ALL THINGS TO ALL MEN

Passage: 1Corinthians 9:15~23  

Key verse: 22b


1. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel (15-18)

Paul was compelled to preach the gospel because of God's grace in his own life. He offered the gospel free of charge. He did not expect any reward. He could give up his human rights, but he could not give up sharing the gospel of life with a sinsick world. Sometimes he shared God's word because he wanted to; at other times, he was tired or sick and just didn't feel like teaching the Bible. But he did it anyway--to discharge his duty before God.

2. To save some by all possible means (19-23)

Paul's point in teaching God's word was clear: he wanted people to come to Christ and be saved. For this purpose he denied himself and took the cross of mission. He gave up his own Jewish culture, denied his own feelings, and even went against his Jewish conscience in order to reach those for whom Christ died. He became all things to all men for the sake of the gospel, that he might share in its blessings.


Prayer: Lord, help me to teach your word faithfully so that people may be saved.

One Word: By all possible means save some