Becoming All Things To Win Some

Those who are Weak

22a 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.

The final example that Paul gave was of himself accommodating a group of people to win them to Christ were the weak. While Paul’s reference to the weak could have related to Jews and Gentiles that were in a state of unbelief, weakness as a motif in his letter often referred to those who were weak in conscience, therefore most of the Corinthian congregation (1 Corinthians 1:26-31). Unlike the Jews and Gentiles of the first two groups, the weak were Christians whom Paul was trying to keep them from slipping. For example, lets look at Paul’s approach to the weak in chapter eight of this letter. How were the strong to react to weak Christians who believed eating meat offered to idols meant committing idolatry? His answer was to forebear with their foolishness for a while and when they were ready with gentleness, humility and respect help enrich their theology so that they become more mature in the faith. When Paul was near the weak of conscience he did nothing to cause them harm even though he knew full well that their self-imposed restrictions could not be validated with Scripture.

Preaching for the Sake of the Gospel Message

22b 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.

The reason that Paul chose to become all things to the Jews, Gentiles and those who are weak was to spread the Gospel message. While Paul’s overall motivation was to run the race to win the prize (1 Corinthians 9:24), “share in the blessings” was a reference to his desire to be a participant or partner in preaching of the Gospel. While preaching was entrusted to Paul (1 Corinthians 9:17, 4:1; Galatians 2:7), it was not put under his control. While some would plant seed and others water them, as a co-worker in God’s kingdom Paul knew that it was God alone who makes the plant grow (1 Corinthians 3:5-9). While beautiful are the feet that preach the Good News (Romans 10:15), the wind of the Spirit moves in mysterious (John 3:8). Paul’s heart breathed after the salvation of others and as such he was willing to give up his rights and freedom to become a slave of all so that he see some come to know Christ.

PREACHING TO THE LOST OF TODAY’S SOCIETY

The postmodern culture in which we live consists of groups of people with varied ethnic, political, socio-economic and religious backgrounds. Due to immigration of people to North America from all over the world, one can expect to meet people within one’s own country of whom have varied cultural nuances. For example, laughing while showing your teeth or tipping a person from Japan can be viewed as rude or insulting. Being a few minutes late to meet someone from Germany is unacceptable because it sends them the message that your time is more valuable than theirs. Having your hands in your pockets when meeting someone from Turkey or South Korea is considered a sign of arrogance. Immediately opening a present from a person from India or China is often construed as an act of greed. Asking for salt or pepper at a meal might offend someone from France, Italy, Spain or Japan because it sends the message that the food is terrible. Polishing off one’s meal when visiting someone from China, Philippians, Thailand or Russia sends the message that the portion of food given was inadequate and one is still hungry. Blowing you nose while in the presence of someone from China, France, Japan, Saudi Arabia or Turkey would not only be considered rude but also repulsive.