Magnificent Obsession

Welcome to the Days of Praise podcast, a daily devotional by the Institute for Creation Research. Magnificent Obsession. For though I be free from all men, yet I have made myself servant unto all that I might gain the more. I Corinthians nine nineteen. In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul noted that Christ had given specific gifts to the church apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers.

Paul himself was all of these, however, and he wanted to win as many people as he could from all walks of life. He therefore sought to be made all things to all men, that he might by all means save some. I Corinthians nine twenty two. This indeed was a magnificent obsession. and every Christian should seek to emulate it as the Lord enables.

Paul was not saying, however, that a man should become as a woman to win women to the Lord, or that a woman should become as a man to win men. Neither should he become a humanist to win humanists. One should never dilute the doctrines of the faith or Christian standards of conduct in order to win commitments to the church. Paul was not laying down guidelines for witnessing. Either for the church or for individual Christians, he was giving his own personal testimony.

Nevertheless, we should seek to be understanding and sympathetic to people of every background. Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the Church of God. 1 Corinthians 10, 32. we should try to be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness, instructing those that oppose themselves, if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth. second Timothy two, twenty four and twenty five.

Remembering it is God that giveth the increase, we should never compromise truth in order to gain converts. but speaking the truth in love, beseech others to be ye reconciled to God. Second Corinthians five twenty. If you've enjoyed today's devotional, be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. And please rate and review so more listeners can find us.

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