22 (A)To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. (B)I have become all things to all people, that (C)by all means I might save some. 23 I do it all for the sake of the gospel, (D)that I may share with them in its blessings.

24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives (E)the prize? So (F)run that you may obtain it. 25 Every (G)athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we (H)an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I (I)do not box as one (J)beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and (K)keep it under control,[a] lest after preaching to others (L)I myself should be (M)disqualified.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Corinthians 9:27 Greek I pummel my body and make it a slave

22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak.(A) I have become all things to all people(B) so that by all possible means I might save some.(C) 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?(D) Run(E) 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(F) that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.(G) 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly;(H) I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.(I) 27 No, I strike a blow to my body(J) and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.(K)

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