Focal Passage: I Corinthians 9:16 – 27
“Growing up in Alabama, there were two questions we asked any student who moved into our school. The first was their name; the second had to do with their allegiance to a college football team. The answer to that second question often determined their friend group, their lunch table—pretty much everything! Usually, there was no need to ask at all; their shirts told the story.
Today, we see Paul’s dedication to the spread of the gospel. In our passage, he clearly states that his goal is to display the glories of Christ to all people he comes into contact with. This means we take the gospel into people’s contexts rather than forcing them into ours.
In verses 16–18, Paul shows that he is not preaching for personal gain. He both wants to preach and is compelled—called—to preach. His relationship with the Father motivates him to share the good news with all people. His calling is both voluntary and commissioned by God. If he were unable to preach, he would find himself in a sorrowful situation. May we all have that same drive to share the gospel in every situation of life.
Brandon Johns
Paul remained faithful to the message—he shared the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus with all people. However, his methods changed depending on the audience. In this way, Paul followed the example of Jesus: meeting people where they were and sharing the gospel with them. Paul may have bent, but he never broke. He worked at fitting in without giving in. He knew when to compromise and when to stand firm.
It is easy for people to make culture and tradition the standard for theological and biblical truth. May we never count something as “gospel truth” when it is not. Paul did not highlight the law to those who held it in no regard. Instead, he used the law to point to Jesus when speaking to those who found comfort in the law alone. His life was not about bending rules, but about sharing the gospel without watering down the message.
Paul then goes on to describe his dedication to doing all these things—to running in order to win the race. This required self-discipline. He emphasized preparation, training, and effort in advancing the gospel. Everything he did was shaped by his purpose: to know Jesus and to help others know Jesus. His salvation motivated him to lead others to Christ. It also drove him to submit to the work of the Holy Spirit, allowing God to change him from the inside out.
So how are you reaching out to others to share the gospel? What are you doing right now to step into someone else’s world so they can hear the life-changing message of Christ? Make the decision today, along with your group, to reach out to someone who needs Jesus.
Are you placing yourself under the authority of the Holy Spirit to be changed and molded? This happens best through spiritual disciplines. Are you actively pursuing Christ through Bible study, prayer, meditation, and personal worship? Keep your focus on the Lord and allow Him to change you and use you in amazing ways. B&R
