1 Corinthians 9:15-27

New International Version

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

Paul’s Use of His Freedom

¹⁹ Though I am free^(H) and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone,^(I) to win as many as possible.^{(J) 20} To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews.^(K) To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law),^(L) so as to win those under the law. ²¹ To those not having the law I became like one not having the law^(M) (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law),^(N) so as to win those not having the law. ²² To the weak I became weak, to win the weak.^(O) I have become all things to all people^(P) so that by all possible means I might save some.^{(Q) 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?^(R) Run^(S) 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^(T) that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.^{(U) 26} Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly;^(V) I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.^{(W) 27} No, I strike a blow to my body^(X) and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.^(Y)