Twin City church of Christ Blog
“Apr 19, 2024 - All Things to All People”
Categories: 2024 Reading DevotionalsAll Things to All People
Reading: 1 Corinthians 9:15-23
Paul’s willingness to forgo pay for his preaching not only shows that we can give up rights, but also that we can do so without being forced to. He discusses here a “ground for boasting”(v. 15, 16), meaning a special gift or service he offers God beyond what is required. “For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward, but if not of my own will, I am still entrusted with a stewardship”(1 Cor 9:16-17). Paul has been divinely called to preach and feels little choice in this; it is a stewardship he has been given. So what can he offer God? What can he boast in? How can he pursue a voluntary reward? “That in my preaching I may present the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel”(1 Cor 9:18).
But this is part of Paul’s whole worldview, not an isolated case. “For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them”(1 Cor 9:19). Do not pass by the staggering implications of “I have made myself a servant to all.” Paul has freedom that he gives up so that he can serve people and reach them with the gospel. To Jews, he emphasizes his Jewish roots, knowledge of the Law, and genealogical credentials. To Gentiles, he reasons with them, speaks their language, and quotes their poets. “To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some”(1 Cor 9:22). Paul becomes a social chameleon, finding common ground with all people, so that he can win people to Jesus.
Americans are told to be “true to ourselves” and constantly express ourselves. When our opinions and approaches are offensive, we believe that is other people’s problem. Paul, transformed by the Spirit of Christ, willingly gives up his right to self-expression so that he can most effectively reach people. This way of others-focused, self-minimizing service is the way of Christ.
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One Thing to Think About: Am I all things to all men?
One Thing to Pray For: A passion for winning lost souls to Jesus
