Become Like the Weak to Share The Gospel with Them
Scripture Passage: 1 Corinthians 9:15-23 (NASB)
15 But I have used none of these things. And I am not writing these things so that it will be done so in my case; for it would be better for me to die than have any man make my boast an empty one. 16 For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel. 17 For if I do this voluntarily, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have a stewardship entrusted to me. 18 What then is my reward? That, when I preach the gospel, I may offer the gospel without charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.
19 For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more. 20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might win Jews; to those who are under the Law, as under the Law though not being myself under the Law, so that I might win those who are under the Law; 21 to those who are without law, as without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, so that I might win those who are without law. 22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some. 23 I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it.
SUMMARY
Paul tells the Corinthian Church that he doesn’t preach just to boast about the rights he has as an apostle. He is compelled to preach the gospel because of what Jesus had done. He also writes that though he is free and is not bound to any man, he chooses to be bound for the sake of spreading the gospel and sharing its blessing.
MEDITATION & REFLECTION
“I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some. I do all things for the sake of the gospel so that I may become a fellow partaker of it.” (Verse 22-23)
Though Paul has all the rights, authorities and freedom of an apostle, he chooses to forsake those rights so that he can reach out to all people from every background, empathize and share the gospel with them. The humility of Paul also reminds me of Jesus, the Son of God, coming down to earth to become one of us to reach out to us, love us and save us. And this is the ultimate form of love that Jesus wants us to cultivate, practice and emulate. Paul’s words motivated me to examine and evaluate my own life - whether I am loving, serving and reaching out both to the non-believers and fellow believers. And I had to repent once again at how self-centered I am…only doing things at my own convenience, unwilling to go the extra mile for others, and so often focused on practicing my own rights, authorities and freedom at home, at work and even at church.
APPLICATION
I am a bit embarrassed to share this - but I need to be more understanding of my seven-year-old son. I became so upset at him last week for not sitting still, not paying attention and goofing around during school hours. I felt personally disrespected and even offended because I have repeatedly told him to stay focused in class, even though it’s remote learning. But I realize now that it must be really tough for a 7-year-old to be cooped up in the house all day, not being able to play with friends or go to school, and having to sit in front of the computer screen for almost 6 hours as he tries to learn remotely. It is difficult and frustrating for us as adults to do everything at home virtually. It must be that much harder for our children. I want to pray for him before school starts in the morning, and try to empathize and understand him from his perspective, instead of insisting on my rights and authorities as a parent.
PRAYER
Dear Lord,
You came into our world and became one of us. You chose to become weak by going to the cross for our sake. Though you were a king, you became a servant to show us your perfect love. Thank you for setting a perfect example that we may be a witness of your love.
Heavenly Father, we confess that we can do nothing apart from you. We love because you first loved us. Surround us continually with your unceasing love so we can truly practice and imitate such love to those around us for the sake of the gospel… even if it means experiencing inconvenience or discomfort. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Please share your personal meditations on this Scripture passage with the HolyWave community in the comments section below. (We reserve the right to moderate comments.)