EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 10, 2026.
SUBJECT : EFFECTIVE EVANGELISM TO ALL PEOPLE!
Memory verse: "Just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved." (First Corinthians 10 vs 33.)
READ: First Corinthians 9 vs 19 - 23:
9:19: For though I am free from all men, yet have I made myself servant to all, that I might win the more.
9:20: and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win the Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law;
9:21: to those who are without law, as without law, (not being without law toward God, but under the law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law.
9:22: to the weak became I as weak, that I might win the weak: I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
9:23: Now this I do for the gospel's sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.
INTIMATION:
Zealous preaching and advocacy of the gospel require important principles generally accepted for reaching a wider audience. These principles employable in effective and efficient service in ministry, require paying adequate attention to your peculiar environment, and circumstances surrounding you at anytime.
In the Bible passage we read today, apostle Paul shares his experience and techniques in ministry. He said, though he was free of the demands and expectations of everyone, he voluntarily became a servant to any and all in order to reach a wide range of people: religious, non-religious, meticulous moralists, loose-living immoralists, the defeated, the demoralized, and so forth. He said, though he didn’t take on their way of life. he kept his bearings in Christ, but he entered their world and tried to experience things from their point of view. He became just about every sort of servant there is in his attempts to lead those he met into a God-saved life. He did all that because of the sake of the gospel. It not that he just talked about it, he was actually in on it.
These principles are: (1) Finding common ground with those you contact; (2) avoiding a know-it-all attitude; (3) making others feel accepted; (4) being sensitive to their needs and concerns; and (5) looking for opportunities to tell them about Christ. These principles have remained valid as all-time techniques in soul winning.
There is no gainsaying the fact that a shared interest or a common denominator remains the best form of attracting others to a discussion. For instance, current happenings in any society, such as politics, natural disasters, great events etc, are common grounds of engagement in discussion, with reference to the peculiarities of the environment.
In engaging others in a conversation, avoid a know-it-all attitude; listen to the parties, and appreciate their line of discussion. Always make them feel appreciated and contributing. Even when they may not have the facts or have informed wrongly, find a smart way to pass on the right information to them. For instance, don’t say outright, “You are wrong,” rather say, “But I thought it is this or that.” or, “I also learnt it is this or that.” In so doing the person feels accepted. An outright, “You are wrong” is snobbish and suggests rejection.
In the course of your discussion, be sensitive to the need and concerns of the other party. For instance, your discussant might be on worries about the state of the economy, leadership style or quality, rising insecurity due to crime in the society or political grandstanding of some politicians that are often not actualized. Show your concerns, and sincerely proffer some solutions. At this point, you are penetrating his conscience, and will easily find your way to introduce Christ to the person, in Whom lies the ultimate solution to any concerns and problems.
The aforementioned principles call for Christians being all things to all people. You must learn how to assume the level of your discussant for effective communication between you people. It is, most times, not effective to assume either an inferior or superior position with the other party. Though, it is not an easy task, but you necessarily will come to the level of your discussant. If you feel inferior, you might be rejected, and if you feel superior you might be scaring the other party.
We limit ourselves to the other person’s conscience because we are to do all things for God’s glory. We do what is best for others, so that they might be saved. We should also be sensitive to the meaning of our actions to new souls who are sorting out how to renounce sinful ways from the past and live for Christ. Our actions must be motivated by God’s love so that all we do will be to His glory. Keep this as a guiding principle by asking, “Is this action glorifying God?” Or “How can I honor God through this action?”
Effective soul winners are hardly offended, and without oversensitive consciences. Believers must not project their standards to others. Many believers who have been Christians for years are still oversensitive and judgmental of others. Instead, be guided by God’s love nature, and showcase it in your relationship with others. We should try our best to be considerate of everyone’s feelings in all we do.
Prayer: Abba Father, endue me with the spirit of servant hood that I may be humble and selfless, adopting Your nature of love in all I do to win souls for Your kingdom, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed. Amen.
PRAISE THE LORD!
