Geared to the Times... Anchored to the Rock

I spent 20 years in YFC – slogan was Geared to the Times ... Anchored to the Rock. Paul used this approach long before we did.

In Antioch (), Paul recounts the history of God working with Israel through the coming of Jesus. He then proceeds to preach the good news that Jesus Christ died for their sins.

Another time, in Athens (), Paul talks to the Greek people in language that they could understand. He spoke of their religious practices and quoted their secular poets. He found some common ground and proceeded to share the message of Jesus Christ.

Paul met people where they were and related the Gospel to them in a way they could understand.

I think this is what Paul had in mind when he wrote this passage in believe that Paul was geared to the times, but anchored to the rock.. and we need to be as well.

1 Corinthians 9:19–27 NLT

19 Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ. 20 When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law. 21 When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ. 22 When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. 23 I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings. 24 Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! 25 All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. 26 So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. 27 I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.

1 CO

Paul was a chameleon for Jesus, but his principles were higher than self protection. He wanted people of all cultures and backgrounds to listen to the gospel. Whenever missionaries go to another culture, they consciously embrace and adapt to every element in that culture that doesn’t hinder the gospel or violate biblical ethics.

There are 3 principles of being Geared to the Times, but Anchored to the Rock

1. You have to be free from anything that will prevent you from living for the Lord and telling others about Him.

1 CO

1 Corinthians 9:19 The Living Bible

19 And this has a real advantage: I am not bound to obey anyone just because he pays my salary; yet I have freely and happily become a servant of any and all so that I can win them to Christ.

Paul was free from Material Entanglements that would hider the Gospel.

He understood that everything he had came from the Lord. Debt or wealth can keep you from being free to serve God in the capacity he has called you too.

Paul was free from Philosophical Entanglements that would hinder the Gospel.

Paul didn’t argue politics or philosophy. He tried to understand the people he was reaching and enter their experience so that he could share Jesus with them. He shared with Jews, Greeks, Roman soldiers and a king.

me and the NAACP lady

Paul was free from Moral Entanglements that would prevent him from sharing the Gospel.

You have to set guardrails around your fidelity and your purity. Nothing will kill your ministry faster.

2. You have to find common ground with people so you can effectively share Jesus Christ with them.

1 Corinthians 9:20–22 NLT

20 When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law. 21 When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ. 22 When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some.

Paul changed his method of interaction with people so he could effectively win them to the Lord.

Paul never compromised on the doctrines of God’s Word to make the Gospel more palatable.

Paul changed his strategy all the time … He was a chameleon for Jesus, so that he could win them to Christ.

He chose to become all things to all people (the Jews, the Gentiles, and those with weak consciences, 9:20–22) in order to save some. Paul was willing to go to great lengths to meet people where they were.

(group of youth pastors and the Rave) (YFC – when I talk to catholic parents. Different Church lingo from denomination to denomination)

We have to develop the ability of accommodating ourselves to others so we can lead them to faith in Christ.

How do we do that?

We find common ground to those we are trying to reach.

We avoid a know it all attitude.

We make others feel accepted by us.

We become sensitive to other people’s needs and concerns.

We look for opportunities to share Christ.

3. You must live a life of discipline so that you will not be disqualified from sharing Jesus.

1 Corinthians 9:22–27 NLT

22 When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. 23 I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings. 24 Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! 25 All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. 26 So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. 27 I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.

:22-

You have to live a life of self control.

Paul pointed to the self-control of runners. They must make choices between good and bad; what to eat or not eat, etc. (my running days of eating right, distance work, speed work, hill work)

Just like training to win a race requires personal sacrifice, (denial of unhealthy foods and relaxation); Walking with God demands personal sacrifice, sacrifice of things not necessarily evil, but which prevent the full devotion to God—such as, pleasures and worldly pursuits.

The Christian Life takes hard work, self denial, and preparation.

As Christians, we are running toward our heavenly reward… rewards we get in heaven for everything we do for the Lord.

The essential disciplines of prayer, Bible study, and worship equip us to run with vigor and stamina.

We need to live in way that will not disqualify us from the race / the ministry God has called us to.

(One burst of temper, one time treating someone badly, one adulterous affair, etc.)

To be Geared to the times… and anchored to the Rock, we must live our lives free from entanglements; we must meet people at their point of need so that we can introduce them to Christ; and we must live a disciplined life so that we do not disqualify ourselves.

If we do this, we not only will see many people come to know Jesus Christ, but we will have great rewards in heaven