The Message Bible MSG
New International Version NIV
19 Even though I am free of the demands and expectations of everyone, I have voluntarily become a servant to any and all in order to reach a wide range of people:
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 religious, nonreligious,
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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 meticulous moralists, loose-living immoralists,
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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 the defeated, the demoralized - whoever. I didn't take on their way of life. I kept my bearings in Christ - but I entered their world and tried to experience things from their point of view. I've become just about every sort of servant there is in my attempts to lead those I meet into a God-saved life.
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 did all this because of the Message. I didn't just want to talk about it; I wanted to be in on it!
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I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.
24 You've all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win.
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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 All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You're after one that's gold eternally.
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 I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got. No sloppy living for me!
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Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.
27 I'm staying alert and in top condition. I'm not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.
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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.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.