1 Corinthians 9:19 - 11:1 ~ All Things to All Men

In 1 Corinthians 9:20-22, Paul informed us how he have become all things to all people, being Jew to win the Jews over to Christ and being Gentile to win the Gentiles. Such flexibility to adapt to the crowd he mingled with is not without certain limitations or parameters. Paul acknowledged that he became as one under the law (though not being himself under the law) - he was not subjecting himself to fulfill the Mosaic commandments to gain the right standing before God but rather to win those under the law (1 Corinthians 9:20). Similarly, in verse 21, he was not completely lawless or without rules but still recognized Jesus as Lord.

In matters that do not affect our godliness, we have such freedom. That said, we also have a duty towards others. We are to win people over to Christ, not to cause offense so people can hear the gospel and not causing them to sin so they may join us in heaven. In everything that is not sinful, be like the others that they may be saved. While it may be difficult at times, we are also called to discipline ourselves, exercising self-control (1 Corinthians 9:24-27).

From passages like 1 Corinthians 8:4-13 and 1 Corinthians 10:14-22, we can understand that people in the past were instructed to flee from idolatry. Eating food offered to idols in the context of idol worship is considered a sin. Now in current times, 1 Corinthians 10:29 tells us that we are to avoid eating food offered to idols, not for the sake of our own conscience but for that of the unbeliever. We are not to lead them into thinking that we can be both a Christian and a pagan worshiper at the same time. In line with Paul's teaching in 1 Corinthians 8:1-3, it is not just a matter of knowing but using the knowledge rightly and not stumbling others. Knowledge is good but knowledge with love is what it's all about.

Paul exhorts us that in everything we do, we are to do all to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). In pleasing people, we are not to do so for our own selfish sake but for the sake of others, that they may be saved (1 Corinthians 10:33). Paul also encourages us to imitate him as he did of Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1). The example of Jesus Himself is indeed noteworthy: He had all the rights as Son of God and did not have to come down to earth. Yet, He did so for God's glory. In other words, He became all things to all men as He came down as man, dwelling among us as flesh. He, too, had discipline till the point of death on the cross itself. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45).

Will you yearn to be all things to all men that they may be saved?