Witnessing in the Life of Paul
1 Corinthians 9:19-27

Many believe Paul to be the greatest soul winner and preacher ever. As we look at his life and letters, there can be no doubt that he had a balanced ministry of witnessing and teaching. What were his secrets of success?

Paul, what gave you such drive? "Though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel" (1 Corinthians 9:16)! You seem to have a great burden to witness.  Yes, "I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. For I could myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh" (Romans 9:2, 3). Paul, you have a great love for people. The love of Christ constrains me (2 Corinthians 5:14).

Tell me, how did you reach so many different kinds of people? "To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak; I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some" (1 Corinthians 9:22). You surely stressed getting people saved. "Though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more" (v. 19).

There must be some ultimate goal that causes you to go to such lengths. "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.... Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible" (vv. 24, 25). Oh, so you are working for a reward? Indeed, "If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward" (1 Corinthians 3:14). "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14).

But, Paul, must you go at it all the time like you do? You have to live and have a little fun, don't you? "I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air; but I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway" (1 Corinthians 9:26, 27). So you fear God's disapproval of your service? Should not we all?