Jesus Displayed • 1 Corinthians 9:16-27
By Sydney Charlton
When we ask others to tell us about themselves, typically, they will tell us about their family, their career, or where they are from. Rarely do people lead with, “I am a believer of the Lord Jesus Christ!” I think we have this backwards. We ought to tell people the most important thing about us first and not mention it as an afterthought.
Being saved by the grace of God from the grip of sin is the best thing about me, and for anyone else who is a Christian. Understanding that God created everyone is a great place to begin when finding common ground with someone.
I believe that the Church must be serious about sharing the Good News with people from various cultures, socioeconomic backgrounds, and those who believe differently. Rather than being timid about building relationships with groups of people unlike us, we must seek ways to engage in meaningful conversations and build relationships with them, because they, too, are image bearers of God. And the Gospel is Good News for them as well.
When we genuinely experience the love of God for ourselves and know the gift of salvation, we cannot help but be compelled to share with others! Whether God sends you across the street or around the world, He has a mission for you!
1 Corinthians 9:16-18
We have been commissioned to share Jesus. A commission is a command, not a suggestion for you to revisit when you have more time. Just as Paul was compelled to share the Gospel of Christ with others, our life’s aim should be to make much of Christ. We are compelled because we know that Christ died for all, and this love He displayed prompts us to action (2 Corinthians 5:14).
Apart from Christ, people will spend eternity separated from Him. This should move our thoughts about doing something for someone to swift action.
1 Corinthians 9:19-23
Years ago, I lived and served at an inner-city ministry. One would think that the chasm between a girl who grew up in the country suburbs would be far too wide to build relationships with a population devastated by homelessness, addiction, and abuse.
Jesus showed me how to identify with each group He had me ministering to, just like He showed Paul centuries before. In my work now, I find that though someone’s struggles or details of their background may be unfamiliar to me, God fills those gaps when we have a genuine willingness to love others well.
I have friends who are in prison for decisions they made before knowing Christ; I love many who are currently in addiction recovery; and I have built relationships with people who have trusted me to share about their seemingly insurmountable struggles. God is the one who unites hearts. He is the one Who builds relationships across barriers we never imagined crossing. He does so because He wants every person to experience His love and the salvation that is only found through His Son, Jesus.
There are people in your life who need to hear this Truth and to experience His love. He is commissioning you to share. You must decide how you will respond — but do so carefully, eternity is in the balance.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Sharing Jesus takes discipline and self-denial. Proclaiming the Gospel requires being uncomfortable. There is an urgency to this message of hope! Moving past our concerns or fears of the unknown is critical.
The first time I went to a maximum-security zone of a prison to share Christ, I was concerned. I was accustomed to visiting the other zones, but Max is very different. I was asked to sing and share a devotion, and as I walked through those halls and looked into the eyes of women peering through small windows in the small steel boxes they call home, God gave me compassion for them. These women were desperate for hope. They longed for love. And God chose to send me. We talked about Jesus and His finished work on the cross.
My concerns were replaced with compassion and care. And He reminded me that this message of hope is not mine to hoard. He has commanded me to share it because the world is desperate and in need of a Savior! His name is Jesus.
We have the best news to share with the world. Do so with urgency!
Charlton is the OneHope Missions Assistant at Crossgates Baptist Church, Brandon.
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