1 Corinthians 9:22-27

New International Version

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)