Being Willing to Accommodate

Introduction:
One of the greatest needs of our time is for Christians to have a greater interest in the salvation of others. We need to be interested not only in the souls of the worldly, but our brethren as well. How concerned are YOU about the souls of OTHERS? What kind of priorities do we have to reach others? In our text, Paul talked about his willingness to accommodate. He was willing to adapt to customs & peculiarities of others in order to help. We need to learn from this. Would you describe yourself as being willing to accommodate? Evaluate your life!

I. How was Paul willing to accommodate?
    A. 9:20—Paul was willing to accommodate the Jews.
        1. See Acts 21:26; 16:3.
        2. Did what necessary to have the chance to win their souls.|
    B. 9:21—Paul was willing to accommodate the Gentiles
    C. 9:22—Paul was willing to accommodate a weak brother/sister.
        1. Weak = those who conscientiously scrupulous—even in respect to lawful things.
        2. 1 Cor. 8:13—a good example of this.
    D. 9:22b—did this to save as many persons as possible.

II. What is here for us?
    A. If you are especially interested in someone—aren’t you willing to accommodate?
    B. Aren’t you willing to accommodate in interest, speech, dress, etiquette?
        1. Often do this w/those closest to us. Why not for those outside our comfort zone?
        2. We MUST be willing to accommodate w/those whose souls are in question!

III. But there are some limitations here.
    A. The line of distinction between accommodation & hypocrisy is sometimes very fine.
    B. Must not adapt in anyway that would be sinful.
        1. Note Paul’s example in 1 Cor. 8:4-6.
        2. Can’t engage in sin w/friend—just to “teach them”
    C. Must do anything where we hold back the truth.
        1. Acts 20:27—declare the whole counsel of God—tactfully!
        2. Some tempted to hold back. Remember it’s the truth that saves!

IV. What should be our motives in accommodating others?
    A. 9:22—to save others! Is this not the aim of Christianity?
        1. Mt. 28:18-20; Mt. 11:28-30; Jhn. 14:1-4
        2. Perhaps we forget just how terrible hell will be! Lk. 16:19-31.
        3. This is not JUST the job of the PREACHER.
    B. 9:23—to save ourselves
        1. Our personal salvation depends on our saving who we can.
        2. 1 Tim. 4:16
    C. Get involved! Get out of your comfort zone!



Being Willing to Accommodate Introduction: One of the greatest needs of our time is for Christians to have a greater interest in the salvation of others. We need to be interested not only in the souls of the worldly, but our brethren as well. How concerned are YOU about the souls of OTHERS? What kind of priorities do we have to reach others? In our text, Paul talked about his willingness to accommodate. He was willing to adapt to customs & peculiarities of others in order to help. We need to learn from this. Would you describe yourself as being willing to accommodate? Evaluate your life! I. How was Paul willing to accommodate? A. 9:20—Paul was willing to accommodate the Jews. 1. See Acts 21:26; 16:3. 2. Did what necessary to have the chance to win their souls.\| B. 9:21—Paul was willing to accommodate the Gentiles C. 9:22—Paul was willing to accommodate a weak brother/sister. 1. Weak = those who conscientiously scrupulous—even in respect to lawful things. 2. 1 Cor. 8:13—a good example of this. D. 9:22b—did this to save as many persons as possible. II. What is here for us? A. If you are especially interested in someone—aren’t you willing to accommodate? B. Aren’t you willing to accommodate in interest, speech, dress, etiquette? 1. Often do this w/those closest to us. Why not for those outside our comfort zone? 2. We MUST be willing to accommodate w/those whose souls are in question! III. But there are some limitations here. A. The line of distinction between accommodation & hypocrisy is sometimes very fine. B. Must not adapt in anyway that would be sinful. 1. Note Paul’s example in 1 Cor. 8:4-6. 2. Can’t engage in sin w/friend—just to “teach them” C. Must do anything where we hold back the truth. 1. Acts 20:27—declare the whole counsel of God—tactfully! 2. Some tempted to hold back. Remember it’s the truth that saves! IV. What should be our motives in accommodating others? A. 9:22—to save others! Is this not the aim of Christianity? 1. Mt. 28:18-20; Mt. 11:28-30; Jhn. 14:1-4 2. Perhaps we forget just how terrible hell will be! Lk. 16:19-31. 3. This is not JUST the job of the PREACHER. B. 9:23—to save ourselves 1. Our personal salvation depends on our saving who we can. 2. 1 Tim. 4:16 C. Get involved! Get out of your comfort zone!