Thursday, July 21, 2011

1 Corinthians 9:19-23

It is time for Christians to stop wasting time bickering among themselves about doctrine and to start doing the work of salvation. We need to respect each other not to offend each other. If we find ourselves in a church with traditions different than ours we need to respect  and observe them so that we do not offend people. Offense is the little fox that destroys God's work. Remember God wants no one to perish but all to have the choice of eternal life with Him. God offers His free gift of love to anyone who will accept the sacrifice of Jesus Christ! We need to be about our Father's business.

Paul put his ministry of the gospel above his personal desires. He was willing to conform to the customs of other people, whether Jew or Gentile, in order to bring them to Christ. For example, in order to relate to the Jews in Jerusalem he made a Nazirite vow in the temple. Around those who were under the Law—the Jews—Paul obeyed the Law. Around those who were outside the Law—the Gentiles—Paul did not observe Jewish custom. Paul clarified this, however, lest anyone misunderstand his actions. He obeyed God’s law through obedience toward Christ. This was a broader law than the Mosaic legislation; this was the fulfillment of Christ’s will.

1 Corinthians 9:19-23

19 For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; 20 and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; 21 to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; 22 to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 23 Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.

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