Central Truth

As believers, we are freed in order to grow more like Christ and to serve others. Paul was compelled to share the gospel, and he did everything he could to reach as many as possible.

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Reflections

Paul spends the first part of this chapter talking about the freedom and rights he has as an apostle and how he has chosen to deny himself so he would not hinder the message of the gospel. Paul then goes on to tell us that he is compelled to preach the gospel. I can remember wanting to tell everyone about my new bride, my new car, my new job, or something my child did in school. How much more should we be excited to tell everyone that Jesus took the punishment for our sins on the cross that we might have eternal life?

Next, Paul says he is a slave to all so that more people can come to Christ (verse 19). Paul met people right where they were. For us to follow suit, that does not mean we have to compromise our beliefs, but we do need to consider the mindset of those to whom we are ministering. It means taking an interest in others, maybe in someplace like Africa or Haiti, but more often someone like your neighbor or your co-worker right here in Dallas.

Finally, Paul tells us to have the attitude of an athlete (verses 24-27). That means denying ourselves in order that we may win the race, doing all things completely with excellence . . . as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23). Here in Dallas, we have lots of athlete examples, but as great as many of them are, many fall short. Don't you think others will be attracted to our God if we live this disciplined way for eternal reward and not the praise of man?

Paul is compelling us to share the gospel. Ask God to light a fire for others in your soul. Ask for the Holy Spirit to move you. Step out of your world, and be a light to others. Live your life with excellence as unto the Lord. In this way, you will grow in your walk with Him, and others will be drawn to Christ!

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Discussion Questions

1. Do you feel compelled to share the gospel? Reflect on the free gift God has given you through salvation. Ask God to give you a heart for the lost.

2. When is the last time you reached out to someone with whom you have little in common? What did you do to help them relate to you? If you haven't, think of someone, and reach out to them today.

3. If you have Jesus, you will win the prize. But are you running the race to win, or are you jogging lazily through life with an entitlement mentality? Take some ground in this area. Identify one area in which you need to step up, tell a friend in your community, and start today.

WEEKLY FAMILY ACTIVITY

1 Corinthians 7-11 (June 25-29)

Read 1 Corinthians 10:1-11.

• In verses 1-10, who is the writer talking about?
• Do you remember all the things that happened with to Israelites in the wilderness?
• What does verse 11 tell us about the Israelites?
• What does it mean for something to be an example for you? What about a warning for you?
• Have you ever thought about learning from someone else's mistakes or example?
• What are some things you have learned from other people just by watching them?

Activity: God gave us His Word so that we would have a clear guide on how to live in a way that brings Him great glory. Let's think back on the stories that He gave us as examples and what we can learn from them. For each story, have someone give a short version of what happened in the story and then everyone talk about what we can learn from them.

Stories: Noah and the Ark; Moses and the Red Sea; Eve in the Garden; Daniel in the Lion's Den; Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the Fiery Furnace; Joshua and the Wall of Jericho; David and Goliath.

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