Theme: As sent ones, disciples intentionally immerse themselves in a relationship with others to…
... introduce them to the God of love and grace we know.
Your Biblical Identity in Christ
1 Corinthians 9:16-23
I have become all things to all people 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.
~ Apostle Paul
1 Corinthians 9:22
16 For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! 17 If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me. 18 What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not make full use of my rights as a preacher of the gospel.
Paul’s Use of His Freedom
19 Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 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. 21 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. 22 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. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.
Pondering Point
Not everyone has come into contact with the love and grace of God that we know in Jesus. But we want them to experience this. So, as disciples of Jesus, we look to immerse ourselves in relationship with others to introduce them to such love.
We are not attempting to manipulate our relationships; far from it. Rather we are hoping to let others see and experience the joy and peace that come with a vibrant relationship with God the Father through God the Son (you are enjoying such a relationship I hope). We want the fruits of Jesus’ labor (forgiveness, grace, salvation, life in God) to enter the lives of as many people as possible.
This is the Apostle Paul’s goal, doing whatever was necessary, becoming whatever was necessary, so as to reach as many people as humanly possible with godly inspiration.
• By grace and calling, I am an ambassador for Christ, sharing the gospel that has breathed life into every fiber of my being.
Prayer
Father God, teach me to live for the sake of the gospel. Teach me how to live, who to live among, where to let my light shine. Lord Jesus, in Your name I pray this. Amen.
Proverb for the Week
Proverbs 9:8
Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you;
rebuke the wise and they will love you.
Try to memorize this proverb. There might be a quiz this week. Okay, there will be a quiz this week!