2022_06_01 Insight Post- Rusty Coram
This week’s reading- 1 Corinthians 9-10
Paul’s letter to the Corinthian church could easily have been written to the church in America today. Paul is sternly correcting a group of pseudo-mature believers, who are primarily focused on their personal “rights” to the point where they are neglecting what God clearly says is right. Throughout the letter, Paul is urging them to get their eyes off of their own wants, and to latch onto God’s greater purpose for their lives. Here are two passages from our reading this week that underscore his point:
“When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. 23 I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.” 1 Corinthians 9:22–23 (NLT)
Paul clearly lays out that our goal as follower of Jesus, is to do everything we can to build bridges in relationships so that we can introduce others to Christ. We are to find common-ground with people, not battle-grounds. This means making our agenda one of connecting with, and learning from, others. Today this is a mindset that is sorely lacking, and the world is in desperate need of it. Then Paul goes further:
“I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved.” 1 Corinthians 10:33 (NLT)
When Paul was faced with choices, he opted for what would be in the best interest of others and not himself. In our culture today this kind of thinking is looked at as “weak” or “spineless”, but Jesus applauds when we humbly choose to give up our “rights” for the sake of others. Here is the secret: God has promised to meet all of our needs; therefore, we have no need to require anything from others. Armed with God’s promise, we can freely give to others sacrificially, without fear or worry. Imagine the impact we could have if we adopted Paul’s heart and attitude? People would see what Jesus is really like, and many would be drawn to Him.
I’ll steal a verse from next week’s reading to close, “And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1 (NLT)
Let’s follow Paul as he followed Jesus.
Rusty Coram
Senior Pastor