Use the Right Language to Share the Gospel - 1 Corinthians 9-10

1 Corinthians 9:20-23 (ESV)

To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.

Paul is writing to the church at Corinth.   The church had a lot of things going for it.  But it had a lot of things not going, as well.  The believers at Corinth were well gifted.  But there was also major division and major sin in their midst.   The division was partly because of how some in the church viewed Paul’s ministry.   In chapter nine he outlines some of their concerns.  He starts the chapter with these bold statements:

1 Corinthians 9:1 (ESV)

Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you my workmanship in the Lord?

He starts the chapter by outlining the rights he has in Christ as an Apostle.  But then he pivots away from those rights and starts to show why he is approaching ministry the way he does.   In the above passage we read that he is willing to set aside his very being for the sole purpose of reaching others with the gospel.   In his approach to win others for Christ he is okay reaching them on their grounds, on their understanding of life.   Paul does not compromise himself or the gospel.  But he does understand that others will hear the gospel message much better if we present it in their language.  The Jews had a specific world view and needed to hear it in the gospel in their language.   On the other hand, the Greeks (those outside the law) needed to hear the gospel presented in their language.   Paul understood modern day communication methods.   When products are marketed today they market the product through the best language of those who will be the potential buyers.  This is Paul’s approach to the gospel.  Changing the language of how we present the gospel does not the change the message of the gospel.  Paul was willing to become all things to all men that by any means he could save them.  Paul was 100% gospel oriented.   He was willing to put all his rights aside to witness for the gospel.    He was willing even to change his approach to life.  He would not violate his standing before Christ but would adjust his approach to win others for Christ.