THE UNFINISHED TASK – LOVING THE LOST
I CORINTHIANS 9:22
INTRODUCTION: This was the 1999 theme for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for Foreign Missions. The major headings of the outline were taken from the IMB.
There was no greater example, outside of Christ, of one who sought and loved the lost anymore than Paul. He gave himself to the work of the kingdom. Notice what Paul says.
I. A Principle to Be Practiced
“All things”. We are free yet we have an obligation. Paul made a decision to forego certain personal preferences in order to relate to a variety of people. Paul could:
A. Journey with the Jews (v.20): He was one. Once he was bound by legalism. Although he didn’t compromise convictions, he identified with them so he could help win them. He kept opened the lines of communication with them.
B. Live with the Legalists (v.20): He observed their law. He voluntarily put himself under their obligations to minister to them.
C. Relate to the Rebels (v.21): “Gentiles”. Paul became one of them. Paul never participated in immoral activities. Neither did he have a condemning, holier-than thou attitude. That only drives people away.
D. Walk with the Weak (v.22): “Spiritual immature”. He would not eat meat offered to idols.
II. A People to be Pursued
“All men”. Paul knew he could not win all people. He knew he could win some. He crossed boundaries of prejudice, race and religion to win as many as he could. All of us can make a difference!
III. A Price to be Paid
“All means”
A. Run to Win (v.24)
B. Train Hard (v.25): Self-control. Discipline. “Competes” = to agonize.
C. Break the Tape: Aim for the target. Exert enormous effort so as not to be disqualified by poor training or poor effort. Don’t be fruitless in the race. “Disqualified” = not loss of salvation, but loss of testimony, opportunity and witness.
CONCLUSION: That’s “All”!
