Scripture
1 Corinthians 9: 21-23 “When I am with the Gentiles who do not have the Jewish law, I fit in with them as much as I can. In this way, I gain their confidence and bring them to Christ. But I do not discard the law of God; I obey the law of Christ. When I am with those who are oppressed, I share their oppression so that I might bring them to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone so that I might bring them to Christ. I do all this to spread the Good News, and in doing so I enjoy its blessings. “
Observation
This passage teaches Paul’s method of evangelism. I call it bridge building. Paul built bridges to unreached people so that Jesus could walk across. He tried to fit in with them. He gained their confidence. He found common ground. Why? I do all this to spread the Good News. Yet, Paul also obeyed the law of Christ. What does that mean? He built bridges without compromising morality. He did not compromise Godly standards but he did use different means to share Christ. This is a great lesson.
Application
Evangelism is all about relationships. Paul became like them so that he could reach them. Paul tried to connect to lost people. He fit in, gained their confidence, and found common ground. He did not compromise Biblical standards but he was a friend of sinners. It is possible to do both. We can be a bridge builder to the lost without joining in their sins. It is friendship evangelism. Make a friend. Be a friend. Lead a friend to Christ.
Prayer
Father, give me one more. Open doors of opportunity for me to make friends with lost people. Enable me to make the most of those opportunities. I want to be a bridge builder in our community. I want to build bridges to lost people and share the love of Christ with them. Give us souls. Give us one more. Tomorrow in the service I ask that sinners be saved. In Jesus name.
