Slices
Prepare
‘One thing I ask from the Lord’ (Psalm 27:4). What would that be for you today?
Bible passage
Paul’s use of his freedom
19 Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 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. 21 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. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.
The need for self-discipline
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last for ever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
Explore
A scholarly Bible teacher was visiting a deprived area in the Philippines where small children were being cared for. The visitor was invited to speak to them, so he sat down with them and taught them to sing the old children’s chorus: ‘Two little eyes to look to God, two little ears to hear his Word…’ (Anon). He was adapting his methods to win his audience.
Paul freely adapted his methods to suit the people he was among. When he was with Jews (‘those under the law’, v 20), he adopted their constraints. When he was with foreigners (v 21), he needed to be more flexible. Again, he would side with a diffident, hesitant person (v 22a), though he himself was outgoing and confident. All because he wanted to win all people to the unchanging gospel (v 22b).
Athletes dreaming of a medal know they must be disciplined as they train and compete. They must ‘really want it’, and exercise self-control. Paul says it is the same if we want to save others. We shall need determination (v 24), a focused aim (v 26) and the self-discipline (vs 25,27) to adjust our approach and respond to different people as may best save them. An eternal prize awaits (vs 25,27).
Respond
How flexible are we in the ways we attempt to reach various people with the gospel? Can we adapt as we reach out to people from different backgrounds?
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: 1 Samuel 4–6; Proverbs 19,20
Pray for Scripture Union
Praise God for the ongoing mission of Guardians of Ancora clubs in schools, churches and community settings. Pray for those leading the clubs and those attending; may these small-scale events bring big opportunities to share the good news of Jesus.
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