GOD'S MISSION FOR US

Debbie Nelson 

Today’s Scripture: “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, ESV 

Theme: Without changing the Truth of the Gospel, we strive to meet people where they are and to share the “Good News.” 

PAUL'S MISSION

Paul didn’t start out as an apostle. He once persecuted those who followed Jesus. Then one day, on his way to Damascus to arrest Christians, he encountered the resurrected Jesus, was temporarily blinded, and was later baptized. From that moment on, Paul made it his life’s mission to spread the Word of God. 

To do that, he knew he had to find common ground with the people he was trying to reach so they would be willing to listen. For example, when he was in Athens, he recognized that the Greeks worshipped many idols. Instead of immediately condemning them, he acknowledged their devotion and used it as a starting point to share the truth. When speaking to Jewish audiences, he connected with their cultural traditions to gain their attention. Paul became “all things to all people” for the sake of the Gospel. 

MORE CLARIFICATION

Please don’t misunderstand. Paul was not saying we should compromise with the world to fit in, nor change the meaning of the Gospel. To those who followed the Mosaic law, Paul related to them as one who understood and followed it - a former pharisee. To those who were not familiar with the law, he found another way to reach them while remaining faithful to God’s Word. Paul never intentionally compromised God’s moral standards found in Scripture. 

ALL THINGS TO ALL PEOPLE

In today’s society, how do we maintain integrity and “become all things to all people?” Here are a few practical steps: 

1) Listen: We are often eager to share our own thoughts, especially when we think someone needs to hear about Jesus. But first, give the other person time to express their thoughts. Everyone appreciates being heard. When we genuinely listen, people are often more willing to listen also. Even if they are not ready to reciprocate, listen patiently. 

2) Be kind: This should go without saying, but sometimes we forget kindness in the passion of the moment. This is especially true online, where it becomes far too easy to make rude or hateful comments. James 1:19-20 reminds us, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry…” Kindness and respect never go out of style and are always appropriate.  

3) Be sensitive to culture: Trained missionaries know that before they can effectively reach a cultural group, they must first understand that culture. By listening to discern where people are spiritually and finding common ground, we may be able to reach those who are hungry for a truth they’ve never heard before. 

4) Address your own prejudice: Prejudice of every kind has existed throughout human history. Admitting our own pride to God and repenting of judgmental attitudes and a lack of love should be an ongoing process for every Christian. As a former Pharisee, even Paul had to overcome his own prejudice toward Gentiles. This enabled him to faithfully share the Gospel with them. 

When we strive to follow Paul’s example, we must be willing to humble ourselves, meet people where they are, and do whatever Jesus calls us to do. He died to save them. May we love people enough to listen, be kind, be patient and willing to wait so that eventually we might share the truth in a way they can understand. 

Make It Personal: Who has God placed in my life that I need to better understand before I try to be understood? Am I known more for listening with compassion or speaking too quickly? Is there anyone I’ve quietly judged or avoided because they’re different from me? How can I intentionally meet someone where they are this week without compromising the truth of the Gospel? 

Pray: Heavenly Father, help me follow Paul’s example of becoming all things to all people for the sake of the Gospel. Give me a humble heart that is willing to meet people where they are while remaining faithful to Your truth. Reveal any prejudice, pride, or judgment in my own heart, and replace it with the love of Christ. Help me not to change the Gospel to fit the world, but instead to faithfully share Your Word with grace, kindness, and compassion. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Read: 1 Corinthians 9:19-21, 27; 1 Corinthians 10:33; Galatians 6:1

Weekly Memory Verse: For the one who is not against us is for us.” Mark 9:40, ESV