"All Things to All People"

THIS WEEK’S FOCUSED SCRIPTURE

1 Corinthians 9:19-24 NLT - “Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ. When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law. When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ. When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings. Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!”‍

THOUGHTS FROM LAURA‍

1 Corinthians is Paul’s first letter to the church in Corinth. Paul came there as a missionary and a whole bunch of people became followers of Jesus. I feel like the apostle Paul was one of the greatest heroes of the Christian Faith. Paul was a well-known effective preacher, church planter, disciple maker, tentmaker, tireless worker, and much more.  

Paul says he became a slave to all people to bring many to Christ. In summary, he became all things to all men, that he might by all means save some. In doing this, he didn't compromise the gospel. That's what we are called to do. Do you speak the language of unchurched or lost people? The Bible calls us to be all things to all people. Paul understood, in order for people to hear the gospel, he had to be able to relate to the people he ministered to.

How do we do this in our everyday lives? We need to find common ground with non-believers in order to share the Good News. Seek out opportunities with the lost people in your life -- coworkers, neighbors, friends, and family members and go deeper in relationship with them. Live your daily life in such a way that you may win their respect. Once you have won that respect, we, like Paul, will have an opportunity to preach the gospel in actions and in words. Learn to think about every area of life through the lens of the gospel. We need to be able to speak the language of the world/the lost, without deviating from God’s principles. That’s a fine line to walk!!

So let’s run the race like Paul did, in such a way to get the prize. So run to win!