All in for the Gospel - Vineyard Christian Church of Crystal Lake

All in for the Gospel (1 Cor 9:19-23)

In the previous context here in chapter 9 Paul has been defending his apostleship.
He has also been defending his “right” to be paid for preaching the Gospel.

Verse 19 The word translated here as Make, “I make,” in the Greek means “bring under subjection”

Then the next word slave is also from the same root word for slave.
So, Paul is being redundant here to drive home the point.
- I make myself a slave, to be a slave.
After previously defending his right to be paid Paul now makes this statement about being a slave.
Paul’s point is that he makes Himself a slave, voluntarily, to spread the news of Jesus.

Verse 20 Paul would make the case for Christ from the OT law to appeal to the Jews.

Paul would follow the law to an extent, to not cause offense.
- In other passages Paul appeals to his past as a teacher of the law to make the Gospel known.
- At one point in his ministry Paul brags that he had been circumcised on the eighth day.
When he was with the Jews, he lived like a Jew.
Even though none of this is required under Christ’s law.
- Paul does these things to make the Gospel known.
The point is, Paul is entering into their world to relate to them, where they are.

Verse 21 Now Paul begins to address the Gentiles.

When he was with the Gentiles, he lived like a Gentile.
Again, he is entering into their world, religiously speaking. To make the Gospel known.

Verse 22 Paul moves to some more general, less specific categories of people.

The Greek word “weak” used here means just that, weak, sick, or feeble, without strength.

Verse 23 Finally, Paul makes it clear that he does all of this solely for the sake of the Gospel.

He isn’t trying to make a name for Himself.
- He endures the persecution and criticism for the sake of the Gospel.

What are some take away points to remember from this passage.