ALL THINGS TO ALL PEOPLE

~Remember a couple weeks ago when I told you of my concern about keeping Scripture relevant and applicable to our lives—particularly in advance of considering Paul’s writing on food offered to idols?  Well, today I find myself so excited about these last verses of 1 Corinthians 9; they have so much to inform our thinking, and challenge our lives!  Here we go . . .

In his discussion of his passionate drive to connect unbelievers with his Messiah, Paul made this statement: 

         “To the weak I became weak, to win the weak.  I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means, I might save some.” 1 Cor. 9.22

Lest you be misled, Paul was not a chameleon, changing his colors (mores or values); he just made certain that he could get along with anyone and everyone—Jew or Gentile.   Beyond that, he adapted the message he preached, gearing it toward his audience, yet always keeping the gospel central.  For instance, when he was in Athens,1 he started his message with ‘I commend you for being a religious people; I have seen your statue to an unknown God’.  He met the Athenians where they were, and used their interest as a springboard.  Similarly, he was able to address the unique challenges of all the churches in their various locations; his was not a ‘one size fits all’ message.  Again, the centrality of the Cross does not change.

“I have become all things to all people so that by any means I might save some.”  All people are in need of the Good News of Jesus Christ.  Period.  But not all can receive it in the same way—nor can all of us share the gospel in the same way.  Scripture portrays six different gospel-sharing styles;2 at least one of these styles will fit your personality and who God made you to be!  Take a look:

1.  Peter had a confrontational style.  In Acts 2, he preached clearly, boldly, powerfully, convincingly—so much so, that 3000 accepted the Lord on one day!  This same Peter had just shortly before denied Jesus three times in the hours before the Lord was crucified.

Traits: Like Peter, this person is usually confident, bold, direct, and has strong opinions and convictions.

Key verse: 2 Timothy 4.2 – Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 

2.  Paul had an intellectual style.  In Acts 17, (as referenced above), Paul taught and reasoned with the Jews and Greeks alike, persuading them with the truth of Jesus Christ.

Traits of this style: analytical, logical, inquisitive, likes to debate, more concerned with what people think rather than what they feel.  Modern-day ‘Pauls’ would profit from the writings of Lee Strobel and Josh McDowell.

Key verse: We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10.5.

3.  Matthew had an interpersonal style.  (He was called “Levi” in Luke 5)

After coming to know Jesus, Matthew invited his tax collector friends to a great banquet for Jesus in his home.  He was not secretive about his faith.

Traits: conversational, compassionate, sensitive, friendship-oriented, focused on other people and their needs.

Key verse: 1 Corinthians 9.22 – I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.

These are three of the evangelistic styles represented in Scripture; tomorrow, we will look at three others.  Just before Jesus departed this earth, he looked around at those gathered there on the Mount of Olives,3 and said, ‘You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and      you will be my witnesses   in Jerusalem, (your hometown), Judea, (the surrounding area), Samaria, (even those you don’t like), and to the ends of the earth, (those in remote lands).’  A witness simply tells what he has seen or experienced. 

Have you experienced a meaningful relationship with God?  Then, that’s something you can talk about!

Go on . . . try it.  People are dying to know what you have. 

Christine