1 Corinthians: All Things to All People
Opening Prayer:
Gracious God,
Spur us on to greater things in Your name. Show us that there is more that we can do for the coming of Your kingdom than we think possible, because with You all things are possible. Show us what You want us to do. Move us where You want us to go.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Key Scripture:
19 Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
1 Corinthians 9:19-27
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What does love require? It requires everything. In this passage from his first letter to the Corinthian church, Paul emphasises the gospel requirement of self-denial for the sake of others. Using his own situation as an Apostle as an example, Paul shows the Corinthians how he uses his freedom to be a slave to everyone. Although he enjoys all manner of freedoms – social, economic, spiritual – he voluntarily chooses to relinquish the rights these freedoms give him so that he can be a servant to everyone. Why? In order to win as many people as possible to Christ.
Paul meets people – all people: Jews, Gentiles, pagans, the irreligious, the weak – where they are. He adapts his lifestyle appropriately in order to better relate to them and win a hearing for his message. But he does so while still remaining subject to the law of Christ. The message of Christ crucified remains central.
This “whatever it takes” attitude is the motivating force behind Paul’s desire to do everything he can – and so much more that he can’t without the Holy Spirit’s help – to share the Gospel with people and win them to Christ. But Paul also notes the intentional focus that is required. Like the intense training athletes endure, followers of Jesus must also live and minister with focus and intent rather than flailing aimlessly about. Rigorous self-discipline is needed. We must control our own body and our own desires so that our life aligns with our message.
Discussion Questions:
How does Paul's readiness to forego his rights challenge how you view your personal rights and privileges?
Paul compares the Christian life to a race. What does this mean to you personally?
What does Paul’s training analogy mean to you and your daily walk?
Paul's strategy is to become "all things to all people" in order to save as many as he can. How do you relate to this strategy?
In what ways have you become “all things to all people”?
How can you apply the principles of spiritual discipline that Paul discusses in this passage?
How can the modern church apply Paul's attitude towards his rights for the sake of the Gospel? What would that look like for us today?
How does this passage shape your understanding of Christian service?
How are you denying yourself for the Gospel's sake?
When Paul says "though I am free", what does this teach us about Christian freedom and responsibility?
How can we become "a servant to everyone" in our daily interactions?
Practice:
Individual Practice
Check Your Freedom: Ask yourself: Are there ways in which I am asserting my personal rights or comfort at the expense of someone else’s spiritual growth or well-being? Identify one privilege or preference to lay down this week as an act of service.
Community Practice
Shared Table Hospitality: Host a meal or community gathering specifically designed to welcome people outside your usual social circle. Adapt the menu, the environment, and the conversation to make your guests feel fully honoured and comfortable.
Additional Resources:
For a printable version of this guide click here.