"REVOKING RIGHTS FOR CHRIST"

"For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them."

1 Corinthians 9:19

We're living in a day and age where people are empowered to exercise their rights, such as civil, economic, and political rights. We have these privileges, and we should have the freedom to use them; otherwise, we're no longer a democracy.

But God's Kingdom operates quite differently. Christianity is more of self-abandonment than self-promotion. Christians should take second place, serve rather than be served, and sacrifice instead of advancing personal interests.

In this part of Paul's first letter to the Corinthian believers, he explains his devotion to proclaiming the Gospel, including the withdrawal of his rights. Paul rescinded his rights as a Roman citizen, an Apostle, and a preacher. He was nothing like the wandering teachers and preachers of his time, who were out only to make money. He refused to take money from those whom he ministered to because he didn't want money to be a stumbling block to unbelievers.

As a Roman citizen, Paul was a free man, not a bondservant or slave. As a Christian, he was free from adhering to the demands of the Law of Moses. He was a free man through and through. But Paul voluntarily declared himself a servant of all people. He used his freedom to serve others and bring them to Christ.

Paul preached the Gospel to countless people throughout his 30-year ministry and was instrumental in establishing churches outside of Israel. He wasted no opportunity to share the hope found in Jesus Christ. He witnessed to Jews and Gentiles as a free man; he preached to officials and political leaders as a prisoner.

Paul adapted to the needs of his listeners. When he preached to the Jews, he quoted Old Testament Scripture; but when he preached to the Gentiles, Paul appealed to them through creation. Paul was a master preacher yet a servant of all. He went to lengths and lengths to bring the Good News to as many people as possible.

As a Christian, you have the same mandate as Paul. Jesus commanded you to preach the Gospel to the world. You may not have a ministry as far-reaching as Paul's, but God put you where you are to tell people about Christ. But what are you going to do to win somebody for Christ? Are you willing to give up some of your rights and serve others? Can you set aside your conveniences to bring hope to the lost? Can you revoke some of your privileges to serve Christ?

Pursue the Saviour today!