1 Corinthians 9:19-27

Contemporary English Version

¹⁹ I am not anyone's slave. But I have become a slave to everyone, so I can win as many people as possible. ²⁰ When I am with the Jews, I live like a Jew to win Jews. They are ruled by the Law of Moses, and I am not. But I live by the Law to win them. ²¹ And when I am with people who are not ruled by the Law, I forget about the Law to win them. Of course, I never really forget about the law of God. In fact, I am ruled by the law of Christ. ²² When I am with people whose faith is weak, I live as they do to win them. I do everything I can to win everyone I possibly can. ²³ I do all this for the good news, because I want to share in its blessings.

A Race and a Fight

^24 (A) You know that many runners enter a race, and only one of them wins the prize. So run to win! ^25 (B) Athletes work hard to win a crown that cannot last, but we do it for a crown that will last forever. ²⁶ I don't run without a goal. And I don't box by beating my fists in the air. ²⁷ I keep my body under control and make it my slave, so I won't lose out after telling the good news to others.