1 Corinthians 9:19-27

Paul’s Use of His Freedom

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

Cross References 18

  • 1. ver 1
  • 2. 2 Corinthians 4:5; Galatians 5:13
  • 3. Matthew 18:15; 1 Peter 3:1
  • 4. Acts 16:3; Acts 21:20-26; Romans 11:14
  • 5. S Romans 2:12
  • 6. Romans 2:12,14
  • 7. Galatians 6:2
  • 8. S Romans 14:1; S 1 Corinthians 2:3
  • 9. 1 Corinthians 10:33
  • 10. S Romans 11:14
  • 11. Philippians 3:14; Colossians 2:18
  • 12. ver 25,26; Galatians 2:2; Galatians 5:7; Philippians 2:16; 2 Timothy 4:7; Hebrews 12:1
  • 13. 2 Timothy 2:5
  • 14. 2 Timothy 4:8; James 1:12; 1 Peter 5:4; Revelation 2:10; Revelation 3:11
  • 15. S ver 24
  • 16. 1 Timothy 6:12
  • 17. Romans 8:13
  • 18. ver 24
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