1 Corinthians 9:13-27

New International Version

¹³ Don’t you know that those who serve in the temple get their food from the temple, and that those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar?^{(A) 14} In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.^(B)

¹⁵ But I have not used any of these rights.^(C) And I am not writing this in the hope that you will do such things for me, for I would rather die than allow anyone to deprive me of this boast.^{(D) 16} For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach.^(E) Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! ¹⁷ If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward;^(F) if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me.^{(G) 18} What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge,^(H) and so not make full use of my rights^(I) as a preacher of the gospel.

Paul’s Use of His Freedom

¹⁹ Though I am free^(J) and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone,^(K) to win as many as possible.^{(L) 20} To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews.^(M) To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law),^(N) so as to win those under the law. ²¹ To those not having the law I became like one not having the law^(O) (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law),^(P) so as to win those not having the law. ²² To the weak I became weak, to win the weak.^(Q) I have become all things to all people^(R) so that by all possible means I might save some.^{(S) 23} I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

The Need for Self-Discipline

²⁴ Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize?^(T) Run^(U) in such a way as to get the prize. ²⁵ Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown^(V) that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.^{(W) 26} Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly;^(X) I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.^{(Y) 27} No, I strike a blow to my body^(Z) and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.^(AA)