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THE COST OF MISSION
June 27, 2024
Hey Clawson Family!
Song:
Scripture
1 Corinthians 9:19-23
19 Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ. 20 When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law. 21 When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law,[a] I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ.
22 When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. 23 I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.
Devotional:
Christians are the most persecuted group of people on earth. For many Christians around the world, the decision to follow Jesus means being cut off from family and employment and even facing prison and death. Being a Christian in a democratic nation such as Australia eliminates most of this type of extreme persecution, but it doesn’t mean that there is no cost. Jesus says that following him costs your entire life (Matthew 16:25). How come? In our reading today, Paul explains why he has given up his rights and freedom to become a follower of Jesus and a missionary.
Paul meant what he said here about giving up his right to an easy life to see people meet Jesus. In 2 Corinthians 11, he lists all the dreadful things that happened to him to share the Jesus story with everyone he could. He faced shipwreck, torture, prison, and stoning due to his efforts. That’s just the start. It is quite the list.
You probably won’t find yourself being tortured for sharing your story about what Jesus has done in your life or for inviting someone to church, but you may very well find it difficult or embarrassing. There is a guarantee about the Christian mission: somehow, it will be costly. It will cost you time, reputation, money, and even relationships.
So why do it? Paul gives his answer: "So that I might save some." Christians don’t see mission as a dreaded obligation or annoying side-task. They are driven by a passionate love for those around them. We desire to see people saved from a life without God into an abundant life with him. The mission of disciple-making is to do whatever is necessary, whenever necessary, to help people follow Jesus.
Thankfully, Paul gives another guarantee in this paragraph. Bearing the cost of God’s mission means sharing incredible blessings (1 Cor 9:23). I can assure you that there is nothing better than seeing someone you love come to trust Jesus.
Journal:
What are you scared of happening when sharing about Jesus? Why? Write it down and bring it to Jesus. Pray for freedom.
Training:
Lord, I know that sharing my faith is going to be costly at some point. Help me to be ready when the moment comes. Please place in me a driving passion to see my friends and family (and others I encounter) meet you. I will do whatever you want. Lead me on and show me what to do and say.
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