PRAY: Dear Father, thank you that your Son gave his life so that I could be forgiven and reconciled to you.

READ: 1 Corinthians 9:19–23

MEDITATE:
Following his discussion about his right to financial support, Paul tells of other ways he has voluntarily curtailed his freedom so as to bring more people to Christ, “Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible” (9:19). Paul is so dedicated to Jesus and the mission of telling other people about him that although he can do what he wants, he will do what is necessary to win people to Christ. He will not compromise the truth of the gospel or his integrity, but wherever possible Paul will identify with the people he is trying to reach.

Paul’s following the Mosaic law (Numbers 6:2–12) as recorded in Acts 21:17–29, is an example of his principle of becoming “all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some” (1 Cor 9:22).

Questions and Application:

1. What does this passage say?
2. What does this passage mean?
3. Whom is God calling you to evangelize?
4. Is there a way to contextualize your evangelistic message or are there any cross-cultural actions you can take so that this person/group may better understand the good news about Jesus?
5. Is there anything about TEC or our congregation that hinders evangelism?

PRAY: Lord, help me connect with others who need to hear the gospel and give me the grace to deny myself for the sake of ministry in your name.