DYNAMIS!
A publication of St. George Orthodox Christian Cathedral
Wichita, KS
First Corinthians 9:19-27 (01/05 or 01/18) Liturgy of Saint
Basil: the Eve of Theophany
Apostolic Evangelism: First Corinthians 9:19-27,
especially vss. 22, 23: “I have become all things to all men,
that I might by all means save some. Now this I do for the gospel’s
sake....” The Apostle Paul saw
himself as an evangelist, that is, as one authorized to serve “...under
law toward Christ...” (vs. 21), that he “...might
by all means save some” (vs. 22) whom he would meet. As the Lord Jesus revealed in the
parable of the sower (Mt. 13:1-23), so the Saint
knew: some would hear the Gospel but not “...obtain it” (1 Cor.
9:24), and others, possibly even he himself through some dereliction or sin -
even as an Apostle - might be “...disqualified” (vs. 27).
Knowing the gift of the “...imperishable crown”
(vs. 25) that our Lord Jesus holds out to every disciple, Saint Paul determined
to do all in his power to become a fellow-partaker of that eternal crown (vs.
23). Further, he encouraged those,
like the Corinthian Christians, to “Run in such a way that you may obtain
it” (vs. 24). Note well and
make no mistake: as an Apostle, Saint Paul also is speaking to us, offering himself as an example for our conduct as evangelists. Under Christ, we are to choose to serve
as slaves of all men to win them to the Lord Jesus (vs. 19). This means that, ever loyal to Christ,
we are to be sensitive to the spiritual outlook of everyone with whom we interact
(vss. 20-23). Therefore, it is
necessary for us to be “...temperate in all things,” ever
disciplining our selves as aided by God’s grace
(vss. 24-27).
The Apostle’s call to use our freedom in Christ to
serve all men as slaves is an exacting demand. It means that we must be committed to “...win
the more...” (vs. 19) to the glories, beauties, and
life-giving truths of Orthodox Christian Faith. We must not hoard the Faith for private
comfort, but pay a price. While no
one is compelled in this obligation at a human level, it is expected of us by
our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, for He became a man of low estate to save
us. In turn, He directs us to be
menial with others in discipling all nations (Mt.
28:19).
Notice how the Apostle proposes approaching the task of discipling others.
We are to be sensitive to the ‘spiritual’ orientation of
those we meet in life. There is a
delicate balance in being a slave of the Master while evangelizing those not
committed to the Faith. The Gospel
requires us to reach out authentically.
Hence, we must ever consider the mindset of others. Saint Paul approached Jews as a fellow
Jew and pagan Romans as a Roman citizen.
Still, he never abandoned his authenticity in Christ, nor bent himself
like a pretzel, nor changed his stripes and colors like a chameleon. Rather, he sought out the assumptions he
actually did share with everyone he encountered. He took the approach of meeting everyone
on ‘common ground.’
The Apostle uses an illustration from the Greek games,
familiar to the first-century Corinthians.
To engage others in the new and radical truth of Orthodox Christianity
will be demanding. The task has
similarities to competitive sports.
False assumptions, erroneous concepts learned over many years, and the
comfort of half-truths have made people resistant to the saving truth we know
and value in Christ. So what do we
do? Keep focused on the
“...imperishable crown” being offered (vs. 25). Be ever mindful of the kingdom of God,
yet “...temperate in all things” (vs. 25). Orthodoxy emphasizes ascetic disciplines
not to punish us, but to train us for our own salvation. Such will aid us in evangelizing others. Truth is a matter of life and
death! If we fail to discipline our
bodies and bring them into subjection, we may find that when we have preached
to others, we ourselves shall “...become disqualified” (vs. 27).
Of Thine immense goodness, O Lord
God, and to Thine honor and glory, shew me the path of Thy will toward all whom I meet, and
the grace to walk in Thy sight without sin.
Return to the January Calendar