An often-forgotten aspect of decision-making is the need to surrender our rights for the gospel’s sake. We see our rights and values as something we should fight for, hold onto, and loudly demand. Yet, God calls us to a different life. We are to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow him (Mark 8:34). Self-denial stands juxtaposed to today’s standard fare. From the left’s cry about a woman’s right to choose to the right’s cry about the right to bear arms, culture informs us that our rights are the ultimate treasure of life. The concept that we would deny ourselves, completely surrender our lives, and enslave ourselves to Christ seems foolish.

 

A primary reason for the gospel’s advance in the first century was the willingness of men like the Apostle Paul to surrender their rights for the gospel’s sake. In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul reveals that he was willing to surrender his rights because he loved the gospel. As he continues in the chapter, he reveals that he was willing to surrender his rights because he loved people. Paul was willing to modify his habits and lay aside his rights because he loved people. He recognized what would offend people and what would draw people. So, Paul adapted to each person. He willingly made himself the servant of all people so that he would have the opportunity to share the gospel.

 

Some Christians misuse this section of scripture as an argument to allow them to participate in sinful activities to “have the chance to share the gospel.” Through this argument, they reveal their selfishness. For we do not continue in sin so that grace can abound (Romans 6:1). Instead, Paul argued in this section that we should be willing to surrender our rights so that we can win the world. As he addressed each group, he adapted to them without sinning.

 

To the Jews, he became like a Jew. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of this statement from first glance is that Paul was a Jew. How would he need to become like a Jew when he already was a Jew? The first statement gives the key to understanding all the others. While Paul was a Jew, he recognized that he was free from the Law through Christ. As a result, he did not always actively follow Jewish religious practices (such as kosher foods and religious feast days). However, when he was among the Jewish population, he willingly restricted his diet. He observed purification laws so that he would not needlessly offend his fellow Jews. His purpose was to relate to them the good news of the Messiah.

 

On the other hand, to those outside the Law, Paul became as one outside the Law. When he was among a primarily Gentile population, Paul gladly partook of non-kosher foods. He violated the Mosaic purity laws (understanding he was free from them) so that he could share the gospel with those Gentiles. In each culture, Paul adapted to that culture to win those people. He would bind himself to their proclivities to avoid offending them needlessly.

 

We should also note that this does not mean Paul softened the gospel. If the truth of God’s Word offends, that is to be expected and is not our problem. 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 reveals that the Gospel truth will offend the world. However, often, the world is offended more by the Christian’s belligerent, arrogant, selfish attitude than the gospel. Christians are frequently more concerned about their “rights” than the gospel. If people are offended by our unnecessary practices and tertiary opinions, that is our problem, and we must correct it. We often hold onto our rights, opinions, and desires and are unwilling to seek peace with all men. We view those who are different as foolish and dumb. But we should instead adapt to them. As we make decisions, we ought to consider whether this decision impedes sharing the gospel because we are insistent on our rights and opinions.