All Things to All Men

1 Corinthians 8:1-9:27

Key Verse 9:22

1. Think about the following expressions: 1) “we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ” (9:12); 2) “those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel” (9:14); 3) “Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel” (9:16); 4) “preaching the gospel…free of charge” (9:18); and 5) “I do all these for the sake of the gospel” (9:23). What is the gospel? Why is the gospel so important? What do these expressions teach us about the way to reach out the unreachable?

2. Compare what the Apostle Paul says in 1Co 8:9 and the point he is making in 1Co 9:12. What is a “stumbling block” [in 1Co 8:9]? How is the expression “stumbling block” related to the expression “hinder the gospel” in 1Co 9:12? 

3. In what respect may “eating food sacrificed to idols” [in the eyes of the one whose conscience is weak] or “a Bible teacher [like the Apostle Paul] charging a fee to [or collecting a tuition from] his Bible student” work as a stumbling block [to a man of weak conscience, or anyone who is materialistic]? Can you think of any other examples (or practices) operating as a stumbling block (or hindrance to the gospel) in a contemporary society or in different mission fields?

4. 1Co 9:6 implies that Paul and Barnabas lived as “self-supporting” missionaries. (Acts 18:3) Other Bible verses tell us that the apostles asked the churches to support their ministries and those of fellow workers. (Romans 15:23-24; 1Co 16:1-6, 10-11; 2Co 1:16; Tit 3:13-14; 3Jn 5-8) Why the difference? What practical wisdom can we find here in serving the Lord’s kingdom work? 

5. Read 9:19-23. What practical wisdom does this passage teach us in reaching out to the unreachable?

6. In verses 9:24-27 we find “prize” repeated three times and “crown” repeated twice. What does Paul mean by “the prize” or “a crown that will last forever”?  (1Co 9:23; Matthew 25:21; Luke 10:20; 14:24; 15:10)