All Things to All Men to Win All
Flex Your Approach, Never Your Convictions
SCRIPTURE:
1 Corinthians 9:22-23 NKJV - …I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. Now this I do for the gospel's sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.
OBSERVATION:
1 Corinthians 9:22-23 NKJV - …I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. Now this I do for the gospel's sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.
OBSERVATION:
In the context of chapter eight, Paul addresses the issue of “rights” based on “knowledge.” He addresses the right to eat meat sacrificed to idols. Paul asks them to let go of their “right” to eat meat sacrificed to idols, even as he has let go of his own rights as an apostle. – David Guzik
Paul’s heart and passion were to see people saved, both Jews and Gentiles. He was willing to do whatever it took to make this happen. This was not Paul’s license to sin but a means to win people to Christ. He would do this by changing not his doctrine but his behavior and manner of approach.
The question we need to answer is, “How do we become all things to all men without compromising?”
The question we need to answer is, “How do we become all things to all men without compromising?”
Paul sought to win people to Jesus Christ by being sensitive to their needs and identifying with them. We should try to reach people where they are today and expect to see changes later. – Chuck Smith
Let those who plead for the system of accommodation on the example of St. Paul, attend to the end he had in view, and the manner in which he pursued that end. It was not to get money, influence, or honor, but to save SOULS! It was not to get ease but to increase his labors. It was not to save his life, but rather that it should be a sacrifice for the good of immortal souls! – Adam Clarke
Let those who plead for the system of accommodation on the example of St. Paul, attend to the end he had in view, and the manner in which he pursued that end. It was not to get money, influence, or honor, but to save SOULS! It was not to get ease but to increase his labors. It was not to save his life, but rather that it should be a sacrifice for the good of immortal souls! – Adam Clarke
APPLICATION:
Paul gives us three things to be ALL things: Doctrine, Behavior, and Approach.
The doctrine of Holiness and Sanctification is of utmost importance. We have been set apart for holiness. We are to be different, yet we remain part of this world.
What behaviors do we need to change to win ALL to Christ? Maybe it’s an attitude or an action that turns people away from Christ instead of toward Him. This can be either a positive or a negative behavior.
Maybe we need to change our approach. There is time to share in the coming judgment and time to share in the unfailing love of Christ. Both have their place and purpose. The point is to know your audience. Remember, salvation has come to ALL! Jesus did not come to condemn the world but to save it (John 3:17).
Let us be… “all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. Now this I do for the gospel's sake” (Apostle Paul).
PRAYER:
Jesus, whatever needs to be changed in my behavior and approach to win others to Christ, change me! May I never compromise my doctrine (beliefs) to compromise the message of HOPE! May I be all things to all men to win all to You! It’s all about You, not about me.
Paul gives us three things to be ALL things: Doctrine, Behavior, and Approach.
The doctrine of Holiness and Sanctification is of utmost importance. We have been set apart for holiness. We are to be different, yet we remain part of this world.
What behaviors do we need to change to win ALL to Christ? Maybe it’s an attitude or an action that turns people away from Christ instead of toward Him. This can be either a positive or a negative behavior.
Maybe we need to change our approach. There is time to share in the coming judgment and time to share in the unfailing love of Christ. Both have their place and purpose. The point is to know your audience. Remember, salvation has come to ALL! Jesus did not come to condemn the world but to save it (John 3:17).
Let us be… “all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. Now this I do for the gospel's sake” (Apostle Paul).
PRAYER:
Jesus, whatever needs to be changed in my behavior and approach to win others to Christ, change me! May I never compromise my doctrine (beliefs) to compromise the message of HOPE! May I be all things to all men to win all to You! It’s all about You, not about me.
Reaching people for Christ requires us to change how we engage without ever changing what we believe.
Posted in 07 - 1 Corinthians
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