Sermon Overview:

As part of the summer discipleship series, we turned to 1 Corinthians 9:19–27, looking at what it means to go for Jesus with intentionality. Pastor Phil reminded us that discipleship is not just being “grabbed” by Christ and “growing” in Him—it must also include the non-negotiable call to go.

Paul offers a striking example: though free from the expectations of men, he made himself a servant to all in order to win more to Christ. He willingly adapted to Jews, those under the law, those outside the law, and the weak—meeting people where they were, without compromising the gospel. Paul’s heartbeat was singular: “I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.”

The sermon highlighted three defining marks of Paul’s intentional going:

1. Focus on saving people — Paul’s driving passion was not comfort or reputation, but seeing others come to know Jesus.

2. Becoming all things to all people — contextualizing without conforming, engaging with others at their level so the gospel could be clearly seen.

3. Living with discipline and eternal purpose — Paul compared himself to an athlete, running with aim, training with perseverance, and striving not for a perishable crown but for the eternal reward of sharing the gospel.

Pastor Phil challenged us to examine our own lives: Do we structure our priorities around the gospel? Do we seek opportunities to meet people where they are? Are we training spiritually with the same intensity we give to hobbies, work, or fitness? Just as Jesus met Nicodemus in John 3 and the Samaritan woman in John 4 with intentionality, so we are called to live on mission—everywhere, with everyone.

The call was clear: disciples who love Jesus must live like it, with lives transformed and oriented toward winning others to Christ.

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