Scripture:
[19] For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them.
[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.
Observation:
For the sake of the gospel, Paul puts himself in places with people who are hard to reach. In order to reach them, he made himself much like them
He didn’t change the gospel. He hanged his behavior to fit in with different people groups. The message didn’t change. He was consistent in leading others to Christ.
Application:
We can, and should, adapt somewhat to fit in with others in order to share the gospel. At work, at school, at the ball field, or wherever it may be, we will be surrounded by unbelievers. We can stand with a sign and yell at them that they need to repent or they will go to hell, or we can blend in and spread the gospel through our interactions. If we let the Spirit lead us, we will know what to do and what to say in its proper timing,
The time is ripe for false teachers in our current society. Like Paul writes in 2 Tim 4:3-4 [3] For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, [4] and will turn away from listening to the truth..
The thing we must never do is change the gospel to fit anyone. If we end up changing the gospel so that if may feel better to certain people then it isn’t the gospel of Jesus Christ. If we end up changing the message to make it sound like if you tithe more then you will receive more, that isn’t the gospel of Jesus Christ. If we end up changing our message to conform with the contorted beliefs of a confused secular society by any other means that is not strictly in line with God’s breathed word in the bible, then it is not the gospel of Jesus Christ. In fact, these are examples of false teaching of which we are warned many times in God’s word.
If ever in our pride we think that as true Christians we are immune to false teaching, remember Jesus’ words in Matthew 24:24 [24] For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.
And if ever we think that its not really that bad to change the little bit here and there, remember John’s words in Revelation 22:18-19 [18] I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, [19] and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.
Prayer:
Lord, I love you. You are my rock and my foundation. Help me be relatable to others even though I may not be just like them, so that I can share the gospel of Jesus Christ. Correct me if I ever stray and modify your Truth in any way. I pray I stick strictly to your true word and glorify you in all I do. In Jesus’ holy name, amen.