2. Paul Limits His Rights for Ministry................ 9:15-27
1Co 9:15
But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void.1Co 9:16
For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!1Co 9:17
For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.1Co 9:18
What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.1Co 9:19
For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.1Co 9:20
And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;1Co 9:21
To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.1Co 9:22
To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.1Co 9:23
And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.1Co 9:24
Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.1Co 9:25
And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.1Co 9:26
I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:1Co 9:27
But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.