How Far Would You Go to Reach One Person?

In this From Wrong to Strong Devotional, Cisco Terrazas reflects on 1 Corinthians 9:19 to 23 and Paul’s powerful approach to ministry. Though free, Paul chose to become a servant. He didn’t compromise truth, but he removed barriers. He met people where they were so they could clearly see Jesus.

This message challenges us to lay down pride, preferences, and personal rights so the gospel can be heard. It’s not about being impressive. It’s about being available. Not chasing approval, but loving people well.

If we follow Christ, our lives should point others straight to Him.

Listen in and be encouraged to serve with humility and purpose.

Transcript

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Hello, brother and sisters. This is Cisco Terrazas is coming to you from another from Rock to Strong Devotional. Today I'd like to focus on Paul's approach to meeting people where they were. I can confirm to this day the same approach should and is still applicable of how we should reach those without Christ. In Corinthians nine 19 through 23, it states the following. Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone to win as many as possible to the Jews. I became like a Jew to win the Jews to those under the law. I became like one under the law, though I myself am not under the law. So as to windows under the law to those not having the law, I became like one. Not having the law, though I am not free from God's law, but I am under Christ's law. So as to windows not having the law to the weak, I became weak to win the weak. I have become all things to all people, so that by all possible means I may have some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel that I may share. In its blessings, Paul opens a window into his heart for ministry. He says that though he is free, he willingly makes himself a servant to everyone. Why that I might win more of them. Paul is not chasing approval, power or praise. He's chasing souls. When Paul says he becomes like a Jew to Jews and like one under the law to those under the law, he's not saying he compromises truth or adopts to simple ways. He makes this very clear. He is not under the law, but under the law of Christ. His identity never changes. His message never changes. What changes is his approach? Paul removes unnecessary barriers. He meets people where they are so they can clearly see who Christ is. He does not boast in his freedom, his knowledge, or his authority. Instead, he humbles himself so that people are drawn not to Paul, but to Jesus. This is powerful for us today. Sometimes people don't reject Christ. They reject what they think Christ's followers are like. Paul stood by laying down personal rights and preferences. He created space for the gospel to be heard. His life quietly said, follow me as I follow Christ. As this is mentioned in one Corinthians 11, one, this verse perfectly captures Paul's heart in one Corinthians nine. Paul isn't asking people to admire him. He's inviting them to watch his life because it points out to Jesus. His willingness to adapt, serve and humble himself, make Christ visible, not Paul impressive. Paul's approach flows straight from his mindset in Philippians two, three to five, do nothing out of self ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourself, not look to your own interests, but each of you to the interest of others in your relationships with one another. Have the same mindset as Christ Jesus. Becoming like others is in weakness. It's humility just as Christ laid aside his rights to serve and save. Paul lays aside his freedom so others can encounter the gospel. Paul's goal is clear. I have become all things to all people. That by all means I may save some. He knows only God saves, but God uses willing servants. I'd like to end this with a prayer for us all. Lord, help us walk in humility like Paul, teach us to love people. Well remove obstacles to the gospel and live in a way that points others to you alone. We submit ourselves to your will and to become servants like Paul. So this way we learn what it truly means to become like the broken, but not to submit under the law. But so one may see a reflection through me, which leads them to Christ. Amen. I am Cisco Terrazas and I am from wrong to strong.