1 Corinthians 9:19–27

Paul’s Use of His Freedom

19 Though I am freea and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone,b to win as many as possible.c 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews.d To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law),e so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the lawf (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law),g so as to win those not having the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak.h I have become all things to all peoplei so that by all possible means I might save some.j 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?k Runl 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 crownm that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.n 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly;o I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.p 27 No, I strike a blow to my bodyq and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.r