1 corinthians 9:19-23

intro: our text today the apostle Paul is speaking to the people of Corinth. Paul speaks of himself as a servant to bring people to repentance. Just ask Christ to serve, not be served. We are called to make disciples across the world (Matthew 28:19). We are no better, we are saved by grace through faith in Christ. We were all slaves to sin and we’ve been redeemed.

Sermon Title: A servant to all for the sake of the gospel

Text: “For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more. To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might win Jews; to those who are under the Law, as under the Law though not being myself under the Law, so that I might win those who are under the Law; to those who are without law, as without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, so that I might win those who are without law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some. I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭19‬-‭23‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

Introduction

Illustration: just like Paul he would’ve used different language or idioms to speak to these people but the message is the same. The same way we tell a story we’ve been told we won’t tell it the same as the person that told us but it doesn’t change unless you change it.  We see this in certain situations today. Some people believe this or that way. But the ones who deny the truth of Christ dying and raising on the 3rd day anything contrary is a false gospel. 

Main Idea:Because Christ has set us free and broken our chains we should lay down our rights and adapt to the message of the gospel to be able to speak to the world. Without compromising the truth so others can be saved through the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Point 1: The freedom we possess in Christ (v19a)

Scripture: “For though I am free from all…”

Key points: The Christian freedom is not a freedom of pleasing to yourself but a freedom to serve Christ as your lord and savior 

Application :Do we view our liberty as something to defend or something to deploy to help others. Freedom in Christ is not diminished by service, it's fulfilled in it. 

Meaning: Paul begins by affirming his Christian liberty. He is free of all cultural expectations free from religious law keeping and free from the approval of humans but his freedom is not autonomy but it's in Christ’s Lordship. 

Point 2: Love that limits our rights 

Scripture:“v19b-22. I have made myself a servant to all” 

Key point: love lays down personal rights for the spiritual good of others

Application: is there anything we cling to that hinder our gospel witness ?Are you willing to make yourself uncomfortable to bring others to Christ? Is Paul's message. 

Meaning:Paul limits himself to the Jews he says he lives like a Jew. To those under the laws without placing himself under the law. To those not under the law without violating God's moral laws to the weak he shares their burdens this isn’t Paul compromising Paul says clearly he lives under the law of Christ. 

Point 3: The gospel that governs everything 

Scripture: v23 I do it all for the sake of the gospel

Key point : The gospel is not just a message we proclaim it is mission that shapes how we live to be the witness for our savior 

Application: the gospel governs our priorities, methods and sacrifices. We share in its blessings by sharing in its work. 

Meaning : This is Paul’s driving motivation not the number of people who call Christ Lordnot applause for being the speaker or not for hold cultural relevance but claiming the gospel of Jesus Christ everything Paul did followed one question is what I’m doing advancing the gospel

Conclusion

Recap: Paul shows us a model of missional faithfulness. Stand firm in doctrine. Be flexible in your approach. Be focused on the gospel. The church doesn’t need to change the gospel to reach the world it must change itself for the sake of the gospel 

Final thought: We are not called to be all things so people like us are called to be servants so people will meet Christ.  “For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)