1 Corinthians 9

http://www.esvbible.org/1+Corinthians+9/

Paul makes an example of himself. He says that God gave every man certain rights when He sent Jesus to the cross, but Paul hasn't taken any of them. Paul isn't taking his wife around (and as we earlier learned doesn't have or want one) like the other apostles do or ask for anything from the churches with which he shares the Good News. He says that he doesn't want those rights because it would turn his words into bragging, and he says he can't brag about something that he's obligated to do. He said it would be worse for him if he didn't spread the Good News. If he does so willingly, he receives a reward, and if he does so unwillingly, he is simply doing his duty. His reward, according to Paul, is that he gets to spread the Good News. That's how good it really is that it is a reward in and of itself to spread it free of charge. We all have a place in God's plan, like Paul did. We should complete our part free of charge. It should be reward enough to know that we are playing our part in God's master plan.

Paul says that as he is traveling around, he becomes like those around him in order to win them over. He says he takes on their teachings, even though he is no subject to them because he is only subject to Christ's teachings. Paul compares spiritual journeys to a race. Everyone should run their race like they are trying to win. Those who run literal, worldly races, run their hardest just to receive a temporary prize, but those who run to win in the spiritual race will win an everlasting prize. We should do this even if things look hopeless. Don't ever give up.