situation had arisen related to the circumcision of another of Paul's protégés Timothy: "Paul wanted to take him along on the journey, so he circumcised him because of the Jews who lived in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek." What was the difference? In one case, Paul volunteered to circumcise Timothy, yet in Titus' situation he resisted. It comes down to one word in our passage today: "compelled". It is entirely possible that Paul would have encouraged Titus to submit to circumcision -- except for one thing -- other people were demanding his compliance.

We know Paul had a history of doing whatever was necessary to win people to Christ. (1 Corinthians 9:20-21: "To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law.") So if Titus had voluntarily chosen to be circumcised in order to not offend the Jews, Paul would have supported his decision. However, Titus had chosen not to be circumcised, and when the Jews made an issue of it, Paul sided with Titus. Why? Because of the Gospel. As we will soon see, Paul would never force (nor compel) anyone to observe religious traditions -- especially for the wrong reasons. In this case, it would also have sent an incorrect and error-filled message.

Questions to Ponder:

We should never exercise our freedom in Christ in a way that offends the religious traditions of others. However, compliance to religious traditions cannot be substituted for a personal relationship with Jesus as Lord and Savior. Nor can those traditions be added to the Gospel of Grace. Is there any practice you have added to the gift of grace? Any requirements you must fulfill?

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About the author

Pocket Devotions are written by Mike Brooks. A retired businessman, he is Moderator of South Shores church, leads the Deacon Board, serves on the finance committee, and he teaches a Men's Bible study and the Men's Ministry. Mike has a passion for evangelical missions. He is the husband of Sherry; the father of Ryan, Natalie, Krissy, Rebecca, and Amanda; the father-in-law of Ariel; and the grandfather of Conner and Christian.