1 Corinthians 9:19-23 Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 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. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.
Although we looked at verse 19 last week, we included it with this week's passage because of its close connection with the rest of the verses we are considering today. Even though Paul knows he is a free man in Christ, belonging to no master on this earth, he willingly makes himself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To reach a person with the "Good News" that Christ has come to save sinners, Paul identifies with people completely, taking on their situations in life, their understanding of the world, their outlook on God. Paul is willing to lose himself completely that he might fully empathize with another person and bring that individual to salvation. He begins by saying: To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. And he follows this by saying he came to those under the law in the same manner. Paul undoubtedly would find the Jewish identity and understanding of those under the law two of the easiest circumstances to appreciate because as he said to the church in Philippi: If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless. (Philippians 3:4-6) With such a background, Paul easily could preach salvation to the Jews and to those bound by the law. His awareness and remembrances of his life as a Pharisee outside of Christ would give his actions authenticity with those he tried to convert to the Lord. Of course, full of God's loving kindness and the Holy Spirit, Paul would have been able to come to the weak and the weary with grace and mercy, for their needs would have touched him. Also, he knew he served a loving Savior who wept over Jerusalem and who said, Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)
Paul could have named many groups of people that he ministered to during his life. Certainly, he could have included the broad category of the Gentiles, the main people Paul was called to evangelize. God made this calling clear when He saved Paul. When Ananias did not want to go pray for Saul (Paul), the Lord said to him, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” (Acts 9:15-16) But Paul did not have to explain this part of his ministry to the Corinthian church. They were the recipients of the gospel through Paul; they understood his ability to become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. They experienced the love and correction of a spiritual father through Paul, even in this letter. In his introduction to the people, we read Paul's commendation of their faith and his mention of imparting his testimony to them: I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way — in all your speaking and in all your knowledge — because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you. (1 Corinthians 1:4-6) Yet the same teacher in Christ who praises them quickly turns to pointing out that he has heard of problems in the church: My brothers, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. (1 Corinthians 1:11) Paul deals with this issue and others in his message of encouragement and discipline. As a loving father, he did not ignore the dysfunctions in the church but brought them to the light, believing God for the answers. Paul planted a number of churches in the Gentile world, and he kept in touch with them through letters and by sending representatives to bring them his words of faith. In all of his letters, we find the same combination. First he praises the church for following Jesus, for taking up the cross and dying to the flesh. Then we see the strong words, pointing the church to a life led by the Spirit on the path prepared by the Lord, avoiding all worldly pursuits.
Paul writes that he works with people for the sake of the gospel, that (he) may share in its blessings. Truly, Paul understands that no price is too great for the gospel to go forth. He also knows when people are added to the kingdom, heaven and Earth rejoice. Paul enjoys the blessings of knowing Christ and seeing the family of God grow. He experiences joy and satisfaction, knowing he follows his Lord's leading. Of course, his pathway is not smooth. We read of his many trials, yet his joy remains: But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me. (Philippians 2:17-18) Paul does not find his peace in the suffering he experiences but in the relationship he has established with his Savior and Lord. Part of the blessing of sharing the gospel message is knowing Christ and knowing He is guiding your life. We once had a good friend who taught school as Dad did. This friend attended church regularly but struggled with his faith, knowing he did not have a real personal relationship with God. Dad and he played tennis together. And we met with him and his wife in Bible studies. We openly challenged him to look at the Bible to see who Jesus really was and to consider the Holy Spirit and the impact He could make in his life. Our friend was hungry and confused but not ready to make a decision for Christ. His analytical mind kept him from a leap of faith. One day we received a phone call from our friend. He wanted us to know he was born again. While attending a class at Whitworth University, he was sitting on a bench, feeling very low, and a young woman approached him and shared her faith with him. She told him she would go to her dorm and pray for him, and he should pray as well for salvation. He did as she said, and he met the Lord in a powerful way. He called us as soon as he came home because he said we were the only people he knew for sure were saved. He also thanked us for praying for him for a number of years, but he added that when he met with us, he either did not understand what we were talking about or he totally disagreed. That comment made us really laugh. All those good words we said, and that was his response. But God did the work anyway, and our friend knew who we were and wanted what we had. Find someone in your life and share the gospel message with them. They may not understand you or embrace you, but the Holy Spirit is still powerful to save!
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