1 Corinthians – Chapter 9

For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. 1 Corinthians 9:19 – Paul in this chapter is seeking to teach the Corinthian church of his rights as an apostle and preacher of God’s word. He had rights to be treated as an apostle and he had rights to be supported as a minister of God’s word, yet Paul was making it clear he was often forgoing many of his rights so that the work of the Gospel could continue unhindered. Our verse above is an expression of how Paul willingly sacrificed to spread the Gospel, he made himself “a servant to all.” To those under the law he became like them, and to those outside the law he became like them. Some though when they read this passage see it allowing us to sin so we can better connect with sinners to share the Gospel with them. Know that’s not what Paul is saying here. Yes, Paul changed his approach with different people, but he remained holy throughout it. Think of it this way, I was at youth camp last week. During the week I was goofing off with kids, going hard at camp games, and jumping around to camp songs. Why? To connect better with the kids there so hopes of gospel conversations may happen more easily. Yet that approach wouldn’t work with the senior adults at our church, I’d need to change my approach to connect with them to foster better gospel conversations with them. This is what Paul was doing. He knew he was free to partake it Jewish traditions and free to not, so if doing them or not doing them led to better gospel conversations, he’d do whichever one brought more success. See then the different types of people around you and be willing to use your freedoms in Christ to connect with them. Not sinning, but knowing in Christ you can be around all people, talk with all people, and it’s not wrong for you to be in those spaces sharing the gospel there. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 3116

For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. (v.19) Meekness in scripture has often been misunderstood from what God wanted us to see it as. We read it a weakness and submissiveness. Where those who are meek are those who have no power and cannot stand up for themselves. Yet this is not the image of meekness that I believe God is calling His followers to. We are called to be meek. So does that mean we are to be weak and submissive to everyone around us? Not at all, but I see this passage in 1 Corinthians 9 illustrating for us clearly the meekness that God is wanting His followers to hold. Where we who have all the power and freedom in the world due to our relationship with Christ, actually hold it back to be servants to those around us who don’t have the same power and freedom we have. For what purpose? That we might invite them into a relationship with the same Lord we have. Meekness in not about weakness, it’s about being willing to hold back the power that you do possess to be able come to a level that gives you an opportunity to share with someone about the love of Jesus. Jesus gave us the perfect example of what meekness looks like when He left the throne in Heaven to walk around with us on earth only to hold back that power and hang on a cross. Let’s follow in Jesus’ footsteps, live in meekness so that we might win more of them. – Daily DEVO 12

To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. 1 Corinthians 9:22 – That final word in the verse is a hard pill to swallow but one we have to come to understand is true. Not everyone we show God’s love to will accept it. Not everyone we live a great witness in front of will care. Not everyone we give up something for so they can hear about Jesus’ grace will listen. While we have to remember that, we must also remember that some will. That some will accept, see, and listen. That “some” whether it’s one or one million is worth living out our faith for. Understand yes that not everyone will give their life over to God, but some will and you can be a part of their story of coming to know Jesus. Keep up the good work because today you just might reach some. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 711

If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we even more? Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ. 1 Corinthians9:12 – Paul is speaking of his right to have the churches who he is preaching to support him financially along his journey. He has the right to ask this of them, but doesn’t in this case so as to not put any sort of obstacle between them and them accepting the gospel. He is willing to drop his rights all in order for someone else to hear the gospel. Why? Because the gospel and people coming to Jesus is more important than any right he/we have. Is there a right you have that you’d be unwilling to drop in order for someone to hear the gospel? Why is holding that right more important to you than their salvation? What does your willingness to set aside that right for a time say about how deeply you care about them? Our life is no longer about us when we place our faith in Jesus. It’s all about Him and helping people come to Him. Before you hold fast to a choice because it’s your right, dwell on how it will impact your witness. If it will push people away from you, from the church, and from Jesus, it’s not worth it. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1776