Sunday School Lesson February 15, 2026
Subject: Jesus Displayed
The Point: We can better share Jesus with others when we step into their shoes.
Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 9:16-27
Study The Bible: 1 Corinthians 9:16-18
1). Commissioned and compliant!
- For if I preach the gospel, I have no reason to boast, because I am compelled to preach—and woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!
- For if I do this willingly, I have a reward, but if unwillingly, I am entrusted with a commission.
- What then is my reward? To preach the gospel and offer it free of charge and not make full use of my rights in the gospel.
Lasting truths from: 1 Corinthians 9:16-18
* All believers have been commissioned to share the good news of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
* We are to rejoice in the opportunity to give freely of ourselves in sharing the message of Jesus in our post-Christian world.
* God will honor our faithfulness to the commission He has given to us.
* Obeying the call of the Lord is both a responsibility and a privilege.
2). Identify and adapt!
1 Corinthians 9:19-23
- Although I am free from all and not anyone’s slave, I have made myself a slave to everyone, in order to win more people.
- To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win jews; to those under the law—like one under the law—though I myself am not under the law—to win those under the law.
- To those who are without the law, like one without the law—though I am not without God’s law but under the law of Christ—to win those without the law.
- To the weak I became weak, in order to win the weak. I have become all things to all people, so that I may by every possible means save some.
- Now I do all this because of the gospel, so that I may share in the blessings.
Lasting truths from:
* We too need to be strategically accommodating so that we can win favor with those with whom we are presenting the gospel.
* As believers, we live by a greater set of laws or standards that reflect the expectations of Jesus Christ, our Lord, and not the world.
* Our rights are to be submitted to the convictions of others when they legitimately interfere with their hearing and receiving the gospel.
* Both those who receive the gospel and proclaim the gospel enjoy the blessings of the gospel.
3). Disciplined and diligent.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
- Don’t you know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way to win the prize.
- Now everyone who competes exercises self-control in everything. They do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable crown.
- So, I do not run like one who runs aimlessly or box like one beating the air.
- Instead, I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified.
Lasting truths from: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
* Salvation is a gift of God in Christ but living the Christian life calls for diligence and discipline.
* Live for Jesus in anticipation that He will honor your commitment to Him and efforts on His behalf.
* Live for Jesus to such a way that it confirms the truth of the message you profess.
As you reflect on this session, respond to the following questions:
- What are the cultural challenges that you and your church face in sharing the gospel in your community?
- How are you and your church making adaptations so you can “step into the shoes of others,” to gain a greater hearing of the gospel?
- In what ways do you engage daily in the spiritual disciplines that strengthen you in your service for Christ?
- Why is courage necessary to faithfully follow Christ is our culture? In what ways might obedience mean taking more risks?