1 Corinthians 9:16-23 (NRSV)
Read 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 on biblegateway.com
Verse 16If I proclaim the gospel, this gives me no ground for boasting, for an obligation is laid on me, and woe to me if I do not proclaim the gospel! Verse 17For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward; but if not of my own will, I am entrusted with a commission. Verse 18What then is my reward? Just this: that in my proclamation I may make the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my rights in the gospel.
Verse 19For though I am free with respect to all, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I might win more of them. Verse 20To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though I myself am not under the law) so that I might win those under the law. Verse 21To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law) so that I might win those outside the law. Verse 22To the weak I became weak, so that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that I might by all means save some. Verse 23I do it all for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings.
Devotion
Some football fans (as seen on TV) proclaim their enthusiasm by waving a giant styrofoam hand with an enlarged and extended index finger. This is their way of demonstrating that "We are Number One!" It would be interesting to see what St. Paul might make of this display in light of what he says in today's text: "If I proclaim the gospel, this gives me no ground for boasting ... " In other words he is not Number One; the gospel he proclaims and serves is Number One!
Paul goes on to explain how he shapes his proclamation. He offers the gospel free of charge. He becomes a slave to all. And he becomes all things to all people. This does not mean he is a wimp. But it does mean he has learned how to read his audience for effective proclamation. He does it for the sake of the gospel. And so may we all, for we know who is really Number One.
Prayer
O God, we know you are as good as your word and that the Word became flesh. May we know the gospel and proclaim it for all to hear. Amen.