Pulling Out the Gospel Earplugs

Summary from last week: God is glorified when we accomidate ourselves to the weaknesses of others, when we sacrifice some of our “freedoms,” in an effort to love others.

The principle of love, the principle of considering others. In ch. 9, we see how Paul practiced what he preached. How he was willing to set aside many rights/freedoms/preferences for other people. In Paul’s example, we see how this ultimately helped him to “win” many others to Christ. Paul had quite an impact.

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Paul’s impact:

The Prize

Only God can ultimately do it, Paul made that clear in chapter 3

1 Corinthians 3:6–7 HCSB

I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.

BUT God does use people to reach others.

19-23 He mentions “winning” others 4. then in verse 24 he mentions winning again. But he mentions a “crown.”

Corinth: every 2 years the Isthmian games were held there, second in fame only to the Olympic games. The winner of a public athletic contest was given a perishable wreath of leaves.

Paul says that there will be a “crown,” a non-salvific reward given to to those who help others come to know God.

There is a crown that has to do with salvation. “There is reserved for me a crown of righteousness, given to all who love His appearing.”

Philippians 4:1 HCSB

So then, my brothers, you are dearly loved and longed for—my joy and crown. In this manner stand firm in the Lord, dear friends.

1 Thessalonians 2:19 HCSB

For who is our hope or joy or crown of boasting in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? Is it not you?

Some rewards are non-personal. My restaurant card. But others are personal. Meaning, it is not as much about the reward as it is about receiving it from the person who is giving it to you. Suppose you were to receive a reward from the president of the United States.

Jesus himself is the one giving this reward, and these things have been done for His glory. because you love Him.

The Convictions

The Gospel is of supreme importance

People Matter to God

Know what is important

People.

Learn how to pack (message)

Many people have too much religious baggage to reach others for Jesus. too much to run the race.

V. 16, V. 23. v. 21 (living according to Christ’s law)

Be willing to let go of everything else. Hold everything else loosely. Customs, traditions, preferences, convenience, comforts, etc.

Don’t let your lifestyle preferences get in the way of the gospel.

The Method:

Meeting People where they are.

MIssion Statement: