QT 3/24/2025 1 Cor 9:18-27, How to witness for Jesus

1 Corinthians 9:18–27 (ESV) —

18 What then is my reward? That in my preaching I may present the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.

19 For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. 20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. 21 To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. 22 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. 23 I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.

24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

 

NOTE: Paul mentions four groups to whom he has ministered: Jews, those under the law, those outside the law, and the weak. The first two groups seemed to be the same, except that Paul distinctly separates them. I think Jews and those under the law are both Jewish, but that the first group is ethnic Jews, and the second group is religious Jews. Today, there are many more ethnic Jews than there are religious Jews. They are proud of their heritage, but in most cases, don't even believe in God. The Jews have accomplished much in the world scientifically, financially, and in entertainment. I don't think any group has accomplished more. When Paul says he "became," he wasn't suggesting duplicity in relationships but rather finding common ground with the particular group, listening more and saying less. The most important part of our witness is our ability to love the ungodly. We have to care for people and make it our goal to know what is going on in their lives, and to help where we can. Our love will show Jesus, and our love is what will bring them to Jesus.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I listen to others, or am I always trying to correct others?
2. Do I really love others; do I ever think of what I can do to help them in life?

 

PRAYER: Father, help me to be aware of the needs of my neighbors and to love them. Help me to see needs. Help me to pray. Help me to love them.