Do I say these things as a mere man? Or does not the law say the same also? For it is written in the law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain.” Is it oxen God is concerned about? (1 Corinthians 9:8-9)
It is first mentioned in Deuteronomy 25:4 as a principle to ensure that the labor of an ox was not abused and it would be allowed to freely eat of that field so that it would be fit enough to keep working. This was also considered as a reward for its hard labor. This also reveals to us the tender heart of God even towards animals.
Here, Apostle Paul was making a point that if God was concerned about the lowly ox labouring in the field, then how much more would He be concerned about his servants labouring in God’s field for souls. I believe this is also an instruction to God’s people to support ministers who labor in the Kingdom of God.
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 Corinthians 9:22-23)
To comprehend what Apostle Paul meant when he said: “I have become all things to all people,” we must understand his statement in context.
Apostle Paul had earlier explained to the Corinthian church his motives for submitting himself to a hard life. He had given up his rights to be married (verse 5) and to draw a salary from the church etc. (verses 6–12).
Part of Apostle Paul’s calling was to preach to the Gentiles (Galatians 2:8), and that required him to change certain elements of his approach when the situation required.
19 For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; 20 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; 21 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; (1 Corinthians 9:19-21)
Now, this does not mean compromising the gospel message as Apostle Paul never compromised God’s standards set forth in Scripture; but rather was willing to forgo traditions and familiar comforts in order to reach his audience.
There are some practical ways we can “become all things to all people”:
- Listen
- Be Kind
- Be sensitive to culture
The goal of every Christian is to be inoffensive in every way except in the matter of the cross. (1 Corinthians 1:18)
24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. 26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. 27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)
Athletes don’t live disciplined lives because they think disciplined lives are virtuous. Also notice that Paul doesn’t call their pursuit of reward wrong. The pursuit of a reward also fuels his self-discipline. The power for self-discipline comes from the prize — whatever we really want, the reward we believe will yield us the greatest pleasure.
Apostle Paul gave himself to the task of serving God with the same dedication that an athlete devotes to preparation for competition. While athletes train for a temporary prize, Paul endured tremendous hardship to win an eternal reward.
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