1 Corinthians 9:16-19

New International Version

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

Paul’s Use of His Freedom

¹⁹Though I am free^(F) and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone,^(G) to win as many as possible.^(H)

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1 Corinthians 9:22-27

New International Version

²²To 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) ²³I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

The Need for Self-Discipline

²⁴Do 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. ²⁵Everyone 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) ²⁶Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly;^(H) I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.^(I) ²⁷No, 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)