1 Corinthians 9
June 27, 2022
“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 people so that by all possible means I might save some.” (v20-22)
Paul here is giving us a glimpse of his missionary strategy, specifically his willingness to adapt his own cultural preferences to the cultural preferences of the people he’s trying to reach. In other words, when Paul is trying to reach the Jews, he’s going to serve up a kosher meal and talk about the goodness of God’s Law – as a way of building a bridge with his fellow Jews. When he’s trying to reach Gentiles, he’s going to make sure there’s plenty of bacon on hand. When he’s trying to reach the weak, he’s going to abstain from meat and be a vegetarian. Paul is willing to adapt his cultural preferences to the cultural preferences of whoever he’s trying to reach – “becoming all things to all people” (v22) that he might win some of them to Christ.
Father, I praise You for Your missionary heart, reflected here in the Apostle Paul’s willingness to set aside his rights for the sake of reaching people for Christ. Lord, You were the One who modeled this for us (Phil 2:5-8). And yet, I confess how often I think more about myself than I do about those who don’t yet know You. Help me to be more like Paul, who set aside his rights for the sake of reaching people for You. May I be so grateful for the gospel and the way You set aside Your Divine rights for the sake of reaching us – that I’m willing to set aside my rights for the sake of reaching others.
— Pastor Joshua Brooks
Use the following steps to guide your daily time with the Lord…
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Start with prayer. Ask God to open your heart to help you understand and receive His Word.
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Read and observe the passage carefully. As needed, read a second Bible version to help with understanding.
➡️ What does it say?
What does this passage teach me about God? What does it say about my sinful nature and my need for God’s grace? How does this passage point to Jesus?
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➡️ What am I going to do about it?
Does this passage include a promise to claim, an action/attitude to avoid/embrace, or a principle to apply? How can this truth apply to my life? What could my next step be? How can I share this with others? Is there a verse or section of Scripture I need to memorize?
