1 Corinthians 9:17-27

17For if I do this voluntarily, I have a reward. But if I do it unwillingly, I am entrusted with a responsibility.

18What then is my reward? That when I preach the gospel I may offer the gospel free of charge, and so not make full use of my rights in the gospel.

19For since I am free from all I can make myself a slave to all, in order to gain even more people.

20To the Jews I became like a Jew to gain the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law) to gain those under the law.

21To those free from the law I became like one free from the law (though I am not free from God’s law but under the law of Christ) to gain those free from the law.

22To the weak I became weak in order to gain the weak. I have become all things to all people, so that by all means I may save some.

23I do all these things because of the gospel, so that I can be a participant in it.

24Do you not know that all the runners in a stadium compete, but only one receives the prize? So run to win.

25Each competitor must exercise self-control in everything. They do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one.

26So I do not run uncertainly or box like one who hits only air.

27Instead I subdue my body and make it my slave, so that after preaching to others I myself will not be disqualified.