Introduction:

A. It goes without saying that the gospel was given for the sake of people.

B. There are two things that come to mind when we consider the place of people in the gospel:

1. We should be interested in, and concerned with, people, in order that they might be receptive to Christ and His message.

2. We should not allow ourselves to hinder that process of encouraging others to know and obey the gospel.

C. In 1 Cor. 9:19-23, Paul tells why he did and did not do certain things. Not only do we see that he did what he did "for the gospel's sake" (v. 23), but we learn some principles which will help us be more effective in living Christ's will and sharing it with others.
 

1. The Gospel is for Everyone (19).
1. Paul speaks of making himself a "servant to all." The reason was that he "might win the more." He then mentions several categories of people to show the scope of those he wished to reach and his willingness to do certain things to reach them.
2. The can be no mistaking the universal scope of the gospel.
1. God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Pet. 3:9).
2. We sing "the gospel is for all." The great verses of that song speak of our need to not be selfish with the gospel of Christ.
3. 1 John 2:2; 1 Cor. 8:11, show the fact that Christ died:
1. For the whole world.
2. For each individual.
3. Paul had an "every man" mentality when it came to the gospel (Col. 1:28).

 
2. The Gospel Cannot Be Changed For Anyone (v. 21).
1. Even though people are all different, they need the same thing when it comes to their salvation.
1. John 14:6; Acts 4:12
2. These verses and others highlight the exclusive nature of the gospel. No one can change the fact that only the gospel saves.
2. Some have misinterpreted our text to mean that Paul was willing to adapt his message to fit cultures and individuals, etc. This is certainly not the case.
1. We will see in the next point what it meant for Paul to become "all things to all men."
2. Here, however, we will notice verse 21 -- while he was interested in "those without law, he recognized that he himself was not "without law toward God," but that he was "under law toward Christ."
3. We cannot change the message for anyone (cf. Gal. 1:9). Paul, of all people, knew this! However, some things can and should be changed (next point).
3. The Gospel is Bigger Than Each One (22-23)
1. Paul's point becomes clear: In reaching men with the gospel, while we cannot change the message, we sometimes must make changes in ourselves.
1. Earlier in the chapter, Paul has discussed at length his refusal to accept payment for his work as a preacher. While he had a right to "live by the gospel," he decided to set aside that right for the good of those in Corinth (vv. 6-18).
2. The idea was to set aside personal rights for the greater good of the advance of the gospel. Even in the previous chapter, this idea is discussed under the heading of eating meats offered to idols.
2. Paul's point is that he accommodated himself to others "for the gospel's sake."
3. We should not allow our personal preferences to become a stumbling-block to others.
1. Selfishness can be a major hindrance to the spread of the gospel and the progress of the church. Consider some areas in which this is important:
1. I must see that my actions do not discourage others or become a distraction to them. This is especially true in worship services.
2. I should not oppose an expedient just because it is not the way "we've always done it."
3. I should not desire to keep the congregation a certain size because it is cozy and comfortable to do so.
4. On the positive side, I should do all I can to accommodate those who come to worship and hear the gospel. Everything from speaking to visitors to going out of my way to make them comfortable and welcome is needed.
2. It was unselfishness that caused Paul to say what he said in these verses (cf. Phil. 2:4; Rom. 15:1-3; 1 Cor. 13:5).
4. What we are to realize is that the gospel is a cause greater than ourselves!