1 Corinthians 9:19-23
Growing the Family of God
Sunday Morning, August 22, 2021
Scripture: “But I have made no use of any of these rights, nor am I writing these things to secure any such provision. For I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of my ground for boasting. 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. What then is my 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.
For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. 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. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings” (1 Co 9:15–23).
Main Point: We must make a commitment and do everything we can to share the good news of Jesus Christ with all people, but especially to the next generations.
I. Put personal desires and preferences aside, “Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring man to Christ” (9:19).
II. Go to them because they are not coming to you, “When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew” (9:20).
III. Culturally adapt to other people, “When I was with those who follow the Jewish Law, I too lived under that law…. When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish Law, I too lived apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ” (9:20).
IV. Pray to God before you talk to people, “But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ” (9:21).
V. Appeal to their hearts as well as their heads, “When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ” (9:22).
· Find common ground
· Avoided a preachy or condescending attitude
· Express sincere concern and acceptance
· Take time to earn trust
· Be sensitive to their immediate felt needs
VI. Answer the important questions people are asking, “Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some” (9:22).
VII. Offer them a relationship, not a religion, “I do everything to spread the Goods News and share in its blessings” (9:23).
Challenge: Commit to lead one person to Christ and then help that person or become a member of Lockhart’s Church family.
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