Common Ground

Scripture:

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. (1 Corinthians 9:22 NLT)

Observation:

Under the law of Christ-Paul did not think it necessary to observe the ceremonial commands of the law in relation to food  (see his instructions in 10:27), but he did maintain the law of Christ (see Gal 6:2). 

The weak Refers to Christians who felt tempted to regress to idolatrous practices (see 8:7; Rom 14:1).

When Paul said that, "I might win the weak" he demonstrated sensitivity to such believers, but he also desired that they mature in their faith (see 8:7–13).

When he said he wanted to be "all things to all people" Paul is not advocating syncretism or compromise of the gospel message. Rather, he is promoting a considerate evangelistic approach—one that accounts for different social circumstances, ethnicities, and religious convictions.

Application:

The KEY to Paul's ability to minister to so many people, and to get along with even his enemies is found in this verse.  I have a difficult time doing what he advocates very often.  I am sure anyone who reads this will agree with me that is difficult, but God would not have placed it in His Word if it weren't important, nor unattainable.  What is the key?

"I try to find COMMON GROUND with everyone"  This is so important in the kingdom of God.  Paul tried to find common ground.  Jesus always found common ground.  The ones who always looked for differences, and ways to fight, and argue, debate, and make everyone uncomfortable were the Pharisees, the religious leaders.  The very ones who crucified Jesus.  

That same spirit and "air" of arguing and debating, severely impacts, and kills the influence of Jesus to so many people in our world today.  

In the church, we argue.  At work, we debate.  At home, we fight.  At school, we have drama.  On Facebook, we cowardly attack people underhandedly, and behind a keyboard.  The same goes with Twitter.  And all the while, the schism between the church and the world grows larger.  Because we have to prove that we are RIGHT. 

What does God say about this?  Let's look at a few verses:

Hebrews 12:14 "Strive for peace with everyone, and for holiness for without it no one will see God."

Proverbs 19:11 "Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense."

Proverbs 17:14 "The start of a quarrel is like a leak in a dam, so stop it before it bursts." 

Romans 12:17-18 "Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.  Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone."

Proverbs 15:1 "A  soft answer turns away wrath, But  a harsh word stirs up anger."

Philippians 4:2 "Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement"

Matthew 5:23-24 “So if you are presenting a sacrifice  at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you,    leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.

Proverbs 20:3 (MSG) It's a mark of good character to avert quarrels, but fools love to pick fights. 

Proverbs 18:19 (ESV) A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle. 

Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV) Do nothing from  rivalry or  conceit, but in  humility count others more significant than yourselves.  Let each of you  look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 

Philippians 2:14-16 (NLT) Do everything without complaining and arguing,  so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.  Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. 

Your relationships can be sound, when you search for common ground!

Prayer:

"Lord, I do not want to be one who always argues and complains about everything. Nor do I want to be one who always seems to find something to fight about, or be mad about.  In all of my relationships, help me to search for common ground, so that I can have sound relationships! In Jesus' name, amen!"

Consistent!

Scripture:

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be firm (steadfast), immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord [always being superior, excelling, doing more than enough in the service of the Lord], knowing  and  being continually aware that your labor in the Lord is not futile [it is never wasted or to no purpose]. (1 Corinthians 15:58 AMP)

Observation:

Paul concludes this letter with a summary, or closing exhortation.  Just as Judaism often linked failure to believe in the future world with immoral living, and faith in future judgment with perseverance, Paul encourages believers to hold to the truth of the resurrection and so to right living.  

Paul says that because of the resurrection, nothing we do is useless.  Sometimes we become apathetic about serving The Lord because we don't see any results.  Knowing that Christ has won the ultimate victory should affect the way we live right now.  Don't let discouragement over an apparent lack o results keep you from doing the work of The Lord enthusiastically as you have opportunity.

Application:

Motivation gets you going, discipline keeps you growing! The hallmark of excellence, the test of greatness is consistency! It doesn't matter how talented you are. It doesn't matter how many opportunities you receive. If you want to grow, consistency is key. In fact "you've got to get up every morning with determination if you're going to go to bed with satisfaction."  

In our verse, Paul is encouraging the Corinthians to be firm (steadfast, consistent), immovable, always abounding in the work of The Lord.  The next part really challenges me, "always being superior, excelling, doing more than enough in the service of The Lord."  The Holy Spirit is challenging us to be consistently consistent.  To be "second miler's" not just one milers.  It was Roman rule that a Jew had to walk one mile with a roman citizen if they came in contact with each other.  Jesus raised the stakes and said, "dont just walk one mile, walk two."  The first mile represents law, the second mile represents grace! We must stop dealing with people in LAW, and as a Christian, deal with them with GRACE.  

When we do this consistently, we can be sure that our work, labor, is not in vain, wasted or to no purpose!

It is the responsibility of the Christian to live consistent with the great Name he bears, with his profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. One of the soldiers of Alexander the Great was called up to be court-martialed for desertion. 'What's your name?' asked the Commander of the Greek army. 'Alexander,' was the reply. 'Change your name or mend your manners,' said the Emperor.

Prayer:

"Lord, help me to walk consistently in all You have called me to do. I want to be a "second  miler" in everything that I do, and say, and in all that I am.  In Jesus' name, amen!"