1 Corinthians 9:19-23 - "For the Sake of the Gospel"

"Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to every one, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. 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. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings."

My devotions this morning led to this passage. In this passage, Paul is speaking to the church at Corinth and has been laying out several reminders of how to have healthy ministry in a church. They know church, they know the rules, the boundaries, the "do's and don'ts", and the traditions. They know all of these things, and yet many groups in the church are very legalistic and hard-hearted. There are divisions happening and sin is starting to enter the lives of the believers.

Through this passage, Paul sums his letter up in this very passage by saying: "I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save...I do this all for the sake of the gospel..."

3 Things to take away from this passage:
1) We are given freedom to do as we choose--choose Christ, it's the best way (I promise).
2) Are you stretching yourself enough so that you can reach as many people around you as you can for the sake of Christ and his gospel? Are you IN the world but not OF the world?
3) Where is your heart? Paul says that whatever you do, do it in the name of Christ.