Today's Verse: 1 Corinthians 9:19

Monday, September 19, 1960

Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.
— 1 Corinthians 9:19
Now you can listen to Today's Verse on iTunes, Spotify, Echo devices, and more!

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Grace frees us from the law of sin and death. However, our freedom is not to be used selfishly - not for rebellion or self-gratification. Instead, we must use our liberty redemptively, just as Jesus did (Philippians 2:5-11). We can voluntarily limit that freedom to help others still caught in bondage to sin and false ideas about God, as the apostle Paul emphasizes in this verse. We can use the freedom of the Spirit to be transformed to be like Christ (2 Corinthians 3:17-18). We can honestly submit ourselves to the needs of those who don't know Jesus to win some of them to the LORD and his grace (1 Corinthians 9:20-23). Let's use our freedom to rejoice, redeem, and bless.

My Prayer...

Thank you, great and mighty Lord, for setting me free by your grace. I know, dear Father, you gave this gift to me at great cost to you - the humiliating torture, death, and burial of your Son, Jesus Christ. But you also raised him triumphantly from death! So use me, dear Father, to bless others who have not yet found their deliverance and freedom in Jesus so the Spirit can raise them triumphantly with Jesus to a fresh new life. I pray this in the name of my Savior, Jesus. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

6 Related Resources by Heartlight

Free, Yet a Slave
Illustration of 1 Corinthians 9:19
Inspirational illustration of 1 Corinthians 9:19 -- Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.
Slave to All
Devo: Praying with Paul
"Dear Father, lover of all peoples, Though I am free from all men, let me become a slave to all, that I may win many, many more people to the cause of..."
It's Not About Me
Article by Skye Noe
Become all things to all men... We must never be willing to sacrifice the things we believe in to gain popularity, but we must find a way to become all things to all men, so that we may by all means save some.
To Win Some
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Disciple, Disciple-makers live to do one thing: they live to make other disciples! I gave the Great Commission to My original disciples, and I....."
See All 6 Related Resources about 1 Corinthians 9:19

Illustration

Illustration of 1 Corinthians 9:19 — Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, September 19, 1960

Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'My Perfect Weakness' (2 Co. 12:1-10)
"Dear Father, Put your hand over my mouth to keep me from boasting about myself. Even if I were to have visions and revelations about you or to be..."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Good Spiritual Health' (3)
"Dear friend, I know that you are spiritually well. I pray that you’re doing well in every other way and that you’re healthy. I was very happy when..."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Spirit-Foretold' (Ac. 28:25)
"And after [the Jewish leaders in Rome] had argued back and forth among themselves, they left with this final word from Paul: "The Holy Spirit was right when he...."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Pedigree or Faith?' (Jn. 8:37-40)
"[Continuing his reply to the Jews, Jesus said,] "Yes, I realize that you are descendants of Abraham. And yet some of you are trying to kill me because..."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

More Today's Verse