by Joe R. Price
Synopsis: What principles regulate Paul's magnanimous statement, "I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some" (1 Cor. 9:22)?
The apostle Paul wrote,
For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. Now this I do for the gospel's sake, that I may be partaker of it with you (1 Cor. 9:19-23, NKJV).
Paul willingly served others to advance their prospect of salvation (1 Cor. 9:22). He did this by relinquishing personal rights and privileges to improve his access to those who needed the gospel he preached (1 Cor. 9:15; 2 Cor. 11:7-9). He did this by giving up personal liberties to protect the weak in conscience from sin (1 Cor. 8:7-13). Foregoing personal liberties and using personal liberties to advance the gospel and salvation, is what it means to "become all things to all men." Doing so demands discernment (Phil. 1:9-11).
Becoming all things to all men does not mean compromising truth and righteousness to accomplish a godly goal. Doing evil that good may come is not the Lord's will; the end does not justify the means (Rom. 3:8). It is worldly thinking that says the way to win souls for Christ is to remain silent about the sinner's sin, instead of exposing it (Eph. 5:11; 2 John 9-11).
How can we tell the difference (1 Thess. 5:21-22)? How do we become "all things to all men?" The answer is found in the nature of the activity in question, and in the association it produces. Is the activity sin? If so, we cannot participate in it (Rom. 12:9; 1 John 3:4). If the activity morally acceptable, yet, does engaging in it show allegiance to, and encouragement of, sinners in their sin? If so, we cannot participate (1 Cor. 5:11-13; 15:33-34). Remember, we do not advance righteousness by violating God's word.
Becoming all things to all men requires sacrificing self and serving others (1 Cor. 9:19). It requires a humble heart, that considers others before itself (1 Cor. 9:20-22; Phil. 2:3-4). Also, it requires the primacy of devotion to the gospel, and to its power to save (1 Cor. 9:23).
Author Bio: Joe Price has preached for the Mt. Baker church of Christ, Bellingham, WA, for 21 years. His teaching material is available at bibleanswer.com and swordtips1.wordpress.com. He can be reached at joerprice@mail.com.
