"By All Means"

1 Corinthians 9:18-23

1 Corinthians 9:18–23 NKJV

What is my reward then? That when I preach the gospel, I may present the gospel of Christ without charge, that I may not abuse my authority in the gospel. For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; 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; 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; 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. Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.

Paul’s Options

ACCORDING TO THE ABOVE PASSAGE, WHAT WAS PAUL’S ULTIMATE GOAL?

WHAT STEPS DID HE TAKE TO OBTAIN THAT GOAL? –Made himself flexible – there are obvious alternatives he can choose between, and he does not insist on one over the other (It is not a matter of personal pride or individual preference)

– Made self-imposed limits and restrictions, not claiming all he could have as a basis for action – Took the “long view” of the impact of his actions toward the other party – what would be the ultimate good? – Never lost sight of the overall impact of his actions upon brethren as a whole (circumcision – Timothy vs. Titus) – Expected from brethren an understanding with regard to the distinction between binding truth and flexible expediencies I. Paul’s view of his options as a Christian: (Question: To what extent are our circumstances different from his, or may allow a less burdensome resolution that did his?) The context shows the choices he considered were between preaching without pay, or being supported while he preached. Both were acceptable to God. Conditions at Corinth led him to believe that demanding support from them might be an “abuse of his power” – v. 18 a. It was HIS choice – “I be free from all men”...I have made myself servant to all..” b. His decision was based on the “greater good”, not selfish reasons! “That I might gain the more” c. His decision did not necessarily impoverish him – “I robbed other churches” – 2 Cor 11:8 How Far was Paul willing to go? 1 Cor 6:12-14 – “all things are lawful”, is not absolute! Refers to all lawful means! Regarding circumcision – Gal 2:1-5; Acts 16:1 Regarding Jewish customs –Acts 21, 23 (chap 15) Regarding “liberties” – Rom 14:1 Cor 8 and 10 Things which cannot be adapted – the substance of truth. – the response to ungodly or wrong behavior Cannot involve COMPROMISE “He that is not with me is against me..”–Matt 12:30 Requires discernment as to what may or may not surrender vital ground to error or evil. Whatever action or reaction is being considered, if it is entered into, it CANNOT give comfort to what is wrong. Ex. If “drinking” is WRONG, it goes beyond “by all means” to share a “friendly drink” with a prospect. If indecent exposure is wrong, it goes beyond “by all means” to go to the beach with a prospect and dress in bikinis under the same umbrella! Consider Paul’s statement in context: The options he chose between were whether to preach the gospel WITH pay, or WITHOUT pay. Either would be right; neither would be wrong – so he made his decision based on what effect his course might have on those among whom he worked, and whose good he was striving for. Doing “by all means” includes: Teaching the whole gospel –Acts 20:20-26 Using every avenue of teaching –Philippians 4:9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received,and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. Acts 20:20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, Going to every possible place: – the temple – Acts 3 – the synagogues –

Engaging in every possible (legitimate AND appropriate) activity (text)

–Jew

– Gentile

– Weak

Here, we must distinguish between “liberties” and “law”. There are some areas of action which have been called into question which may not in themselves be wrong. In such cases, if DOING them may open the door to teach, it would be “by all means” to do them; if NOT DOING them may gain the confidence of the prospect, it would be “by all means” to not do them.

Doing “by all means” is done to:

-Seek common ground

– Gain the confidence of your “prospect”

– accept and respond to the reactions of others to him (bear his “burden”)

– Show a personal interest in him and his way of doing things

– As a means of showing the difference between what is required, and what is permitted.

– As an indication that the gospel is not too burdensome

WHAT IS THE DUTY OF OTHER BRETHREN TOWARD THE CIRCUMSTANCES AND ACTIONS WHEN SUCH AN EFFORT IS BEING MADE?

– Assume the worst? (“Bro so-and-so is going soft, etc”)

(Sometimes the track record of the one making the effort may raise such concerns)

– React without full knowledge of the situation, or the actions taken

OR,

– Search for the legitimate possibilities in such times, be forbearing with regard to opposing or warning with regard to them, and join in prayer that the effort may be successful.