Becoming all things to all People
I Corinthians 9:19-23
Introduction: (v. 19, 22b)
I. We don’t have to do anything.
A. Once you become a Christian, no one can tell you
that you need to follow some “do’s and don’ts”
to get to heaven.
B. Works salvation vs. Grace salvation.
II. But, we need to give everything. Why?
A. We belong to God. (v. 21b)
B. “To win as many as possible.” (v. 19b)
1. “To win” = Direct them into a relationship
with Jesus.
2. Paul wanted to share want he had with everyone.
3. Illus.: Cure for cancer.
a. If you knew the cure for cancer, wouldn’t
you want to share it?
b. “I don’t have to give it to anyone.”
Body:
I. Don’t forget where you came from. (v. 20a)
A. This was easy! Paul was a Jew!
1. However, he left that lifestyle when he began
following Jesus.
2. He gave up on the lifestyle, but he didn’t
give up on the people.
B. Illus.: Alcoholism:
1. Man leaves the alcoholic lifestyle,
2. But doesn’t forget about his “drinking
buddies.”
C. Remembering your "past" gives you a compassion
for those struggling with your "old struggles."
II.Be flexible in the things you do. (v. 20b)
A.“Under the Law” = Earning salvation through
religion.
1.(Acts 21:20-26) Paul went back to his buddies.
They started telling him what he “had” to do.
a. Do the rituals, eat the right foods, say the
right things, etc.
2. What was Paul thinking? I don’t have to do
that anymore. I’m free from that. You can’t
tell me what to do.
3. What did Paul say? I’ll do it.
a. Why? To put him in a position to have an
effect on those peoples lives and ultimately
tell them about Jesus.
B. Illus.: Removing your shoes in a Chinese home.
C. Some people will try to tell you what to do.
III. Remember those who have been rejected. (v. 21)
A. “To those not having the law. . .” =Gentiles
B. Significance: Paul was brought up, “under the
law”
1. And was taught to reject everything else.
2. Including the people. Jews hated Gentiles!
C. Illus.: Jesus and Levi (Don’t turn: Mark 2:14-17)
1. Tax collector was one of the biggest rejects
at this time.
a. He took their money.
b. Gave it to the Roman government.
c. Looked at as being a traitor.
2. Jesus reached out to him.
IV.Bring Jesus to where they are. (v. 22a)
A. To the weak, Paul became weak.
1. What does it mean to become weak?
a. Illus. : Good Samaritan.
b. He brought himself down to the injured mans
level.
2. It means to meet the person where they are in
life.
B. Illus.: Injured Korean soldier. Capt. Drops his
gun, kneels down and extends his hands to him.
