Win Some

Scripture:  I Corinthians 9:19-22 - 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; 22 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.

Let’s take a look at the life of James Hudson Taylor – a missionary for 51 years in China.  He was the founder of the China Inland Mission.  He committed his life to China as he identified with the Chinese people to tell them about the gospel of Jesus Christ.  His desire was to “win some” for the Kingdom of God.  One of his quotes was “God is not looking for men of great faith, but He is looking for common men to trust His great faithfulness.”  As in the life of Paul in I Corinthians 9:19 he says all though I am free from all men, I made myself a servant to all that I might win more.  To Jew and the Gentiles he became all things to all men that he might by all means save some for the gospel’s sake.  Paul did not change/compromise the scripture and/or the truth to win some, but he looked for opportunities to tell others about the gospel of Jesus Christ as he was led by the Holy Spirit’s power.  Paul used the illustration of a race in verses 24-27.  We re to run by the rules, and our goal is to run to please God and to bring others to Christ, which requires a life of discipline, hard work, and self-denial (Matthew 16:25).  As Christians we are running toward our heavenly reward, and our crown is an imperishable crown – not like the world’s crowns that are perishable.  Our Heavenly Head Coach Jesus Christ has given us some tools to help us be prepared to run the race, which is a marathon race not a sprint race.  Just as we train our bodies for a physical race, we need God’s tools to help us endure through the hardships we may encounter in the Christian race.  

We need God’s spiritual gifts (Ephesians 4:11-16) – pastors, teachers, evangelists who share the word of God.  We also need prayer, worship, and fellowship with God and other believers, because our spiritual progress is obtained by God’s power and Holy Spirit working in our lives (Acts 1:8) to give us vigor and stamina to run this race as we live yielded life of discipline.   Paul warned us not to become disqualified (verse 27) -- not that we lose our salvation, but we may lose rewards/privileges to tell others about Jesus Christ.  What special gifts have God given you?  Are you motivated liked Paul and others to honor God with your gift?  God purposes to use your life to win others to His kingdom (Proverbs 11:30b), and also in I Corinthians 3:5-7 Paul says – I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.

Prayer:  Dear Lord:  Thank you for saving my life and giving me eternal life. Also, thank you for leading  us by the Holy Spirit to those who need to open up their hearts to You to receive the gift of salvation.  As a team at Genesis, the body of Christ, help us to be committed to reach out to lost souls as the doorway of opportunity is opened by You that we may “win some” for Your kingdom and Your glory.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.

(by Min. Robert Williams)