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Introduction: A.
How much does the gospel mean to you? 1.
Are you willing to do things you normally wouldn’t for
the sake of the gospel? 2.
Go farther than you normally would? 3.
Give up things for the sake of the gospel? 4.
If so, you are committed to doing “all things for the
sake of the gospel”… like the apostle Paul.
Let’s follow Paul’s
life of commitment to the gospel as an example for us today. Discussion: I. Paul Became a Slave to All Men A. Paul was free from all men. V. 19a 1.
This is true of all Christians… as we are all called to
be free. 2.
Paul (and Barnabas) stood free (regardless how others
judged him). 1
Cor. 9:3-6 a.
They could have been financially supported. b.
They could have taken along believing wives. II. Paul did it for the sake of the gospel A. He became a slave to all. v. 19b-22 1.
To the Jew, he became as a Jew. Acts
16:3 2.
To those under the law as under the Law. Acts
21:17-26 3.
To those who are without law… 1
Cor. 10:27-30 4.
To the weak… 1
Cor. 8:7-11 III. Paul’s Desire: Save Some A. Paul’s reason to make his choices “for the sake of the gospel”: saving souls. 1.
Imagine how profound that is! 2.
Each choice (to work or not, take a spouse along or not,
receiving wages or not, etc.) was made with others in mind. Gal.
5:13-14 IV.
For the gospel sake let’s follow Paul’s lead by serving
all so that some might be saved. V. Serve With Your Eye on the PRIZE A.
For the sake of the gospel 1.
Serve with purpose. V.
24 2.
Serve with self-control. V.
25 3.
Serve with endurance. V.
26 Conclusion: A. Brethren: for the sake of the gospel, how will you participate in our congregational “Guest Evangelism” endeavor? B. Are you willing to “run in such a way” to receive the gospel’s heavenly crown?
Glory
to God in the church by Christ Jesus
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