Paul wrote in 1Corinthians 9: 22 to the weak I became weak, so that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that I might by all means save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings. Paul was referring to our relevance to humanity. We must be of value to our neighbours rather than demeaning our God given talents to serve others for God’s intended purpose. We must be relevant to all people in every situation. Our impact must be positive on every life we encounter using God’s approved method to save them. How was Paul’s attitude becoming all things to all people?
Paul rejoiced at every soul saved
He wrote in Philippians 2: 17-18 but even if I am being poured out as a libation over the sacrifice and the offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you–and in the same way you also must be glad and rejoice with me. He rejoiced with those who had just cause to be joyful. Such is the character of heaven. Jesus said in Luke 15: 7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.
Paul did not count the cost of suffering
Paul devoted his life to save souls no matter the cost. He wrote in Romans 8: 36-37 as it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. He considered himself a conqueror in saving souls. He wrote in Colossians 1: 24 I am now rejoicing in my suffering for your sake, and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christs’ afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church.
Paul wanted to be like Christ Jesus
Paul wrote in Philippians 3: 8-10 for his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ… I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death. He advised Timothy in 2Timothy 2: 3 share in the suffering like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. He wrote in Hebrews 11: 36 others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. Paul suffered these things to become all things for all people.
Paul wanted God’s approval
Paul was also moved by the truth as is written in 1Peter 2: 20-21… if you endure when you do right and suffer for it, you have God’s approval… for to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps. 1Peter 3: 14 says but even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. 1 Peter 4: 16 says yet if any of you suffers as a Christian, do not consider it a disgrace, but glorify God because you bear his name. 1Peter 4: 19 says let those suffering in accordance with God’s will entrust themselves to a faithful Creator, while continuing to do good.
What did Christ Jesus recommend?
Jesus sent the disciples in Mark 16: 15 to go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation. Jesus said in Matthew 10: 16 see, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. In effect, they were to be relevant to all people for the sake of Christ Jesus and his kingdom.
Our approach must not be based on our wisdom but the Holy Spirit. Proverbs 3: 5 says trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. This is how we can be all things to all people.
We need heavenly wisdom to guide our approach. James 1: 5 says if any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you. Proverbs 2: 6 says for the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding. Job 12: 13 says with God are wisdom and strength; he has counsel and understanding. For us to always be of value to all people, Philippians 2: 3 says do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves.
What are the general guidelines?
As an omnibus attitude, Paul says in Philippians 4: 8 finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Paul said in Colossians 5: 17 and whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. God calls us to be of service to one another. 1Peter 4: 5 says… serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.
We must not be condemnatory in attitude. Philippians 4: 5 says let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Colossians 4: 6 says let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone. Titus 3: 1-2 says, remind them… to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show courtesy to everyone. James 1: 19 says let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger.
Are we ready for the mission of sacrifice and suffering for Christ Jesus? Are we all things to all people because of Christ? Are we righteous in bringing souls into the Lord’s vineyard to his glory? Are we relevant and valuable to all people because of Christ Jesus?
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus Christ, help us to be ready for the mission of soul saving through our sacrifice and suffering for Christ Jesus. Help us to be all things to all people because of Christ. Help us to choose the path of righteousness in bringing souls into your presence to your glory and honour. Make us useful and relevant and valuable to all people in your holy name, Amen!!
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