1 Corinthians 9

Paul talks about his rights as an apostle. It is okay for him to take a believing wife and to accept support from others, is it not? Why is he treated or considered different from the other apostles? This is one of the things he continues to fight for in his letters. An analogy he uses is with an ox who is permitted to eat of the fruits if his labor. However, Paul has not made use of this ability. Instead, he has refrained from it and he explains why. First, he tells them that he cannot boast in his preaching because he has been instructed and is required to do so. His goal is to preach it free of charge.

Paul goes on to talk about how he becomes like those he is preaching to. He doesn't do this in the manner that would cause him to disobey God. However, he does this as a means to reach those whom he is preaching to. To the Jew he becomes a Jew and to the ones outside the law he becomes as one outside the law. This is for the sake of the gospel so as to save some.

He then talks about runners who compete or athletes. These people discipline themselves as to prepare themselves for competition. They do it with the goal of winning and in his life he prepares himself to win the prize. He isn't aiming for second place, but he is aiming for first place. This involves discipline similar to an athlete who trains his body.